History – Elk Island National Park

Elk Island’s story begins with early conservation efforts to save plains bison and other native ungulates from local extinction. Park authorities established protected enclosures to breed and reintroduce bison across Canada. Over decades the park grew into a managed reserve praised for species recovery work. Its wetlands and parkland habitat served as an urban-proximate refuge for migratory birds. The park later added interpretive programming and research partnerships with universities to monitor bison health and wetland ecology. Local Indigenous groups historically used the region for seasonal harvesting and travel. Modern management works with Indigenous partners on stewardship and cultural programs. Elk Island helped seed bison reintroductions to other Canadian sites and maintains captive breeding and conservation protocols. The park’s history combines species recovery with education and urban outreach.