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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 urge 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.

A couple sit on a deck at a lodge outside Fort McMurray.
Couple snowmobiling on a lake, guide behind them, at Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village in Fort McMurray.
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Man putting on green woman behind watching with the Fort McMurray Golf Club in the background.
Dog sledding in a winter field near Fort McMurray.
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Aurora borealis over Andrew Lake Lodge.
Couple on outdoor adventure course at Vista Ridge in Fort McMurray.
Little boy leaning on side of boat, family behind on the boat in Fort McMurray

Jet Boat Adventures

Explore the winding waters of the Athabasca River on a guided excursion. Choose between a variety of tours and bask in the refreshing spray of cool waters.

Jet Boat Adventures

Vista Ridge

From 60 acres of skiable terrain in winter to thrilling ziplines in summer, find year-round fun with beautiful views. Visit the Aerial Park with the family, an exciting place to climb walls, cross bridges and challenge yourself.

Vista Ridge Activity Park
Two golfers looking down the green at the Fort McMurray Golf Club.

Fort McMurray Golf Club

Hit the links of the Fort McMurray Golf Club along the Athabasca River and boreal forest. Play the 27-hole course and swing by the restaurant patio overlooking manicured greens.

Fort McMurray Golf Club
A man and woman having lunch at Surekha's On The Snye.

Surekha’s on the Snye

Take in panoramic waterfront views in this family-run boutique café. The large food and drink menu will delight your palate and the scenery will elevate your visit.

Surekha’s on the Snye

The Banquet Bar and Drinkery

Have a seat on the only rooftop patio in Fort McMurray. Kick back in sunny weather, enjoy meal specials and knock down bowling pins at this friendly establishment.

The Banquet Bar and Drinkery

The Alley

Work up an appetite by playing games before dining. Reconnect with your favourite group by coming together for laser tag, arcade games and bowling.

The Alley

Pearson Lake Lodge

Unplug at Pearson Lake Lodge for a remote and unforgettable journey. Immerse yourself in the pristine backcountry landscapes of Northern Alberta.

Pearson Lake Lodge
Settle here if you prefer to stay in the heart of downtown. Protect your car from the elements with free indoor parking and plate up at a generous breakfast buffet.

Pomeroy

Settle here if you prefer to stay in the heart of downtown. Protect your car from the elements with free indoor parking and plate up at a generous breakfast buffet.

Pomeroy

Andrew Lake Lodge

Experience fly-in fishing and pristine waters in a northeastern corner of Alberta. Journey to a remote location for the chance to reel in a trophy fish.

Andrew Lake Lodge
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Stories from the city

Dozens of runners pass Calgary’s skyline and downtown greenspace during the Calgary Marathon weekend.
5 min read The Best Races in Alberta to Plan your Run-Cation Around

Running has exploded in popularity globally. Across Alberta, unique races allow runners to explore the province on foot with experiences they won’t find anywhere else.

Bison in the winter.
6 min read From Bison to Bears: Alberta’s Wildlife and How to See Them

The diverse ecosystems of Alberta make it one of the best places in Canada for unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences, including bison, bears, moose, elk, sheep and all kinds of birds.

A couple cheersing while enjoying a flight of beer at the colourfully decorated Cold Garden in Calgary
9 min read How to Stay Cozy Indoors This Winter in Alberta

Exploring outdoors is a must in Alberta, but the weather is unpredictable. Get inspired with indoor activities and sightseeing to enjoy around the province when the temperature drops.

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

Alberta is home to the sort of spectacular courses—and offers the sort of stunning scenery—that golfers won't soon forget.

Read all stories
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!

Suggested Itineraries

Dog sledding in a winter field near Fort McMurray.
4 days
Winter Road to Canadian Adventure

Experience adventure, tranquility and cultural immersion on this four-day winter road trip through Northern Alberta, starting from Fort McMurray.

Car driving ice fields parkway
14 days
Epic Alberta

Enjoy two exhilarating weeks in Alberta, exploring the mountains, lakes and wildlife in the Canadian Rockies, hiking, and getting to know Calgary and Edmonton.

View all road trips & itineraries

Cities to explore

Fireworks over Edmonton
Edmonton
A person walking on Kleskun Hill Campground near Grande Prairie with the sun setting in the distance.
Grande Prairie
A woman dives off a dock into Fisherman's Bay at Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
Jasper
A happy family walking through strawberry fields at The Jungle Farm.
Red Deer