Kayaking

Water Safety is a shared responsibility

Please review the following water safety information to ensure each adventure near or on the lake is a safe one.

The calm waters of Astotin Lake are a great place to launch a kayak for the first time. To improve your chances of catching a glimpse of bison, elk, birds or other amazing animals in the park:
Plan your visit around dawn and dusk, times of day that may provide a better chance of sighting wildlife. Many animals shelter in the trees during the warmest parts of the day.

  • Parks Canada strongly recommends that a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) be worn when recreating on any water body
  • Stay close to shore and use pleasure crafts at own risk as beaches and open water are not patrolled
  • Be self-reliant and prepare to self-rescue should any boat, canoe or kayak capsize as help may not be immediately available. This includes wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD)
  • Cellular telephone coverage varies and may not be available in all areas of Elk Island National Park
  • Float your own boat or rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board at the Astotin Lake Recreation area;
  • The boat launch is located at the north end of the Astotin Lake Area;
  • Motorized boats are not permitted on Astotin Lake;

 Contact the Visitor Centre for up-to-date lake condition reports or to learn more about water safety.