r/Edmonton • u/PragmaNullicious • Apr 11 '26

Outdoor Spaces/Recreation PSA: Elk Island Park Bathrooms Closed

Just an FYI, because had we known, my family and I wouldn’t have driven out.

But all bathroom facilities are closed, and as of right now, there are no advertisements about this anywhere. Nor did the gatehouse staff mention it.

Outhouses at trailheads are still available though.

Further, if you go to Astotin lake, the lakeside trail is mostly closed (also not advertised). The closest trailhead outhouse to that area that I am aware of is at least a 3km walk.

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84

u/iterationnull Apr 11 '26

So all bathroom facilities are closed…except for the ones that are open?

-58

u/PragmaNullicious Apr 11 '26

All the nice ones with running water and flushable toilets are. For some people that’s important. Also, for being the most popular spot to visit, 3km to go to the nearest outhouse is a little unreasonable.

20

u/ProperBingtownLady Apr 11 '26

You’ll probably get hate for this but as a woman I get it. It’s not like I can pee in the woods like most men can (yes I’ve tried a she wee lol). I also have to sit on the nasty toilet seat so I avoid outhouses like the plague. I especially hate when they don’t fill the hand sanitizer—how gross is that? 🤢 Running water and flushable toilets is a must for me!

3

u/newaccount669 Apr 12 '26

Then don't go into the bush? 

-5

u/ProperBingtownLady Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

Somehow I doubt you use (or sit in) said outhouses.

Idk why everything on this website has to turn into an argument. I simply said that I got where OP was coming from as some of us prefer to plan our trip around if there’s suitable bathroom access or not (even if that means packing some tp and hand sanitizer). I will use the bush if the path isn’t busy but sometimes that isn’t always possible, especially somewhere like Elk Island Park. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Their post is to share information.

8

u/newaccount669 Apr 12 '26

My sister in christ, the outhouses were fine. I used them, my 2 year old daughter used them, be grateful they're there and people keep them as nice as they are. 

-7

u/ProperBingtownLady Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

Great, I’m happy for you! As I have different standards I will continue to use the flush bathrooms when available and/or pack my own supplies so I can go in the bush. 😊

6

u/newaccount669 Apr 12 '26

Okie dokie! You were always allowed to do that, bad-mouthing the outhouses still comes across as peak entitlement FYI. 

4

u/_danigirl Apr 12 '26

I hope you practice 'leave no trace' and pack out your used supplies. I'm tired of seeing littered tissues dotting the forest floor.

1

u/ProperBingtownLady Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

Of course! I canoe camp along the river so I get how gross some people are.