Just 40 minutes east of downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park displays a beautiful piece of Central Alberta's natural Aspen Parkland. Biking the Moss Lake Trail is a great way to get a glimpse of this wonderful ecosystem.
The Moss Lake Trail is a 13km loop over moderately hilly terrain that can be completed in about 1.5-2 hours by mountain bike. The trail itself consists mostly of short, low cut grass, which is quite a different experience from riding on a dirt path and is a bit more of a workout. This trail is especially rewarding in autumn, when the Aspen Parkland shows off an array of spectacular colours.
Wildlife encounters can often include moose, elk, bison, and an array of waterfowl. Remember to take heed of the park's wildlife safety warnings, especially concerning bison, as you will almost definitely encounter these huge animals on the trails or roads.
Getting there: Just 40 minutes east of Edmonton, Alberta down Highway 16. The main park entrance is on the north side of the highway and the Moss Lake trailhead is about just over 10km north on the Elk Island Parkway.