Northern Alberta Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich Northern Alberta and make the most out of your trip with our travel guide.


Introduction to Northern Alberta

Northern Alberta features a vast expanse of rugged wilderness, rich indigenous cultures, bustling cities, and natural wonders that have mesmerized travelers from across the globe. The region is home to some of Canada’s most popular national parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a plethora of outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, camping, rafting, and wildlife sightings.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Alberta

Here’s a comprehensive list of must-visit places in Northern Alberta:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Edmonton Park: A living history museum that takes visitors back in time to the days of the fur trade, pioneer settlements, and the early 1900s. The park features historic buildings, exhibits, costumed performers, and streetcars.
  • Royal Alberta Museum: A world-class museum that showcases the history, art, culture, and wildlife of Alberta through engaging exhibits and interactive displays.
  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: A UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the history and traditions of the indigenous tribes of the region. The site features an interpretive center, guided tours, and a museum.

Natural Attractions of Northern Alberta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jasper National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts of stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, hot springs, lakes, and wildlife sightings. The park offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, skiing, and snowboarding.
  • Wood Buffalo National Park: The largest national park in Canada, protecting a vast ecosystem of prairies, wetlands, and boreal forests. The park features the world’s largest wild herd of wood bison and the endangered whooping crane.
  • Maligne Lake: A scenic masterpiece located in Jasper National Park, featuring crystal clear waters, glacial peaks, and stunning views. Visitors can take a boat tour, hike, or simply enjoy the serenity of the lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Alberta

Northern Alberta features some of the most picturesque hiking and biking trails in Canada. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Icefields Parkway: A 232-km scenic road that connects Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. The route offers stunning views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and waterfalls.
  • Wilmore Wilderness Park: A vast wilderness area that features over 4,000 km of hiking and horseback trails through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys.
  • Elk Island National Park: A park located near Edmonton that offers scenic hiking trails, camping, and wildlife sightings, including bison, moose, and deer.

Best Things to Do in Northern Alberta: Activities and Tours

Through a mix of culture, history, nature, and adventure, Northern Alberta offers experiences that suit every visitor. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Whitewater Rafting on the Athabasca River: An exhilarating adventure through the rapids of the Athabasca River, taking in stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
  • Horseback Riding in the Wilmore Wilderness: A relaxing way to explore the vast wilderness areas and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and forests at a more leisurely pace.
  • Northern Lights Viewing: Northern Alberta is an ideal location to witness one of nature’s most stunning light shows - the aurora borealis.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Alberta

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for a trip to Northern Alberta:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Edmonton and explore the city
2 Visit Fort Edmonton Park and the Royal Alberta Museum
3 Travel to Jasper National Park, hike to Sunwapta Falls
4 Take a boat tour of Maligne Lake, visit Athabasca Glacier
5 Drive to Wood Buffalo National Park, witness the bison herd
6 Visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, experience indigenous culture
7 Spend the day in Elk Island National Park, watch for northern lights

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Alberta

Northern Alberta boasts of a vibrant food and drink scene, featuring unique culinary experiences, locally sourced ingredients, and craft beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Canadian specialty that consists of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
  • Bison Burger: A leaner, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, featuring bison meat, which is locally sourced.
  • Wild Rice Pilaf: A native dish that features wild rice grown in the region, mixed with vegetables and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Alberta Craft Beer: Northern Alberta’s craft beer scene features a variety of micro-breweries, including Blindman Brewing, Sea Change Brewing, and Troubled Monk Brewing.
  • Dandelion Wine: A unique wine made from the dandelion flowers that grow in the wild in the region.
  • Icewine: A sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine, a specialty of Canadian wineries.

Where to Stay in Northern Alberta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northern Alberta boasts of a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some options:

  • Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: A luxurious resort hotel located in Jasper National Park, offering stunning views, excellent dining options, and world-class amenities.
  • HI Edmonton Hostel: An affordable option for budget travelers, offering dorm-style accommodation and shared facilities in the heart of Edmonton.
  • Teepee Village at Buffalo Rock: A unique experience to stay in a traditional teepee, with campfire and star-gazing experiences, located in Wood Buffalo National Park.

What to Buy in Northern Alberta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Northern Alberta offers a wide range of unique souvenirs and locally made products that make perfect gifts or keepsakes. Here are some suggestions:

  • Indigenous Artifacts: Northern Alberta is home to several indigenous communities that produce beautiful artworks, including beaded jewelry, dream catchers, and native crafts.
  • Maple Syrup: A quintessential Canadian product, maple syrup is a popular souvenir choice for visitors to the region.
  • Wild Salmon: The region’s rivers and lakes produce some of the best wild salmon in the world, which can be bought fresh or smoked as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Alberta

Northern Alberta is home to several indigenous communities, and visitors are encouraged to learn about their culture and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Respect for Indigenous Culture: Visitors are expected to show respect for indigenous culture and traditions, including observing local customs and respecting sacred sites.
  • Albertans Value Nature: Albertans have a deep appreciation for nature and the environment and take pride in preserving it for future generations.
  • Friendly and Welcoming Attitude: Albertans are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude towards visitors.

Best Time to Visit Northern Alberta

The best time to visit Northern Alberta depends on your interests and preferences. Summer (June-August) is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Fall (September-October) features stunning fall foliage and milder temperatures. Winter (November-March) offers opportunities for winter sports and northern lights viewing, while spring (April-May) brings in the bloom of wildflowers and wildlife sightings.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Alberta

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Northern Alberta:

Do:

  • Respect Nature: Northern Alberta is blessed with beautiful scenery and wildlife. Be sure to observe and respect nature and avoid leaving any trash or litter.
  • Observe Wildlife Safely: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and do not feed or disturb them.
  • Try Local Food: Northern Alberta features an array of local delicacies and beverages.
  • Experience Indigenous Culture: Learn about the culture, history, and traditions of the indigenous communities that have lived on the land for thousands of years.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Leave no trace; dispose of all trash and waste responsibly.
  • Harm Wildlife: Do not engage with wildlife in any harmful way.
  • Disrespect Indigenous Culture: Be mindful of the cultural practices and traditions of the indigenous communities you may encounter.
  • Violate Local Laws: Observe local laws and regulations to avoid any legal trouble.

Safety and Health

Northern Alberta is generally safe for travelers. However, visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and health.

Safety in Northern Alberta

  • Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, stay on designated trails, and never feed or disturb the animals.
  • Bear Safety: Carry bear spray and know how to use it in case of an encounter.
  • Driving Safety: Northern Alberta roads can be treacherous during winter months, so it’s essential to take extra precautions while driving in snowy or icy conditions.
  • Water Safety: Always wear a life vest while engaging in water activities and avoid swimming in lakes or rivers with cold water or strong currents.

Health in Northern Alberta

  • Altitude Sickness: Visitors to higher altitudes may experience altitude sickness and should consult a doctor before traveling.
  • Mosquitoes: Northern Alberta is home to mosquitoes, and visitors are advised to carry insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothes to avoid bites.
  • Sun Exposure: The Canadian sun can be intense, and visitors are advised to wear sunscreen and sun hats to avoid sunburns.

Getting to Northern Alberta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Northern Alberta is well connected to the rest of Canada and the world, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Northern Alberta

  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG): The primary airport for Northern Alberta, located in the city of Edmonton.
  • Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM): Located in the city of Fort McMurray, northern Alberta.

Bus Stations Near Northern Alberta

  • Greyhound: Greyhound operates several bus routes to Edmonton and other cities in Northern Alberta.

Other Options

  • Driving: Northern Alberta is accessible by road from other parts of Canada.
  • Rail: VIA Rail operates train services to Edmonton and Jasper.

How to Get Around in Northern Alberta

Northern Alberta is vast, and visitors are advised to have their transportation to explore the region’s attractions. Here are some options:

  • Rental Cars: Rental cars are widely available at airports and cities and offer the freedom to explore at one’s leisure.
  • Public Transportation: Edmonton and other Northern Alberta cities have bus systems, and Calgary Transit provides intercity bus services.
  • Tours: Guided tours are an excellent way to experience Northern Alberta’s attractions and leave the driving to professionals.

Where to Go Next from Northern Alberta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Northern Alberta is an excellent starting point for exploring other destinations in Canada and the US. Here are some suggestions for nearby excursions:

  • Banff National Park, Alberta: A world-famous national park located in the Canadian Rockies, a few hours’ drive south of Jasper.
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA: A natural playground of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, located a day’s drive south of Northern Alberta.
  • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: A charming city located a few hours’ drive from Edmonton, known for its art galleries, parks, and museums.

Conclusion

Northern Alberta is a fascinating region with a mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can explore the best the region has got to offer and enjoy a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Wood Buffalo National Park, Pine Lake Wood Buffalo National Park, Pine Lake Lesser Slave Lake Lesser Slave Lake The Peace River The Peace River Bison in Wood-Buffalo National Park Bison in Wood-Buffalo National Park


    Lakeland
    North Central Alberta
    Peace Country
    Wood Buffalo