Drive 35 minutes east of Edmonton to Elk Island National Park, a fenced refuge of aspen parkland where both plains bison and the larger wood bison roam. Plains bison live north of Highway 16 and wood bison to the south, and the Bison Loop Road is the classic place to find a herd. The rut runs through July and August, and the park's herds have helped restock bison across North America.
Up to 94% sighting chance in Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Canada. Best months: July, August, June.
On the Bison Loop Road and along the main parkway north of Highway 16 for plains bison. Wood bison live south of the highway, around the Wood Bison Trail.
At dawn and dusk, all year. In July and August the bulls join the herds for the rut.
Wood bison are larger and darker, with a taller, squarer hump. Plains bison are smaller, with a rounder hump and a thick cape of fur.
Yes. The park is about 35 minutes by car from Edmonton.
