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City known for:
  • River activities
  • Rich history
  • Access to nature

Venture down the road less travelled with tall pine trees and gently rolling hills as your stunning backdrop.

Satisfy your drive for exploration in Fort McMurray. The town’s backyard features dense boreal forest and plains filled with rich wildlife. Uncover the city’s history of fur trading and forts, or take a jet boat tour for an immersive learning experience. A stone’s throw away is Wood Buffalo National Park—Canada’s largest national park and dark sky preserve, and home to the world’s largest herd of wood bison.

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Fort McMurray highlights

Man fishing off of float plane near Fort McMurray at Gypsy Lake Lodge.

Water adventures

Fish, canoe, kayak, paddleboard or float on the region’s lakes and waterways. The Athabasca and Clearwater Rivers have abundant fish to catch and few crowds to dodge.

Northern Lights at a Pine Lake Cabins in Wood Buffalo National Park near Fort McMurray.

Breathtaking moments

Spot a variety of wildlife or watch the northern lights dance at Wood Buffalo National Park. Enjoy 135 km (84 mi) of Birchwood Trails in Fort McMurray during any season.

Two people looking over river lookout near Fort McMurray.

Untouched lands

Get an adrenaline rush driving ATVs or snowmobiles in the vast wilderness. This hub for backcountry thrills has extensive trail systems, offering loads of excitement.

Couple sitting on a snowmobile before ice fishing at Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village in Fort McMurray
Couple walking through a lit up village at night, at Heritage Village in Fort McMurray
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Woman adding wood to fire inside a tipi, at the Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village
A couple snowshoeing by a tipi at the Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village
A group enjoy a dog sled ride at sunrise at Vista Ridge in Fort McMurray
Wood Buffalo National Park Aurora, Northern Alberta.
Night shot of Tipi's lit up at Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village

What to do and where to stay in Fort McMurray

Stories from the city

Someone standing in the middle of a snow covered frozen lake watching the night sky light up with colour from the Northern Lights
4 min read The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alberta

People from all over come to Alberta to see the Northern Lights. It's wide-open spaces, prairies and mountains, turn it into a magical experience.

Scenic wide shot of people golfing at the 16th hole at Links of GlenEagles in Cochrane.
7 min read The Top Golf Courses and Most Scenic Golf Holes in Alberta

In Alberta, golfers will find top-ranked public courses, iconic holes and jaw-dropping scenery. Some of the best in the world have walked these fairways.

An RV travels along a prairie road in Alberta.
3 min read Four Ways to Make the Most of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

The gateway to the Wood Buffalo region, historic Fort McMurray offers a variety of outdoor activities in its vast outdoor spaces and wonderful waterways.

Bonus: At night, you're guaranteed to see the northern lights.
3 min read Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is the Gateway to the Best Fishing Around

Fly into one of Northern Alberta's remote fishing lodges and spend days on a pristine lake catching trout, walleye or large northern pike.

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Purple and green northern lights shine in the sky.

Did you know?

Fort McMurray is known for having incredible views of the northern lights. If you’re checking out the city from October to March, keep your eye on the sky!

Northern Lights & Stargazing

Suggested Itineraries

Dog sledding in a winter field near Fort McMurray.
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Epic Alberta

An epic two-week road trip through the best of Alberta—the Canadian Rockies, wildlife, hot springs and the cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

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