You can stargaze during a guided snowshoe tour around Astonin Lake

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Elk Island National Park after dark — look no further.

You can now experience a snowshoe tour in one of Alberta’s national parks, complete with a Parks Canada guide accompany you.

Not only do you get to enjoy the nature, but you also get to gaze up at the beautiful stars and skies away from city lights.

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For just under $30 per person with a valid park pass, you can embark on a snowshoe adventure, experiencing Elk Island National Park, and Astonin Lake like never before.

The experience starts with short guided hike on snowshoes around the shore of Astotin Lake, before grabbing refreshments.

Around the fire you can gaze up at the stars in the night sky with a park interpreter teaching you about the constellations above, before a short hike back to the Astotin Lake Recreation Area.

The snowshoe and stargazing tour runs on Saturdays until February 15.

Elk Island National Park is about a 34-minute drive from Edmonton, and the park itself is open and accessible to visitors 24 hours a day year round.

What to bring:

• Headlamp or flashlight with a red light or red filter
• Snow/ski pants
• Appropriate winter clothing; be prepared for two hours outside in cool evening conditions.

According to Parks Canada programs may be rescheduled or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.

For information on how to register, visit the Parks Canada website.

Snowshoe and Stargazing

When: Saturdays until February 15, 2020
Where: Elk Island National Park
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Cost: $29.80 per person with a valid park pass