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Region known for:
  • Uncrowded wilderness
  • Charming towns
  • Serene camping

We call them Wildlands for a reason. Boundless undisturbed wetlands, lakes and boreal forest attract all kinds of wild things. Enjoy solitude and natural beauty in this secluded northern region.

Useful links:

  • Key City: Peace River
  • Transportation Hub: Edmonton International Airport
  • Don't miss: Manning's moose
  • Claim to fame: Twelve Foot Davis, gold miner and fur trader

Trending in the Wildlands

Wildlands highlights

Remote parks

Wander through wetlands and paths unimpeded by crowds to see wilderness thrive. From dog sledding to camping, provincial parks such as Hay-Zama Lakes and Chinchaga Wildland offer great itinerary additions.

Rivers and lakes

With the Peace River running through almost the entire region, many rent or paddle their own watercraft down its currents. Others prefer to kick back and cast a line into one of the Wildlands’ lakes. You may want to try both.

Abundant wilderness

The wetlands and forests of the Wildlands are home to all kinds of flora and fauna. As you wander across Northwestern Alberta, keep an eye out for unique plants, wood bison, wolverines, deer and more.

People sitting outside of log Cabin
Sunset over Footner Lake, near High Level.
Aerial view of the sun shining on a family after hiking to the top of Dunvegan Overlook to watch sunrise together
The Northern Lights captured over Peace River Cabins.
Woman holding two beverages inside of the Peace River Brewing brewery.
An orange teepee in rural Alberta with Northern Lights in the sky.
Mother and daughter reading a book in a bedroom at The Rise AirBnb
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Things to do in the Wildlands

Key towns

Although wild, this region’s towns have many inviting places to eat, stay and connect.

Couple walking outside Museum

Peace River

Fill your travels with outstanding landscapes, rich history and a sunny climate. This vibrant community is a place to create lasting memories.

Mighty Peace Region
A family and their dogs walk a rocky beach in northern Alberta.

M.D. of Fairview

Follow rolling farmland to river valley viewpoints, historic sites and campgrounds where quiet trails, starry skies and Peace River scenery steal the show.

Discover Fairview
Sunset over Footner Lake, near High Level.

High Level

Tour this basecamp for outdoor excursions. Travellers often leave for fly-in fishing trips from here or use it as a break from ventures down the MacKenzie Highway.

Birdwatchers stand on a bridge over a marshy area in northern Alberta.

McLennan

Watch thousands of migratory birds from lakeside trails and campgrounds in the Bird Capital of Canada, with big skies, calm waters and plenty of local history.

Discover McLennan
A quirky cabin that serves as the Visitor Information Centre in Manning, Alberta.

Manning

Known as the “Land of the Mighty Moose,” Manning is one of the northwestern region’s newer towns and rests on the banks of Notikewin River.

A heritage building that is part of The La Crete Mennonite Heritage Village.

La Crête

This enchanting hamlet boasts a successful agricultural and logging economy, with family businesses lining the street and outdoor adventures nearby.

Stories

Two women sit around a fire out front of an A-frame cabin in the forest at Glamp Good in Central Alberta
4 min read Amazing Alberta Cabins for Summertime Adventures

Alberta is filled with cozy cabin escapes to immerse yourself in nature without roughing it. Check out these cabins with easy access to hiking and fishing.

An RV travels along a prairie road in Alberta.
4 min read Seven Road Trips for Outdoor Adventures in Northwest Alberta

There’s plenty for lovers of the outdoors to do in Alberta’s northwest. From sandy beaches to dinosaur digs, we showcase the best this region has to offer.

Couple and dog paddling a red canoe on a lake
4 min read Eight Ways to Enjoy the Rivers and Lakes of Alberta’s Northern Rockies

The unspoiled rivers and lakes of Alberta’s Northern Rockies are perfect places to unwind and have some fun.

Two people paddle a canoe on the Glenmore Reservoir at sunrise in Calgary.
4 min read Some of the Best Spots to Canoe, Kayak or Float in Alberta

Learn where to rent canoes, kayaks, rafts and more in Calgary, Edmonton and Alberta's many lakes and rivers all set amid stunning scenery.

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Nearby cities to explore

Person ski jumping with downtown Edmonton in background

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Edmonton
The northern lights shine over a forest of trees in Fort McMurray.

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A snowboarder catches some air at ski resort as the sun sets.

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Grande Prairie