Astotin Theatre

Elk Island National Park

Step into the Astotin Theatre — a space where natural history and storytelling come together.

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times

This space is open to the public in the spring and summer. The building is also available for private bookings by schools or private groups outside of public hours of operation.
The Astotin Theatre is open to the public on weekends from the May long weekend to the end of June and daily in July and August. Check the hours of operation.
Private bookings are available outside of the public hours of operation. Bookings are made by the hour.

Your visit will include a 15-minute introduction to Elk Island National Park, followed by self-guided time where your group can take part in your own activities, play dress up with a selection of costumes and puppets, choose from a selection of children’s books for story time, use the projector for a presentation, or access a selection of films that bring the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and stories to life.

Duration

The Astotin Theatre is a self-guided space. Depending on which activities you participate in, a visit is typically 15 minutes to an hour or longer.
Private bookings are 1-hour, including a 15-minute introduction and 45 minutes of self-guided time.

Location

Astotin Lake Recreation Area

The Astotin Theatre is located 230 metres from the main parking lot (P2) in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area along a paved path with an average grade of 2.8% and a maximum grade of 6.3%.

Group sizes

Public hours of operation are available for anyone to drop in.
Private bookings can accommodate up to 90 people per group.

Languages

English
French

Age requirements

The Astotin Theatre is suitable for all age ranges.
Schools: Supervisor to student ratios:

A minimum of 1 supervisor for every 10 elementary students is required.
A minimum of 1 supervisor for every 15 secondary students is required.

Reservations and payment

Admission to the Astotin Theatre is free during public hours of operation.

Private booking fees

Program fees at Elk Island National Park

How to book

You must reserve private bookings at least 2 weeks in advance.

Email interp.elkisland@pc.gc.ca

Visiting during public hours of operation does not require a reservation.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation is required a minimum of 24 hours in advance for private bookings.

Facilities and services

Washrooms

Two washrooms are located within the Astotin Theatre.

A washroom labelled ‘Women’ has three stalls with partitions and doors that do not extend all the way to the floor and ceiling. Each stall has a toilet, a toilet paper holder, and a feminine hygiene disposal bin. One stall is wheelchair accessible and has a child change table. A common area has two sinks with soap dispensers, two electric hand dryers, a garbage bin, and a sharps container.

The washroom exterior is labelled "Women"; however, this washroom may be used by anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression.
Directly inside the entrance to the washroom labelled ‘Women’ is a narrow section that is 30.75 inches (781 mm) wide.

A washroom labelled ‘Men’ has one stall with a partition and door that do not extend all the way to the floor and ceiling. The stall is wheelchair accessible and includes a toilet, a toilet paper holder, and a child change table. An open common area has one urinal, a sink, a garbage bin, a sharps container, and an electric hand dryer.

The washroom exterior is labelled "Men"; however, this washroom may be used by anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression.

Auditorium

The auditorium is equipped with a projector and screen for presentations. An HDMI connection is available to connect a laptop to the projector.
A portable microphone system can be provided for private bookings. If you would like to use the microphone, please request it when you make your booking.

Parking lot at the Astotin Lake Recreation Area

P2 Parking lot (main parking lot at Astotin Lake) has five designated handicap parking spaces and four electric charging stations (two Tesla, two J1772).

Accessibility considerations

Distance from the parking lot

The Astotin Theatre is located 230 metres from the main parking lot (P2) in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area along a paved path.
The average grade of the path from P2 parking lot to the Astotin Theatre is 2.8% with a maximum grade of 6.3%.

Building accessibility

The main entrance to the Astotin Theatre is equipped with a powered door. The powered button is on the left-hand side of the door on the outside of the building.
The entrance to the washrooms from the atrium.

Directly inside the entrance to the washroom labelled ‘Women’ is a narrow section that is 30.75 inches (781 mm) wide.

The auditorium of the Astotin Theatre has beige carpeted floors. The stairs to the seats have emergency lighting.
The auditorium may have low light levels and loud sounds when a movie is playing. The light levels can be raised and the volume lowered by request.

Seating

The auditorium seats up to 90 people. Each seat has a backrest, armrests, and a small fold-out desk. The seats are 18 inches wide and 17.5 inches deep.
The seats are in rows on risers and can be accessed by beige carpeted stairs that are equipped with emergency lighting on the left side and the middle of the auditorium. A handrail is located along the stairs on the left side of the auditorium.
One chair and one loveseat are on the ground floor of the auditorium.

Equipment

Refer to the facilities and services available at Elk Island National Park.

All the equipment listed on that page may be borrowed for free for use in this program.
Advance equipment reservation is highly recommended. Ask us at the time of program reservation.

Sound and sensory considerations

The atrium of the building is narrow and can be a tight space when the building is busy.
The auditorium may have low light levels and loud sounds when a movie is playing. The light levels can be raised and the volume lowered by request.
Closed captioning is available for most films.
Sensory kits are available for free to use while visiting the Astotin Theatre. The kits are hung on the wall next to the hides in the auditorium, or you can ask a staff member. Please return the kits before you leave the Theatre.
There is a small, covered patio outside the auditorium that is generally a quiet space.

Less busy times and areas

Weekends from the May long weekend to the September long weekend are usually busy with public visitors.
Weekday mornings and rainy days are typically less busy during the summer.

Commercial rates