Parkbus – Free Bus Transportation to Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park is excited to work with Parkbus bring back a free shuttle service from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park this summer.

The Parkbus TD Elk Island Express will operate on select Saturdays.

Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission to all Parks Canada sites is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026. No pass or ticket required. Just show up.

Upon arrival to Elk Island National Park, the TD Elk Island Express will stop at the Elk Island National Park Visitor Information Centre, where the Parks Canada team will meet the passengers and offer a one-hour behind-the-scenes tour on select dates.

Guests can also learn about the history of the park, and browse local Indigenous artisan crafts and official Parks Canada merchandise.

Following this stop, TD Elk Island Express guests can watch for wildlife as they are transported 20 minutes north to the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, where they will spend the rest of the time of the visit.

Guests can enjoy a range of self-directed activities in this area: join an interpretive program, enjoy a picnic on the beach, play on the playground or watch birds and other wildlife from the Living Waters Boardwalk.

In addition to reserving their seat in advance, guests are reminded to prepare for their visit by planning activities, reviewing park regulations and safety tips, checking weather forecasts and bringing gear needed for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Services in Elk Island National Park are limited. Visitors should come prepared to be self-reliant with food, water, and equipment suitable for the weather conditions and activities they plan to enjoy.

For more information on Elk Island National Park, please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland

Who is it for?
all-ages

Tickets :

BUS: FREE Registration is required – visit the Parkbus website to register.

Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission to all Parks Canada sites is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026. No pass or ticket required. Just show up.

Trip dates will become available for registration two weeks in advance.

Admission to Elk Island National Park applies after September 7.

How to get tickets?
Buy Online

Date & Time:

Saturdays, June 27, July 4, 9, 11, 18, 23, 25, August 1, 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 29, September 19, 26, 2026

Behind the scenes special Backstage Bison tour: June 27, July 9, 18, 25, August 6, 15, 22 and September 19
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Estimated Arrival at Astotin Lake Area — 09:45 AM

Estimated Departure from Astotin Lake Area — 04:30 PM

Pickup/Dropoff in Edmonton

Edmonton to Elk Island National Park
8:30 AM at MEC Edmonton Downtown (11904 104 Ave NW)
8:45 AM at Royal Alberta Museum (9810 103a Ave NW)

Returns to Edmonton
Estimated Return: 5:30 PM to 5:45 PM

One way travel time is approximately 1 hour

 

Venue: Elk Island National Park, 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0V3

Free Parking
Public transport not accessible