Features(Archives)
Winter Fun in Wood Buffalo
Fort McMurray is a mecca for outdoor adventures and activities, with hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, 4x4ing, showshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and much more. In the summer, enjoy our long hours of daylight and bright sunshine to take advantage of these outdoor activities. In winter months, the Aurora Borealis dazzle visitors from around the world and there is a plethora of fun activities and events to take in. The chilly temperatures don’t get us down, we get out and play!
VISTA RIDGE SKI HILL
Vista Ridge aims to be the best non-mountain winter recreation in Alberta. We have great skiing and snowboarding runs with modern lifts and awesome parks plus a friendly beginner’s area. For non-skiers (or for those who fancy a change) there is an incredible tube park to enjoy. Add to all this a beautiful main lodge, plentiful rental equipment, delicious food and friendly staff and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular!
BIRCHWOOD TRAILS AND OUTDOOR GREEN GYM
The Birchwood Trails are located in the Con Creek valley between Thickwood, Dickensfield, Timberlea, and offer great opportunities for walking, running and cross-country skiing in the winter months. The trails boast some of the best cross-country skiing in the province, with the longest season and great groomed tracks.
OIL SANDS DISCOVERY CENTRE
Whether school’s in session, or not, it’s always a good time to learn! The Oil Sands Discovery Centre is all about public awareness and increasing knowledge about the oil sands, with a special emphasis on fun for the kids! Admission includes demonstrations, films and more. Discover their unique gift shop with oil sands themed gifts and educational toys and more.
MACDONALD ISLAND PARK
MacDonald Island Park is a key gathering place for the city, with its world-class sports, recreation, and entertainment facilities, it’s a must-see when you visit. With so much to explore, don’t miss out on the Aboriginal Interpretive Trail. It’s a walk along the Athabasca River with art installations found throughout. For full details visit www.macdonaldisland.ca
SNOWMOBILING
Northern Alberta is a snowmobiler’s paradise with hundreds of kilometers of trails, cut lines and navigable waterways to explore. Enjoy the groomed and signed trail systems in place courtesy of the McMurray Sno Drifters club, a group of local enthusiasts who have successfully developed and maintain snowmobile trails throughout the region.
FOOD SCENE
There is an abundance of great restaraunts and pubs throughout the city. For a full listing of the restaurants & pubs in the city, pick up a Fort McMurray Food & Entertainment Guide, they’re available around town. Or, the listing is online at www.fortmcmurrayfoodguide.ca.
Fort McMurray Heritage Society Museums
Discover this region’s unique history by visiting the Heritage Shipyard (summer only) and the Heritage Village, now open year-round. Walk through history and explore the stories, buildings and artifacts of those who build our community. Discover their amazing gift shop for gift to take home.
KEYANO THEATRE & THRIVING LOCAL ART SCENE
Keyano Theatre has assembled a loyal and solid foundation of actors, volunteers and audience members through the production of over one hundred musical, dramatic and comedic performances. A culture of creativity manifests throughout the Wood Buffalo region. With dozens of artists living in the area, the community is actively involved in showcasing their works of art through events and programs, as well as in local galleries. To keep up-to-date with the local arts community, find galleries selling locally made works, or book your Arts Tour, visit the Arts Council of Wood Buffalo at www.artscouncil.wb.ca.
NORTHERN LIGHTS VIEWING
The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are mesmerizing, dynamic displays of light that appear in the night time northern skies. There are few sights that equal the magic and mystery of these brilliant waves of color dancing in the cool night air. Bundle up, grab your camera, and prepare to be amazed!
WinterPLAY FESTIVAL
This annual celebration in Wood Buffalo includes a talent show, the Snye Pond Hockey Tournament, WinterPLAYGROUND, fireworks, and more! The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is committed to providing programs and events that celebrate and embrace the magic of winter, and it’s definitely a great event to get you excited for the cold!
Oil Barons Hockey
The Fort McMurray Oil Barons have competed in the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s North Division for almost 40 years. The team is an iconic part of our community’s sporting heritage, and play games mainly on weekends. For the game schedule & tickets, visit www.fortmcmurrayoilbarons.ca
Visit us online at fortmcmurraytourism.com
