For the first time in almost four years, Bisonfest is returning to Elk Island National Park (EINP).
On Saturday (June 3), the park will be hosting a celebration for a century of bison conservation at the park.
There are a few new attractions coming for Bisonfest that were not around before the pandemic.
"We have a new paddle rental operation, and they'll be having voyager canoe rides," said Sherri Fownes, Visitor Experience Product Development Officer with EINP.
Other activities happening for Bisonfest include:
- Bison Backstage Tours at the Barn by the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
- Interpretive programs, booths, and food vendors at Astotin Lake Recreation Area
- Films from 12 to 3 p.m. and a Bison Transfer Presentation from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Astotin Theatre
Fownes added that much of the turnout for the event is at the mercy of the weather.
"We expect to have a few thousand people out on Saturday, and hopefully we can maintain a good number of people in the park, and the weather will be great."
Bison conservation has its roots at EINP. In the late 19th century, when only 300 wood bison remained worldwide, the park sought to work towards conserving America's largest land mammal.
"Having that few bison left would have led to their extinction," said Fownes.
Now EINP is famous for its export of hoofed mammals, delivering to other conservation areas in North America, and even Russia.
Bisonfest takes place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is free for those with a valid park pass. For those without a park pass, they'll have to pay the regular admission costs.