Elm Creek Park Reserve

Activity Overview

The Elm Creek Park Reserve is a large green area in which a range of activities are possible year round. Here you can swim, mountain bike, hike, go horseback riding or throw a Frisbee around in the summer while in the winter it is possible to cross-country and downhill ski, sled, tube, snowboard and snowmobile. It is also a really treat for nature lovers with a whole host of animals to be seen.

Things to Do

• During your visit to the Reserve stop into the Eastman Nature Center. This Center runs educational programs, summer camps and birthday parties for children. It also houses exhibits on nature in the surrounding area, reading and observation areas and an open air deck.
• During the winter months Elm Creek opens its Winter Recreation Area. This area features skiing, tubing and snowboarding hills as well as over 18 miles of cross country skiing routes.
• The nearby Chalet is a nice place to go afterwards to relax with a hot drink. Passes to the Area and the Cross Country Skiing routes can be bought online.
• If you would like to stay a few nights in the tranquil surroundings of the Elm Creek Park Reserve you can rent one of their two camper cabins. These cabins are located in a relatively private part of the park. One cabin sleeps five, the other six, both have a picnic table and a fire ring although the fact that neither have flush toilets or shower facilities may deter some people, especially those with younger children.

Elm Creek Park Reserve Insider Tips

• If you are planning a long trail walk then check out the Medicine Lake Regional Trail and the Rush Creek Regional Trail both of which connect into Elm Creek Park.
• The Elm Creek Chalet can be rented out for special events such as weddings and graduation celebrations. Full details of the services they provide and the costs involved can be found here.
• Volunteers are an important part of the Reserve's workforce. If your teenager has an interest in nature and would like to get an idea of the work that is involved on a typical reserve then this could be the perfect opportunity for them. Details can be found online.
• Parking costs $5. To swim in their swimming area on a once off basis costs $3 or you can opt for a season pass which costs $5.
• If you have a dog you can pick up free plastic poop bags at the entrance.