Elk Island National Park is located just east of Edmonton, Alberta and is the only fully-enclosed national park in Canada. It was initially established as a wildlife refuge to protect one of the last big elk herds in the region. Despite its name, Elk Island is actually famous for its bison and plays a key role in their conservation. It is the only national park that maintains both plains and wood bison. As such, it is one of the best places in the world to see bison.