Discovery kits

Explore Elk Island further with a free discovery kit from the Astotin Theatre: Kits are free to borrow for the day. Visitors of all ages can enjoy discovering more of Elk Island with these kits, which are available in English and French. 

Available Year-round:

• Geocaching Kit
• Dark Sky Kit

Available in Summer:

• Nature Kit
• Pond-dipping Kit

Available in Winter:

• Winter Kit

Available Year-round:

Geocaching Kit: Come borrow a Geocaching Kit and feel like a modern-day treasure hunter and search for hidden messages in the Astotin Lake Area! Kit includes: GPS device and instruction manual.

Dark Sky Kit: Experience the night sky in all its majesty! This kit is perfect for overnight campers. Make the most of the spectacular view here in the heart of the Beaver Hills Dark-Sky Preserve. Kit includes: binoculars, star finder, moon gazer, night sky book, headlamps, and instructions.

Available in Summer:

Nature Kit: Take hiking to the next level with binoculars and nature ID books. Explore Elk Island with a small backpack containing: binoculars, Birds of Alberta book, scat ID book, Animal Tracks of Alberta book, and bison safety tips.

Pond-Dipping Kit: It can be hard to tell the difference between a water strider and a water tiger, or between a backswimmer and a water boatman. Discover some of the smallest creatures in the park up close and observe their unique behaviours! Kit includes: net, tray, magnifying container, identification guide, and One Small Square book.  

Available in Winter:

Winter Kit: Discover Elk Island’s winter wonderland! Borrow this kit for fun winter games, instructions on how to build a quinzee snow shelter, a guide to winter wildlife, and more. Kit includes: introduction booklet, winter bird guide, Field Guide to Animals in Snow book, binoculars, shovel, and a hiking checklist.

Learning Experiences

• School Programs: The living Classroom
• Park Programs
• Astotin Theatre
• Discovery Kits