Attractions to Discover
New UNESCO Biosphere in Strathcona County ' s Backyard
On March 19 , 2016 , United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) Designated the Beaver Hills Moraine a Biosphere .
Only 20 minutes east of Sherwood Park , Alberta , the Beaver Hills Biosphere is a distinct landscape covering 1572 km2 of hummocky moraine . The rolling hills of the moraine support a patchwork of valuable wetlands , small lakes and forested uplands .
The Beaver Hills supports both boreal forest species and parkland species including up to 48 mammals , 8 amphibians and reptiles , and with over 140 species of birds , it ' s a birdwatcher ' s paradise !
Come out for some walking , hiking , snowshoeing , paddling , cross-country skiing , golfing , camping , birding , cycling and wildlife photography .
To learn more about the UNESCO Biosphere and where to enjoy it , please visit :
www . beaverhills . ca / enjoy Website : www . beaverhills . ca Facebook : www . facebook . com / BHIBiosphere Twitter : @ BHIBiosphere
– Denotes Destinations in the Biosphere
Elk Island National Park
Established in 1906 as Canada ’ s first wildlife sanctuary , then in 1913 as a national park , Elk Island is home to hundreds of free roaming bison , elk , moose and deer . With over 250 species of birds , the park is a bird watchers paradise . Canoe around the islands of Astotin Lake and witness the majestic sunrises and sunsets . Enjoy over 80 kms of hiking and cross-country ski trails , take in a round of golf at the 9-hole course , camp overnight or try something different and stay in a Teepee , watch an interpretive program , count the stars on a clear night or have a picnic and relax around a cozy camp fire .
This 194 square km ( 75 square mile ) national park is just 20 minutes east of Sherwood Park on Highway 16 East ( Yellowhead ).
For camping reservations , call 1-877-737-3783 www . pc . gc . ca / elkisland
Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation , Wildlife and Grazing Area is located 23 km east of Sherwood Park , immediately south of Elk Island National Park . This 97-square
4 Sherwood Park / Strathcona County