Major city · Canada
Elk PointElk Point, Alberta
Give Elk Point one night, or two if you camp: the fur-trade forts 13 km (8.1 mi) east are the reason to come, and you need a car for everything.Give Elk Point one night, or two if you camp: the fur-trade forts 8.1 mi (13 km) east are the reason to come, and you need a car for everything.
Elk Point is a small town on the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta's Lakeland, 2.5 hours northeast of Edmonton at the junction of Highways 41 and 646. Two 1792 fur-trade posts sit 13 km southeast, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park 26 km east. There are no scheduled flights and no useful bus service: this is a driving stop, best between late May and mid-September.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, snow)
- Airports
- YEG · N/A
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Elk Point911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Elk Point, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyLow-crime small town; the real risks are driving distances, winter roads and wildlife on Highway 646 at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Health Link Alberta (24 h nurse line)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYEG Edmonton International (About 2.5–3 h by car via Highways 16 and 41; the nearest airport with scheduled flights.).
- Getting aroundA private car is a necessity.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee2026 estimateC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a liquor store2026 estimateC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimateC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedCampsite (tent or RV), a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YEG Edmonton International (About 2.5–3 h by car via Highways 16 and 41; the nearest airport with scheduled flights.) · N/A Elk Point Airport (8 km (5 mi) east on Highway 646; no scheduled flights, charters and private aircraft only.)YEG Edmonton International (About 2.5–3 h by car via Highways 16 and 41; the nearest airport with scheduled flights.) · N/A Elk Point Airport (5 mi (8 km) east on Highway 646; no scheduled flights, charters and private aircraft only.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
Feb
Avoid
−7°C (20°F)20°F (−7°C)
Mar
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
not flagged
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−9°C (15°F)15°F (−9°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Elk Point: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C)
10 rd
Feb
−7°C (20°F)20°F (−7°C)
−19°C (−3°F)−3°F (−19°C)
8 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Apr
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (49°F)49°F (10°C)
13 rd
Aug
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Nov
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
9 rd
Dec
−9°C (15°F)15°F (−9°C)
−21°C (−5°F)−5°F (−21°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A private car is a necessity. There is no local transit and no regional bus service to plan around; the town is small enough to walk once parked, but the forts, the park and the campgrounds are all a drive away. Fuel up in town before heading east on Highway 646.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fort George and Buckingham House
goDoor to door: About 20 min each way
Drive Highway 646 southeast, 13 km (8.1 mi)Drive Highway 646 southeast, 8.1 mi (13 km)
Two 1792 fur-trade posts with a guided walk through the aspen forest; the main reason to stop here.
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Drive Highway 646 east, 26 km (16 mi)Drive Highway 646 east, 16 mi (26 km)
Sand beach, campground and over 30 km (19 mi) of linked trails; more than 145 bird species recorded.Sand beach, campground and over 19 mi (30 km) of linked trails; more than 145 bird species recorded.
Frog Lake National Historic Site
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive east of Highway 897
Self-guided trail only, no visitor centre; open sunrise to 23:00, free.Self-guided trail only, no visitor centre; open sunrise to 11:00 PM, free.
St. Paul
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Drive Highway 29 west
Larger town for groceries, fuel and a wider choice of food.
Cold Lake
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min each way
Drive Highway 28 east via Bonnyville
Big lake, marina and more beds if Elk Point is full.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre motels (48 St)
Elk Point Motel & RV Park and Hilltop Motor Inn, both a short walk from the main street; the most convenient year-round beds.
River Park Campground
4 km (2.5 mi) south on Highway 41; 10 sites, day-use area and playground, on the North Saskatchewan River.2.5 mi (4 km) south on Highway 41; 10 sites, day-use area and playground, on the North Saskatchewan River.
Recreation Park and Whitney Lakes
Powered sites 3 km (1.9 mi) west beside the golf course; Whitney Lakes Provincial Park has a campground and sand beach 26 km (16 mi) east.Powered sites 1.9 mi (3 km) west beside the golf course; Whitney Lakes Provincial Park has a campground and sand beach 16 mi (26 km) east.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Car hire, per day, compact1 × C$90 · 2026 estimate | C$90 |
| Fuel, 200 km of driving1 × C$30 · 2026 estimate | C$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 · 2026 estimate | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$61 |
| Trip total≈ C$336 per person per day, bed included | C$671≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee2026 estimate | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Burger or diner plate2026 estimate | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a liquor store2026 estimate | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Campsite, unserviced, per night2026 estimate | C$25–40 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Fuel, per litre2026 estimate | C$1.40–1.70 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long and services thin: the next full-service towns are St. Paul and Bonnyville, so carry water and fuel.
- Winter runs to −20 °C (−4 °F) and below with snow from November; check road conditions before driving.Winter runs to −4 °F (−20 °C) and below with snow from November; check road conditions before driving.
- Mosquitoes near the lakes and river in summer.
- Cell coverage on the back roads around Whitney Lakes and Frog Lake is patchy; download offline maps.
- Frog Lake National Historic Site is self-guided with no visitor centre and no staff on site.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Health Link Alberta (24 h nurse line)
- 811
Pocket card
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Elk PointElk Point, Alberta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health Link Alberta (24 h)811
Embassy
No consulates in Elk Point; the US consulate general is in Calgary and most embassies are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Edmonton (YEG) → Elk Point by car: about 2.5–3 h, roughly 240 km (149 mi)about 2.5–3 h, roughly 149 mi (240 km)
- Elk Point → Fort George and Buckingham House: 13 km (8.1 mi), about 20 min by car8.1 mi (13 km), about 20 min by car
- Elk Point → Whitney Lakes Provincial Park: 26 km (16 mi), about 30 min by car16 mi (26 km), about 30 min by car
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Where is the campground? — Where is the campground?
- Is there fuel nearby? — Is there fuel nearby?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is it? — How far is it?
- I need help — I need help
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Elk Point. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, snow) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YEG: last sensible departure time, car-hire fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster in town with rescue anchors: Mural Park, Peter Fidler statue, RCMP monument, visitor centre.
- Place pages with verified hours for Fort George and Buckingham House, Whitney Lakes and Frog Lake.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.