Adventurers who wander north are seduced by the unrivalled expanse of natural treasures. At the junction of four rivers and surrounded by boreal forest, Fort McMurray offers endless outdoor thrills.

A steady stream of workers in the “oil patch” has contributed to Fort McMurray’s undeniable energy. Long before “Fort Mac” was established as a Hudson's Bay trading post in 1870, the Cree were using the oily sand to waterproof their canoes. 

A scenic four hour drive north of Edmonton brings you to one of the best places on earth to experience the northern lights. From a lookout just north of town, observe a herd of over 300 rare wood bison. Throw a line in the water - the area’s bountiful lakes and rivers are teeming with big, hungry fish that have never seen a hook. Now for the region’s best kept secret - 12m (36ft) high waves of sand in a unique northern desert, the 8,000 year old Athabasca sand dunes.

Borealis. Boating. Backcountry. Here’s your insider Fort McMurray checklist! 

Feel the energy

Tour the largest oil sand development in the world. See Fort McMurray’s biggest industry, and how they extract the “black gold” that puts Alberta second only to Saudi Arabia in oil reserves. 

Swingin’ clubs

Extra-long summer days mean you can play until midnight on one of three 18- hole golf courses.

Island playground

MacDonald Island Park has it all. An aquatic centre, fitness centre, water park, art gallery, golf course, curling rink, concerts and performances.

He scores!

Share Alberta’s passion for hockey and cheer on the local boys at a Fort McMurray Oil Barons game.

Time travel

Walk back in time through Heritage Park’s historic buildings and local artifacts. See the great river boats of yore at the Marine Park, Alberta’s only shipyard.

Frosted fun

When the snow falls grab your skis, board or tube and hit the slopes at Vista Ridge All Season Park.

Get outta town!

Summer is all about hiking, boating, biking and basking on the beach at Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. In winter, snowshoe, cross country ski or snowmobile along  snowy trails through the boreal forest. 30 km (19 mi) southeast of Fort Mac. 

Get to know the extraordinary people and places in the Wood Buffalo communities around Fort McMurray.

Indulge your wanderlust and keep exploring Northern Alberta.