Northern Odyssey: Wildlife and Wildlands

Wabamun Marina & RV Park

Located just 40 minutes west of Edmonton, this park is a true paradise for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, making it the perfect spot to kick off the summer season. The facility offers hourly or daily rentals for a variety of watercraft. You can opt for the tranquility of a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or choose a motorized pontoon boat for a group fishing trip. Open from May to October, the establishment also manages a massive marina where you can refuel directly on the water. Road access is straightforward: follow Highway 16 west toward Jasper, then cross the railroad tracks at the Wabamun exit.

After enjoying the sparkling waters of Lake Wabamun, head west toward the foothills of the Rockies to reach the Hinton area.

Beaver Boardwalk Trail

The Beaver Boardwalk welcomes you for a unique family exploration along the world’s longest freshwater wooden boardwalk. Meandering for over three kilometers around Maxwell Lake, this volunteer-maintained network immerses you in the heart of a fascinating wetland. It is the ideal place to spot local wildlife in action: strolling here early in the morning or during summer evenings gives you an excellent chance to see beavers busy around their lodges, as well as deer and a multitude of bird species. While the trail remains accessible in the winter, the mild summer weather maximizes your chances of experiencing this rich ecosystem. Stay alert and yield the right-of-way to wildlife—especially large mammals—and keep your dogs on a leash.

Leaving Hinton and heading north toward Grande Cache, take the opportunity to discover the Holistic Habits ÉCONOMUSÉE®, a wellness sanctuary showcasing traditional Indigenous remedies and aromatherapy. Then, continue to the southeast of the same municipality for a raw equestrian experience.

Indian Trail Adventures

Experience an extraordinary cultural immersion with Indian Trail Adventures, an Indigenous tourism business guided by Curtis Hallock in the Willmore Wilderness Park. Deep in the Rockies, this equestrian adventure takes place alongside semi-wild horses that roam free during the winter before partnering with you for the summer season. Whether you opt for a few hours’ ride or a multi-day backcountry expedition, this complete digital detox—with absolutely no cell service—deeply connects you to the rhythms of nature. The meeting point is set at the Victor Lake Cooperative, where caution is advised to respect the private community. Be sure to bring sturdy clothing and your own camping gear for overnight stays.

After exploring the Rockies on horseback, head further north toward Grande Prairie to gain spectacular altitude above the valleys and forests.

Sundance Balloons

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This activity is accessible to individuals in good physical condition (especially joint health). A minimum height is required to securely hold onto the basket, as landings can occasionally be a bit bumpy.

Take to the skies in Grande Prairie aboard a Sundance Balloons hot air balloon to admire the “Swan City” and the grand panoramas of northern Alberta. During this 45-to-90-minute flight, the sweeping views of rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and the distant Rockies on the horizon are breathtaking. To guarantee your spot under the summer sun, be sure to book two weeks in advance. The full experience lasts about four hours, including essential safety briefings and a traditional champagne toast. As for clothing, choose long sleeves to protect against summer mosquitoes and layer up, as temperatures shift quickly at high altitudes.

If your hot air balloon experience left you craving more high-altitude vistas, you can extend your airborne journey with another exclusive perspective of the region.

Gemini Helicopters Inc

Treat yourself to an unbeatable, dynamic bird’s-eye view of the province with Gemini Helicopters Inc. Specially tailored for thrill-seekers, these helicopter tours soar over sweeping natural landscapes, blending dense forests, majestic mountains, and glittering lakes. The professional pilots offer narrated or customized flights that are perfect for spotting wildlife from above or capturing aerial photography of glaciers. It is a memorable opportunity for a romantic moment or an unforgettable family adventure high above the Alberta wild. Whether you are capturing clear summer days or contemplating the majestic peaks, every flight promises lifelong memories.

After taking in the sights from the clouds, come back down to earth to explore a protected ecosystem located just twenty minutes from Grande Prairie.

Saskatoon Island Provincial Park

Established in 1932 and recognized as a federal migratory bird sanctuary, this 100-hectare gem sits on an isthmus between Saskatoon Lake and Little Lake. It is the perfect spot to observe the majestic trumpeter swan in the heart of unspoiled nature. While swimming is not recommended, the summer season is ideal for canoeing or kayaking. The wheelchair-accessible Shoreline and Little Lake trails wind through beautiful prairies and aspen groves. Open year-round, the park also features three camping loops as well as a fully equipped group site to extend your stay. To get there from Grande Prairie, drive 21 kilometers west on Highway 43, then turn north onto Range Road 81.

Continuing your journey northwest into Saddle Hills County, another oasis dedicated to wildlife preservation opens its doors.

Jack Bird Pond

A true haven of peace for wildlife enthusiasts, the Jack Bird Pond picnic area stands out as one of the best natural viewing points in the region. Bequeathed by Mr. Jack Bird, this site is integrated into the provincial parks network and serves as a vital travel corridor for wild animals. By quietly walking around these wetlands and beaver ponds, you stand an excellent chance of spotting trumpeter swans, moose, bears, or otters in the heart of the boreal forest. This day-use area is defined by its absolute stillness and strict conservation mandate, offering a deeply refreshing break in the heart of summer nature.

Leave this peaceful pond behind and head toward the shores of a historic, majestic waterway where your adventure takes a more active turn.

Cotillion Park

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Peace River, Cotillion Park reveals a spectacular panorama that deeply impressed explorer Alexander MacKenzie back in 1793. Set between sandstone cliffs and untamed forests, this site is ideal for spotting eagles, bears, and beavers. Summer is especially lively here thanks to the Music in the Park festival and the excellent river conditions for fishing and boating. Exploration enthusiasts will love the hiking and ATV trails leading to a hidden waterfall. The campground offers 20 sites with free firewood, which can be booked online. To get there, take Range Road 115 north off Highway 49 for 20 km, then follow Township Road 812 and Range Road 120.

After exploring the cliffs of the Peace River, head back east to reach another bird-watching site of international importance.

Kimiwan Bird Walk & Interpretive Centre

Passionately managed by local naturalists, the Kimiwan Bird Walk & Interpretive Centre is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the exceptional avian wildlife of Kimiwan Lake. The interpretive centre is a goldmine of fascinating information and houses a collection of preserved native birds. Outside, a 700-meter wooden boardwalk crosses a wetland for a memorable, self-guided open-air tour. This is the perfect summer activity to observe a plethora of birds in their natural habitat while expanding your knowledge. Do not hesitate to ask the staff on-site; they are always delighted to share recommendations on eco-tourism and bird-watching activities not to be missed in the area.

Leave the quiet atmosphere of the bird marshes behind to meet a pack of fascinating canines that share the lives of Northerners.

Whirlwind Acres Sled & Show Dogs

Discover the captivating world of working dogs at Whirlwind Acres Sled & Show Dogs, a family-run business offering exclusive private tours. While popular imagery instantly brings to mind winter and sleds gliding beneath the Northern Lights, the summer and shoulder seasons are just as dynamic. The adventure continues off the snow with thrilling wheeled-cart rides, allowing you to feel the true athletic power of the huskies (the weather still need to be cool around 15°C around October and November). You can also take a guided kennel tour to meet the pack, cuddle the young puppies, and attend informative historical presentations. It is a heartwarming, immersive experience that showcases the unique bond between humans and animals in the heart of the Alberta prairies.

Continue your scenic drive along the beautiful Shaftesbury Trail, which hugs the Peace River for 26 kilometers, before boarding its famous free ferry. Then, head toward Northern Sunrise County for a relaxing stop by the water.

Murphy’s Flats

Tucked along the splendid Smoky River, Murphy’s Flats is a day-use area ideal for families looking to recharge in the heart of nature. Open from May to October, this peaceful haven reveals natural sand or pebble beaches depending on the season, perfect for relaxing. Summer enthusiasts will love foraging for wild berries, fishing, and waterfowl viewing, while active travelers can hit the hiking and mountain biking trails in the adjacent Peace River Wildland Provincial Park. The site features picnic tables and fire pits with free firewood. Road access is via Highway 744, following Township Road 822 or 820.

After this serene moment along the Smoky River, get ready to shift into high gear with experts in river and land exploration.

Peace River Adventures Campground & Tours

Run by Alana and Felix, two seasoned guides, Peace River Adventures is the perfect hub for exploring northwestern Alberta. The company offers memorable, bilingual guided excursions aboard secure jet boats, ideal for spotting wildlife along the Peace River. In summer, their offerings expand to include on-the-water yoga sessions, guided forest hikes, and turnkey wilderness camping expeditions. To extend your experience under the stars, their fully equipped 100-site campground is located right next to downtown and local hiking trails, providing hot showers and all modern amenities for adventurers.

For another fully serviced, year-round accommodation option near Cecil Thompson Pond, you can check out the Rendez-Vous RV Park. If you are looking to marvel at unique geological curiosities instead, get ready to look up at mystical structures.

Hoodoos – Smoky River

The Municipal District of Smoky River is home to spectacular hoodoos—magnificent geological formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. While science explains these monoliths through the wearing away of soft rock beneath a harder caprock, local legends see them as benevolent wizards petrified to guide lost explorers through the wilderness. Highly remote and protected, these wonders have no road access. To view them and capture striking photographs during the beautiful season, you must access them by air or water, such as on a boat excursion organized by Peace River Adventures (mentioned above).

Heading back north on Highway 35 toward Manning, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a lush break at the Condy Meadows Golf Course & Campground for a 9-hole round or to take advantage of their accommodations. Then, continue your journey to reach the northernmost points of your itinerary.

Notikewin Provincial Park

Nestled at the confluence of the Peace and Notikewin rivers, this wild provincial park marks a crowning highlight of your northern journey. This forested site is home to over 26 species of mammals and a rich bird population, including the sandhill crane, all viewable in the heart of a dense valley. It serves as an exceptional playground for summer walleye or pike fishing, canoeing, and hiking along the sandbars, not to mention cross-country skiing when winter sets in. The location also holds deep history; its name means “battle” in Cree, and it features the discreet remnants of an old fur trading post. To get there, drive 37 kilometers north of Manning on Highway 35, then 30 kilometers east on Highway 692.

Leaving behind the forested tranquility of Notikewin Provincial Park, head north on Highway 35 through the wild landscapes of the boreal forest before treating yourself to a cozy and intimate stop.

Cabin in the Woods

Born from a dream in 2015 and warmly hosted by Lena and John, Cabin in the Woods B&B is the perfect spot for a secluded getaway with rustic, country charm. This cozy bed and breakfast welcomes guests with delicious homemade treats and offers all the comforts needed for a relaxing stay, including a continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and firewood. The accommodations are fully self-sufficient with fully equipped kitchens, large BBQs, and premium bedding. Choose from three unique options: The Cabin, a spacious 620 sq. ft. original cabin hosting up to 6 guests with two lofts; The Tiny House, a 420 sq. ft. trailer-built home inspired by 1950s farmhouses; or The Silo, a charming 392 sq. ft. space with a loft and murphy beds. It is an ideal summer base to unwind after outdoor adventures, or a cozy winter retreat featuring comforting wood stoves.

To continue your route toward the far northwest, take Highway 697 and take advantage of Tompkins Crossing, a free seasonal passage linking La Crete. It offers a 680-meter ferry crossing from spring to autumn, replaced by a robust ice bridge in winter.

Before venturing into the most remote and wild regions, a stop at Rocky Ridge Rentals is a must to rent high-performance Can-Am ATVs or side-by-sides adapted to summer mud, as well as snowmobiles in winter—essential for exploring the highly self-sufficient attractions that follow.

Hay-Zama Lakes Wildland Provincial Park

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Activities require complete self-sufficiency.

This wild park protects a 486-square-kilometer territory in the far northwest of Alberta. A vast complex of floodplains, marshes, and freshwater lakes, the site is recognized globally by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. It is a vital ecological sanctuary for the breeding and migration of millions of waterfowl, as well as a crucial refuge for wood bison and woodland caribou. Managed in collaboration with the Dene Tha’ First Nations, this remote environment has no infrastructure and requires thorough preparation from adventurers. In summer, canoeing, kayaking, backcountry hiking, and wildlife viewing are exceptional. While backcountry camping is free and permitted anywhere, note that heavy spring floods can submerge the park, while winter opens the trails to snowmobiles.

After this raw immersion in a protected wetland, return to civilization and structured accommodation comfort by heading toward the community of Zama City.

Zama City Campground & Cabins

Set in the heart of the municipality, this complex offers a full range of accommodations tailored for families, weekenders, and workers. The site features 22 fully serviced campsites and fully equipped, air-conditioned year-round cabins. For summer, electrified glamping cabins are also available. A true outdoor paradise, the campground is packed with summer activities: a large swimming pond with a giant slide, a sandy beach, a 9-hole disc golf course (the most northern in the province), and a trout-stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing. ATV riding is warmly permitted within the community. In winter, the heated cabins serve as an ideal base camp for snowmobile expeditions to remote Bistcho Lake, famous for walleye and northern pike fishing.

Leave the Alberta border behind to cross the 60th parallel and embark on the main highway leading into the Northwest Territories.

Waterfalls Route

Managed by NWT Parks, the Route des chutes d’eau (Waterfalls Route) begins at the 60th parallel and follows the Mackenzie Highway (Highway 1). This tourist itinerary traverses wild boreal landscapes dotted with impressive waterfalls, highlighting the territorial parks of Lady Evelyn Falls and Twin Falls Gorge, the latter home to the famous Alexandra and Louise falls just outside Enterprise.These grand vistas remain accessible year-round, whether under the summer sun or frozen by winter’s chill. Between May 15 and September 15, the Louise Falls campground opens, allowing visitors to use a unique spiral staircase to admire the falls up close. Just remember to check trail conditions on the NWT Parks website before you head out, as natural bank erosion can occasionally restrict access.

Following this waterfalls route to the highway junction, branch off toward the town of Hay River to embark on an inland sea of striking beauty.

Great Slave Lake Tours

Led by Shawn Buckley, a third-generation fisherman with nearly 40 years of experience on the water, Great Slave Lake Tours offers a unique, eco-responsible immersion on one of the largest lakes in the world. During the summer season, running from mid-June to mid-October, the company organizes sport fishing trips for northern pike, lake trout, and walleye, complete with hearty homemade shore lunches of fresh fried fish. It is also an exceptional opportunity to photograph eagles and pelicans in the open air. Winter radically transforms the experience: travelers board a historic 8-passenger Bombardier snowcoach to traverse the lake’s thick frozen surface, observe ice pressure heaves, try ice fishing, and gaze at the magical Northern Lights far from light pollution. Advanced bookings are required for these memorable excursions.

To push the limits of aquatic adventure even further on this giant lake, head toward Yellowknife to join a team specializing in world-class expeditions.

Jackpine Paddle

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Activities are suitable for all ages but require a certain level of physical fitness and take place over several days.

Jackpine Paddle completely redefines the traditional canoe trip by guiding travelers through the East Arm of Great Slave Lake—the deepest lake in North America. This experience plunges participants into a striking subarctic environment dominated by billion-year-old granite cliffs plunging 180 meters into crystal-clear waters. The company’s flagship is an all-inclusive 12-day floatplane expedition to Thaidene Nëné, one of Canada’s newest national parks, combining 120 km of open-water paddling, muskox viewing, and cultural immersion with the Dene people. Shorter 3-to-5-day guided trips tailored for families, as well as winter walking tours from February to April, complete the offer. Professional expedition-grade bilingual equipment is available at several northern hubs, requiring advanced booking, with no hourly recreational rentals available.

After paddling the deep waters of Great Slave Lake, crown your journey along the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife for an enchanting nocturnal experience beneath the northern sky.

Aurora Village

Located along the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, Aurora Village is a 100% Indigenous family-owned destination run by the Morin family. Nestled around a pristine private lake, this site is renowned for Northern Lights viewing from late summer through autumn, as well as during the winter season. Guests can relax inside 21 traditional teepees warmed by wood stoves or enjoy custom 360-degree heated swivel seats to take in the night sky from every angle. The experience is complemented by Northern meals, such as bison stew and bannock, alongside seasonal daytime activities ranging from late-summer hiking to winter dog sledding and ice fishing. Complete cold-weather clothing rentals, multilingual guides, and an authentic Indigenous craft shop are available on-site.