Explore Wood Buffalo National Park

Spanning over 45,000 square kilometers across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park is Canada's largest national park. Accessible via the MacKenzie Highway, visitors can rent a car for convenient travel to the park.

Designated as a World Heritage Site, the park features the Peace—Athabasca Delta, salt plains, and diverse ecosystems that support rare wildlife such as wood buffalo and whooping cranes.

Established in 1922 to protect the wood buffalo, the park now hosts a variety of species including moose, black bears, and migratory birds. The Peace—Athabasca Delta serves as a breeding ground for the endangered whooping cranes, while white pelicans are found near the Slave River Rapids.

For more information, visit the official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/nt/woodbuffalo/index.aspx

1. Walk the Salt Plains

Salt plains in Wood Buffalo National Park

Experience the unique salt plains, where hiking trails at Salt Pan Lake and Grosbeak Lake offer stunning views and photo opportunities, especially when red flowering plants bloom against the white salt.

2. Camp and Swim at Pine Lake

Pine Lake's campground, accessible by road, offers rustic sites with amenities like flush toilets and free firewood. Visitors can enjoy the clear blue waters of the sinkholes and a new children's playground. Log cabin rentals are also available.

3. Canoe the Lakes and River

Canoeing options range from tranquil paddles on Pine Lake to extensive trips on the Slave, Athabasca, and Peace Rivers. The park offers wilderness canoeing experiences, with permits available from the Fort Smith park office.

4. Hit the Hiking Trails

Nine hiking trails traverse the park's diverse landscapes, offering chances to see wildlife and unique geological features.

5. Go Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers can tackle the trails, including the popular Pine Lake to Lane Lakes trail, which offers a mix of terrain suitable for experienced riders.

6. Visit Fort Smith

Fort Smith, the park's headquarters, is a multicultural community with a rich history. The Northern Life Museum and an Aboriginal Cultural Centre showcase the region's heritage.