Adventure beckons in northern Alberta! From camping to hunting, fishing, wildlife, and world-class natural sights like the Athabasca Oil Sands, there’s something for everyone where in northern Alberta. Read on for the big five regions to visit and highlights if you’re travelling or planning a vacation to northern Alberta.
For more on visiting Alberta and the northern reaches of this province, go to: www.travelalberta.com or find out more on the tripatlas.com/new Northern Alberta Travel Guide.
Big 5 of Northern Alberta
1) Athabasca Country
Known as the gateway to Northern Alberta, Athabasca Country (www.athabascacountry.com) is located 90 minutes from Edmonton. With more than 25 recreation areas you can enjoy camping at its best with lakes and beaches, long summer nights, and great fishing holes that are perfect for a weekend away. Don’t miss the historic town of Athabasca where you can follow along a historic fur trade trail.
2) Big Lake Country
When you’re in Big Lake Country, be prepared to see a lot of lakes, including Lesser Slave Lake (www.athabascacountry.com), northern Alberta’s most popular destination. Lesser Slave Lake is Alberta’s largest car-accessible lake with endless beach real-estate offering something for every budget: inns, restaurants, campgrounds, resorts, bed & breakfasts, and more. Be sure to not to miss out on Winagami and Hilliard’s Bay provincial parks.
3) Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray (www.fortmcmurraytourism.com) is northern Alberta’s iconic city, located at meeting of four rivers in the middle of the boreal forest. Not only is Fort McMurray easily accessible by plane, but its location was also key in Alberta’s historic trade route. Today, you can visit and see the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis or go on a tour of the Athabasca Oil Sands, known as a “eighth wonder of the world,” one of Canada’s most important natural resources.
4) Grande Prairie
For a real adventure, visit Grande Prairie (www.northernvisitor.com) to get knee-deep in some backcountry on a camping, fishing, hunting, ATV, canoe or kayak trip. Don’t miss out on visiting the Kakwa Wildlands or visit the Kleskun Hills.
5) Mighty Peace Country
An ancient Beaver Indian legend says: “Drink the water of the Peace River and you will return.” In northern Alberta’s Mighty Peace Country (www.mightypeace.com), visitors can experience the grand Mighty Peace River valley offering more than 50 lakes. It’s a great spot for camping or RV-ing, golf, fishing, nature, and history, including the Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre, known as: “The place where Alberta began.”
Looking to book a trip to Alberta? tripatlas.com/new’s Trip Builder tool will put you in touch with experienced travel pros who can give you tips, advice, and pricing on airfare/accommodations/tours for your vacation.