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Region known for:
  • Northern lights
  • River activities
  • Roaming bison

Explore this northern hideaway and allow your Wild Side to run rampant through the region. This is a place for those who push harder, trek further and seek escape from everyday norms.

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Wood Buffalo highlights

Kayaker navigates rapids with island in the background.

Rugged wilderness

Canada’s Wild Side flourishes across the diverse landscape of Wood Buffalo. Tour vibrant wetlands, vast boreal forests and rushing rivers with a guide or on your own.

Northern Lights from Alberta Stories

Northern lights

Spot an unforgettable show of captivating colours dancing in the night sky. Join northern lights festivals or visit Wood Buffalo National Park, the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve, which shields the night from light pollution.

Protected wildlife

Wood Buffalo National Park is home to half of Canada’s endangered wood bison population. Here, you can watch the majestic creatures graze in their natural habitat. Wolves, whooping cranes, bears and more live in this northern region.

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Two people looking over river lookout near Fort McMurray.
Couple snowmobiling on a frozen lake with a guide snowmobiling behind them.
Two golfers looking down the green at the Fort McMurray Golf Club.
Northern lights above a float plane at Andrew Lake Lodge.
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Two people on stand up paddle boards on Syne River near Fort McMurray.
A couple dine at Surekha's on the Snye.

Highlighted attractions

A woman exploring the Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray

Oil Sands Discovery Centre

The Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray is located in the heart of the world's biggest single oil deposit - the Athabasca Oil Sands. The center is an educational facility committed to increasing public awareness and knowledge about the oil sands.

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

Gypsy Lake Lodge

Gypsy Lake Lodge is located 50 air miles east of Fort McMurray and offers fly-in fishing and hunting. It is the only lodge in Gypsy Lake Wildland Park, and its strict catch and release policy and use of single barbless hooks mean there is plenty of trophy pike lurking in the waters.

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Night shot of Tipi's lit up at Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village

Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village

Discover the magic of the Aurora Borealis at the Aurora Borealis Indigenous Village (ABIV), nestled in the Birch Mountains 2.5 hours northwest of Fort McMurray and south of Wood Buffalo National Park—the largest dark sky in the world.

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Key towns

Find accommodation, dining and more in the towns of Wood Buffalo.

Couple leaning over railing looking at boats at the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard.

Fort McMurray

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

Visit Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo
A guide and a participant being pulled by a team of huskies who are wearing Indigenous articles, on a dog sled ride in Fort Chipewyan.

Fort Chipewyan

Boat or fly to one of the most northern towns in Wood Buffalo and the oldest settlement of Alberta, deemed a trading post in 1788.

Visit Fort Chipewyan

Stories

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.

People ice fishing at Sylvan Lake at sunset.
5 min read Alberta Ice Fishing Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Whether you're an expert angler or a beginner, discover why Alberta is the ideal destination for your ice fishing adventure and what you need to know before you go.

A person ice skating on Abraham Lake with frozen bubbles appearing in the ice.
6 min read From Ice Bubbles to Sand Dunes, Alberta’s Most Epic Natural Wonders

Famed for its natural beauty, Alberta is also home to some of Mother Nature's most spectacular geological masterpieces that are just waiting for visitors to explore.

Read all stories

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.

Two large, dark brown horses pull a luxurious sleigh along the snow-covered Lake Louise at sunrise.
9 days
Alberta Winter Wonderland Road Trip

This inspiring Alberta winter road trip takes you to from icons like the Calgary Tower to the postcard-perfect rocky peaks of Banff and Lake Louise. Drive the frosty and scenic Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, and finish in Edmonton’s lively downtown. Discover legendary ski resorts, frozen waterfalls, dog sledding, and cozy sleigh rides, plus unique cultural stops and stargazing under dark skies.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

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

Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray
A dad gets ready to push his child down a tobogganing hill at the Indigenous Art Park in Edmonton.

Edmonton

Edmonton
Person looking at the northern lights over Saskatoon Lake

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie