The Best Paddling Adventures in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Region

Picture yourself paddling quietly on a calm lake surrounded by boreal forest, the setting sun painting a canvas of oranges, mauves and pinks across the sky.

This could be you when you make a trip to Northern Alberta – home to dozens of some of the best lakes and rivers in the province.

It's easy to connect with nature in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. Located in the province's northeast, Fort McMurray is surrounded by gorgeous forests and an abundance of rivers and waterways perfect for exploring.

This is where you'll probably find David Stirling on any given day. He’s the owner and operator of Beyond Adventures, which provides paddling-equipment rentals, courses and trips all around Wood Buffalo. For more than a decade, Stirling has explored the waterways in the region in search of outdoor adventures. “We have so many lakes and rivers in our region,” he says. “There's endless opportunity.”

Here are some of his favourites.

Snye Point

If you're fairly new to the water, check out Snye Point, a public park and boat launch conveniently located in the heart of Fort McMurray at the entrance to the Clearwater River. Whether you're a solo kayaker, paddleboarding with a buddy or canoeing with the whole family, Snye Point is a great place to splash around for an hour or two. “Just get on the water,” Stirling says, “and go have fun.”

Maqua Lake

If you've got a little more experience, then head out into nature. Maqua Lake is a provincial recreation area located 40 km (25 mi) south of Fort McMurray, in Stony Mountain Wildland Provincial Park. As the name suggests, Maqua Lake is all about the body of water at its centre, which also features a beautiful sandy beach (not to mention less people than some other lakes in the area). And don't worry: Maqua is protected from the wind, so the water is typically calm and serene — the perfect place to get some experience in whatever craft you're using.

Clearwater River Float

Sometimes you just want to let the water do the work for you. Luckily, the area around Fort McMurray provides a chance to do just that. Grab a ride south of town along the winding Clearwater River and take your pick of two adjacent boat launches: the Tom Weber or the Raphael Cree. Then hop in your dinghy or inner tube, and kick back for a leisurely 90-minute float all the way back to Snye Point. “It provides an extra element that's different from flat water,” Stirling says. Plus, there’s a restaurant waiting for you at the take-out point, so you can relax on dry land with a nice meal.

Saskatchewan and Back Again

If you want more of a challenge, Stirling has a trip for you. His company offers an immersive 10-day trip that will take you more than 200 km (124 mi) from Northern Saskatchewan all the way back to Fort McMurray. Along the way you'll get a chance to navigate the rapids you're comfortable paddling through, and portage around the ones that pose more of a challenge. The Beyond Adventures package includes a floatplane ride out to the Warner Rapids, as well as all necessary equipment and food. It requires previous paddling experience — but it's worth it.

Bridge to Nowhere

There is also plenty of good paddling north of Fort McMurray. The Peter Lougheed Bridge — known locally as the “Bridge to Nowhere” — is located about 50 km (31 mi) north of town and spans the Athabasca River as part of Highway 63. Beyond Adventures offers a daytrip up this historic river. It includes passing through La Saline Natural Area, known for its variety of waterfowl and other birds. There's also a sandbar where you'll pause midway for a picturesque sandwich lunch.

More to explore

Looking for something even more out of the way? Here are some more adventures deeper in the backcountry in and around Wood Buffalo:

• • Six Lakes: This backcountry paradise, part of the Richardson backcountry area, is full of sand dunes, crystal-clear lakes and opportunities to camp and fish to your heart's content. The access point is about 90 minutes north of Fort McMurray, followed by a couple of hours on ATVs.
  • Athabasca Dunes: This stunning ecological preserve is part of the Maybelle River Wildland Park, towards the northwest corner of the province. The Athabasca dunes are a powerful natural wonder, moving up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) each year due to the wind, and reaching peaks of 12 m (39 ft) tall.
  • Wood Buffalo National Park: Canada’s largest national park (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) needs to be seen to be believed. Rent a cabin at Pine Lake and enjoy hiking trails, cross-country skiing and an incredible dark sky preserve, which is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.
  • Fly-in lodges: Northeast Alberta is also home to several gorgeous lodges accessible only by floatplane. Enjoy some of the best fishing and tranquility the province has to offer at Gypsy Lake, Andrew Lake or Pearson Lake, to name a few — all just a 15-minute flight from Fort McMurray.