Elk island is a popular spot for northern lights aurora borealis viewing as well.
Elk island national park northern lights.
Elk island national park often overlooked for its more picturesque and popular neighbor jasper national park detailed below elk island is one of two dark sky preserves in alberta.
In addition to bison and elk elk island is home to dozens of waterfowl species song birds hawks beaver deer moose fox and the occasional black bear just to name a few.
So all 7 of us even the 7 month old baby bundled up and hopped in the van and headed out to elk island national park.
By reducing artificial light the preserve increases the visibility of the night sky.
As part of the beaver hills dark sky preserve and the beaver hills biosphere reserve elk island national park is an exquisite spot to view the wonders of the night sky.
It s about a 45 minute drive east of the city and far enough out that you can see the stars.
Keep in mind that they don t happen every night it s considered a pretty special thing to see them.
And dress warmly because it will be cold.
Lie down on a blanket and experience seasonal meteor showers the northern lights or simply count the stars with the kids who will be thrilled at being up past their bedtime.
This was my first time photographing the northern lights so i was pretty eager to try it out.
Elk island is much closer to edmonton than jasper making it a great second stop on a northern lights road trip through the province.
Bison elk moose white tailed deer and mule deer.
This 300 sq km 116 sq mi dark sky preserve just east of edmonton encompasses elk island national park and neighbouring cooking lake blackfoot provincial recreation area.
I used a canon 70d with a sigma f 1 8 18 35 lens.
Elk island national park.
Elk island is basically jurassic park except the creatures outside your vehicle are slightly more cuddly.
It features such scenic areas as elk island national park and cooking lake blackfoot provincial recreation area both of which offer a good backdrop for aurora pictures.
No app can tell you when there s a bison traffic jam ahead but.
If you wanted to be closer to edmonton you could always rent a car and drive out to elk island national park.
The preserve is holding the annual star party in september attracting aurora chasers and astronomy enthusiasts.