Bison, birds and more in Beaver Hills
Lots of wildlife to view at UNESCO-designated biosphere in Alberta
Bison roam in the heart of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, which became a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in 2016. Bison, a species of great practical and spiritual significance to Indigenous people, almost faded from existence in the late 19th century. They were brought back from the brink in this very place.
The Beaver Hills Biosphere encompasses 1,572 square kilometres of wetlands, small lakes and streams near Edmonton. There are several federal and provincial protected areas within the Beaver Hills and a magnificent dark sky preserve. Here are a few of the highlights of this unique Canadian nature hot spot.
á Elk Island National Park: About an hour’s drive west of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is an important refuge for plains and wood bison, elk, deer and more than 250 bird species. Canada’s only fully fenced national park is home to the densest population of hoofed mammals in Canada. It’s also one of the few places where you can still see bison roaming free. Most of today’s surviving plains bison are descended from the original herd at Elk Island National Park — a fact celebrated with an annual summer bison festival. This national park is also a wonderful place for birding. Notable species include trumpeter swan, red-necked grebe, double-crested cormorant, red-tailed hawk, American bittern, American white pelican and great blue heron. Look for them as you hike along more than 80 kilometres of trails.
á Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary: When it was established in 1911, the Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary was Alberta’s first provincial bird sanctuary. The 7,349-hectare site contains a variety of informal trails plus one marked trail that is a great place for a nature walk. Look for white pelicans, blue herons, bald eagles, horned grebe, ducks, and a wide variety of waterfowl and songbirds. You might also see moose, deer, small mammals, coyotes and wolves.
á Blackfoot Provincial Recreational Area: This 97-square-kilometre recreation area contains a wide variety of terrain that supports an equally wide variety of recreational pursuits. There are more than 170 kilometres of trails that can be used in all seasons. This recreation area is the site of the annual Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival, the largest classic-style cross-country ski festival in Canada. It’s also a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and dogsledding. In summer, look for nesting pairs of trumpeter swans and other waterfowl. You might also see coyote, deer, elk, fox, moose and lynx.
á Miquelon Lake Provincial Park: Explore this park on one of the many mountain biking trails or enjoy the paved shoreline path that is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles and rollerblades. At the Miquelon Adventure Centre, you can rent a family discovery pack for a small fee and learn about the plants and animals in the park. Miquelon Lake plays host to some of the events at the annual Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve Star Party.
á Golden Ranches Conservation Site: Located on the east shore of Cooking Lake, the 540hectare Golden Ranches Conservation Site provides a home for many bird species and serves as a staging area for migratory birds. Look for birds as you walk along the eight kilometres of shoreline. The upland habitat is a mixture of aspen forest and open grassland that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including whitetailed and mule deer, moose, grouse, porcupine and a variety of small mammals and songbirds.
á Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve: The Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve encompasses 300 square kilometres inside the biosphere. It’s a place where the night sky pops thanks to the lack of artificial light. It’s a stargazing hot spot and an annual star party takes place every September.