Get out and
discover these
great Alberta
attractions,
events and
activities
Hangin’ around
at WildPlay
Wood Buffalo
Element Park
wildplay.com/wood-buffalo
60
Summer 2017
AMA InSIder
lazydayraftrentals.com
Animal Attraction
Despite its name, Elk Island
National Park’s claim to fame
is its renowned bison con-
servation program (though
elk are also found in the
park). Sizeable herds roam
the 194-square-kilometre
area; over the years, their
numbers have contributed
to reintroduction initiatives
everywhere from Montana
to Alaska to Sakha, Russia.
Elk Island visitors can now
get a behind-the-scenes look
at the park’s conservation
efforts during a Bison Back-
stage Tour. Offered on week-
end afternoons starting in
July, the guided, hour-long
Getting to know bison at Elk Island National Park
Campphoto/istoCk;
Where the Water
Takes You
Reaching New Heights
On a hot summer day, the
craving to cool off is strong.
Adventure is the watchword
Luckily, you can spend some
at WildPlay Wood Buffalo
time floating down Calgary’s
Element Park, an outdoor
Bow and Elbow rivers. Local
obstacle course east of Fort
outfitter Lazy Day Raft
McMurray. But this isn’t just
Rentals offers rafts for four
any arrangement of ladders
to 10 people—plus paddles,
to climb and tires to step
life jackets and shuttle ser-
through: Here, visitors age
vice. Choose to meander
seven and up can safely push
along the Elbow—a slower,
their physical and mental
shorter trip perfect for fami-
boundaries climbing, jump-
lies with young kids—
ing swinging and
or the Bow, which
zip-lining through
is larger, faster
the treetops.
and colder,
Obstacles
with multiple
hover between
entrance and
two and 12
exit points
metres off the
to pick from.
ground, and
The company
become higher
even offers picnic
and more chal-
lunches, which you
lenging as you go.
A “lazy” family
can
stop and savour
Book in advance to
outing
at one of the many
ensure the best chance
parks along the way.
to test your limits.
OUTDOORS