Four Ways to Make the Most of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

Long summer days are made for exploring

Nestled in the heart of a vast boreal forest, amid wildlife and mighty rivers, lies historic Fort McMurray. Fort Mac (as it's known by locals), is the gateway to the Wood Buffalo region and is Canada’s largest national park. If you're looking for something new to explore this summer, simply point your compass north. The area's vast outdoor spaces and wonderful waterways offer a variety of outdoor activities.

To help you make the most of this unique Alberta region, put these ideas on your list. All activities are located in or nearby Fort McMurray. Perhaps what's best of all is you may not need to choose one activity over another. Summertime in Wood Buffalo offers long days and perpetual twilight. It's up to you how much you want to fit into a day.

Think you can do it all?

A walk through Fort Mac history: Heritage Village and Shipyards

Fort McMurray has long been a critical hub for trade and transportation. Fur traders began trading with the local Cree First Nations back in the late 18th century. In 1870, Fort McMurray was established as a Hudson's Bay Company post, then continued on as an important transportation stopover.

Preserving this legacy is the Heritage Village and Shipyards, situated on the banks of the Athabasca River. Walk through history with a visit to a trapper's cabin, schoolhouse and other intriguing century-old buildings and vessels. Or, see if you can fit the length of the 22.5 m (74 ft) barge in one photograph. At this family-friendly destination, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the people and stories that make up Fort McMurray's past.

Family-friendly, all-day fun: Vista Ridge All Seasons Park

Some of the region's best outdoor family recreation is found at Vista Ridge All Seasons Park. Test your monkey skills on the aerial park with features that range from a height of 3 m (10 ft) to almost 12 m (40 ft). Try it and you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Clearwater River. Bring your skateboards and adventurous spirit for forays into the skate park and playground. Here, kids can zoom, zip-line and swing their way to a great time. Finally, pack a picnic lunch or stop by the Clearwater Lounge to fuel up before checking out the rest of the facilities. There's a mini putt (housed in a tented rink structure) and a Frisbee golf course also on site. With so many activities in one place, you'll be happy to have so much daylight to play with.

Peaceful strolls and fitness goals: Birchwood Trails

Located in the Con Creek valley, Birchwood Trails is a 135 km (84 mi) trail system suitable for all ages. Perfect for running, walking, biking or inline skating, these asphalt, gravel and natural trails weave through a peaceful boreal forest. Conveniently, it can be entered from several different access points. If you're not sure where to start, begin your explorations from the Doug Barnes Cabin located beside 190 Tamarack Way. Complete your fitness routine by hitting up the outdoor gym that runs along Thickwood Heights. You could spend many hours exploring these trails, listening for bird life and seeing what's around the next bend.

Satisfying swings on scenic greens: Wood Buffalo Region Golf Courses

If golf gets you into the swing of things, be sure to pack your clubs. Fort McMurray boasts an outstanding array of courses for every level of golfer.

The 18-hole Miskanaw Golf Course (located at Macdonald Island Park) is particularly gorgeous, nestled along two rivers. The recently upgraded Fort McMurray Golf Course skirts the banks of the Athabasca River. It was ranked one of the must-play golf courses in Alberta by the Edmonton Sun. Rotary Links Golf Course is Fort McMurray's newest golf course. It currently hosts nine spectacular holes with all 18 holes opening in 2023. Got kids in tow? Check out Vista Ridge, a 12-hole family-friendly golf course with grass bunkers and oversize cups.

With long summer days, you may be able to play more than one course before the sun sets. Remember to keep your eyes out for wildlife that may wander onto the course. It's not unlikely to see birds, a fox or a bear (from a safe distance).

Note: To avoid any disappointment, please check each operation in advance for any special closures, restrictions and seasonal hours.