All aboard for a prairie safari!
Credit: Parks Canada
Parkbus and Parks Canada are bringing back the free shuttle to Elk Island National Park from Edmonton starting June 27th.
First introduced in 2019 in partnership with TD Bank, the TD Elk Island Express will take visitors to the national park, located approximately 50 km from downtown Edmonton, during the summer.
The free shuttle will pick up participants from MEC Edmonton Downtown and the Royal Alberta Museum at 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., respectively. The trip will take about an hour.
On selected days, guests on the bus will receive a guided tour of the Elk Island National Park Visitor Information Centre, where they can learn about the park’s history, speak with Parks Canada staff, and browse local Indigenous artisan crafts and official Parks Canada merchandise.
After this behind-the-scenes tour, the bus will take participants to Astotin Lake Recreation Area, located 20 minutes north.
Once here, they can explore the park on their own, enjoy a picnic on the beach, explore numerous trails, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or join an interpretive program.
The bus will depart from the park at 4:30 p.m.
This summer, Parks Canada is making it easier to visit without a car or an admission fee. Through the Canada Strong Pass, all Parks Canada sites are free from June 19 to September 7, 2026, with no ticket or pass needed.
New for 2026, trip dates are open for registration two weeks in advance, giving more people a fair chance to book.
A school bus is used as the shuttle. Hence, visitors can not bring bikes. There is minimal space for folding strollers.
What: Free shuttle to Elk Island National Park from Edmonton.
When:
Saturdays, June 27 to August 29, and September 19, 26, 2026
Behind the scenes special Backstage Bison tour: June 27, July 9, 18, 25, August 6, 15, 22 and September 19, 2026
Pickup:
8:30 AM at MEC Edmonton Downtown, 11904 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
8:45 AM at Royal Alberta Museum, 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton
Park Departure at 4:30 PM
How much: free.
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