Episode 5: Elk Island National Park – Bison Encounters and Peaceful Trails
Visited in June 2022
A Quiet Sanctuary Just Outside the City
In the final episode of our Alberta travel series, we visit Elk Island National Park — a peaceful nature sanctuary located just 35 minutes outside Edmonton. Known for its vital role in bison conservation, Elk Island offers relaxing trails, open landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
This journey is shared through American Sign Language (ASL) with Closed Captions (CC) for full accessibility — welcoming Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing audiences alike.
Road to Elk Island National Park
The drive to Elk Island was short but scenic, quickly transporting us from city life into the peaceful, wild heart of Alberta’s prairies and forests.
As soon as we entered the park, the feeling changed — the air was calmer, the landscape opened wide, and there was a deep sense of being surrounded by nature.
It felt like we had stepped into a quieter world, where time slowed down and everything moved more peacefully.
Up-Close Bison Encounters
One of the biggest highlights of Elk Island is seeing bison roaming freely in their protected natural habitat.
And for us, this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Almost immediately after entering the park, we spotted majestic bison grazing near the roadside and wandering through the open fields — powerful, calm, and completely at home.
Ryan and Mujde were filled with excitement and amazement — watching these incredible animals up close, yet respectfully from a safe distance, was a powerful experience.
Seeing the bison move slowly through the fields, hearing only the soft crunch of grass and the breeze, made it feel like stepping back into a wilder time in history.
It was one of those rare travel moments where nature reminds you just how alive and beautiful the world truly is.
Travel Tip:
Always keep a zoom lens or good camera ready for wildlife moments.
Maintain a safe distance from bison — they are wild and unpredictable, even when they seem calm.
Alberta’s Hidden Gem – Peaceful Trails and Nature Walks
After our unforgettable bison encounters, we spent time exploring Elk Island’s peaceful trails and walking loops.
The paths were easy, well-marked, and perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quiet connection with nature.
Wide open skies, gentle lakes, and tranquil forests surrounded us at every turn.
It was a place where you could breathe deeply, walk slowly, and tell your story visually through ASL without rushing.
Picnic areas throughout the park also offered relaxing spots to rest, share a meal, and soak in the calm surroundings.
Bison Conservation – Protecting a Legacy
Elk Island plays a crucial role in bison conservation, helping to bring North America’s largest land mammal back from the edge of extinction.
Educational signs throughout the park shared powerful stories about the history of bison and the efforts to protect them.
Reading about the park’s conservation work while seeing the living proof — bison moving freely across the land — was deeply inspiring.
It reminded us how important it is to protect nature not just for today, but for future generations.
Watch Our Elk Island Adventure in ASL
This peaceful, nature-filled adventure — filled with bison encounters, wide open skies, and quiet walks — was filmed entirely in American Sign Language (ASL) with Closed Captions (CC), creating a fully inclusive visual experience.
