Beach
Elk Island National Park
Parks Canada is advising visitors that blue-green algae is currently present in the waters of Astotin Lake. You are advised to avoid contact with the water in the lake or near the shores of this lake at this time.Blue-green Algae Advisory
Please review the following water safety information to ensure each adventure near or on the lake is a safe one.Water Safety is a shared responsibility.
Astotin Lake offers a peaceful lakeside setting for your next picnic or family outing. The Astotin Lake area of Elk Island National Park has picnic shelters and tables, fire pits, drinking water and washrooms to make your picnic enjoyable and comfortable. Take time to visit the Astotin Lake campground, golf course, interpretive theatre, and hiking trails. Don’t forget to stay for a breathtaking sunset to complete your day.
- Parks Canada strongly recommends that a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) be worn when recreating on any water body
- Stay close to shore and use pleasure crafts at own risk as beaches and open water are not patrolled
- Be self-reliant and prepare to self-rescue should any boat, canoe or kayak capsize as help may not be immediately available. This includes wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD)
- Cellular telephone coverage varies and may not be available in all areas of Elk Island National Park
- Float your own boat or rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board at the Astotin Lake Recreation area (Elk Island Paddle Rentals 1-403-827-3254)
- The boat launch is located at the north end of the Astotin Lake Area
- Motorized boats are not permitted on Astotin Lake
- Be aware that “swimmer’s itch” may be found at Astotin Lake. It appears as a skin rash caused by parasites. To prevent swimmers itch, limit time in the water and rinse thoroughly with fresh water after swimming in the lake. A fresh water shower is located close to the main beach in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area of Elk Island National Park.
Like many lakes in Alberta, Astotin Lake experiences periodic blooms of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are naturally occurring organisms found in shallow, muddy-bottomed lakes. Some forms of blue-green algae can be toxic if ingested. Watch for important bulletins and signs posted around the main beach in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area.
Blue-green algae produces a toxin (poison) that can cause serious illness to animals or humans who drink or have skin contact with water containing this toxin.
Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in water containing visible blooms.
The Astotin Lake area is speckled with picnic shelters that offer breathtaking scenery of the lake and its many islands. Picnic locations and tips.
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