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Itinerary best for
  • Culturally Curious
  • Winter Sports Enthusiasts
  • Off-the-beaten-path Travellers

Plan things to do near Fort McMurray with a winter trip to Fort Chipewyan that blends snowy adventure and Indigenous heritage.

This trip leads you deep into Alberta's boreal north, where the crowds fall away and the snow stretches to the horizon. Cross-country ski and snow tube near Fort McMurray, then drive Highway 63 through frozen forests to remote Fort Chipewyan. There, mush a team of sled dogs and dig into two centuries of fur-trade and Indigenous history.

At a glance

  • 4-day itinerary
  • 668 km (415 mi) total distance
  • 10 hrs 21 mins drive time
  • Your starting point is in Fort McMurray
2 destinations
Starts in

Fort McMurray

Day 1 drive time: 26 min, 18 km (11 mi)
Day 1

Fort McMurray

Start your day by gliding through snowy landscapes, then experience the brilliance of the night sky.

Cross-country skiers on a trail in front of the forest at the Wapiti Nordic Centre in Grande Prairie
People cross country skiing on a snowy trail through the trees.

Cross Country Skiing at the Ptarmigan Nordic Ski Club

Cross country skiing at the Ptarmigan Nordic Ski Club offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace the beauty of winter and enjoy the thrill of gliding across pristine snowy landscapes. The club boasts an extensive network of groomed trails, catering to skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Day 2 drive time: 4 hr 31 min, 297 km (185 mi)
Day 2

Fort Chipewyan

Enjoy a scenic winter drive to Fort Chipewyan, where over 200 years of rich cultural history awaits.

Two people on a museum tour at Bicentennial Museum in Fort Chipewyan.
Day 3 drive time: 4 hr 35 min, 303 km (188 mi)
Day 3

Fort Chipewyan

After enjoying a dog sled tour, head south for a scenic winter drive back to Fort McMurray.

Two people and a car on a winter road to Fort Chipewyan from Fort McMurray.
Day 4 drive time: 49 min, 50 km (31 mi)
Day 4

Fort McMurray

Hit the slopes on an inflatable tube, followed by dinner at a local favourite. And don't forget to enjoy the winter night skies.

Northern Lights from Alberta Stories