Visit the land of unspoiled wilderness, where the great Canadian wilderness can be explored as it was by the first settlers. Whether you travel by foot, on horseback, by canoe or kayak, jet boat, or ATV, the untouched beauty of this region will impress you. Get out your fishing rod, and check out remote lakes and rivers where walleye, trout, pike, and grayling abound. The following communities are worth a stop along the way:

Grande Prairie

If you're a cowboy at heart, you will be right at home in Grande Prairie. Trail riding, calf roping, agricultural shows, farmers markets, and northern outdoor adventure activities will keep you entertained year-round.

This western community in Northern Alberta will have no trouble inspiring the cowboy in you! Check out the largest buffalo ranch in Western Canada, Adam Ranch, located thirty minutes east of Grande Prairie. Relive the western pioneer lifestyle across 18,000 acres of rivers, forest and grassland. Learn about haying, practice calf roping and branding, and enjoy trail rides. Several hiking, trail riding, canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching tour companies in the region are able to show you the back roads and hidden hot spots of Northern Alberta. Visit the Weyerhauser Pulp Mill where a tour guide will show you the log processing and pulp-making processes. Grande Prairie comes alive in the summer months with Agriculture shows, farmers markets, and 'Stompede' in June and July. Stay in a Grande Prairie area accommodation, and try on a cowboy hat for size.

Peace River

Go fishing in the wilderness of the Peace River district. This relatively remote area offers visitors a taste of the real, raw outdoors!

Golf is a hot sport in Northern Alberta and the Peace River area has several courses worth playing. The boreal forests and lakes in the region make for unparalleled fishing and hunting conditions. You can even hunt with a professional guide who will ensure you picturesque and rewarding trip. Jet boat tours across lakes and rivers give you an up close and personal view of otherwise unreachable areas.

Athabasca

A beautifully developed city where the outdoors can be explored through a variety of organized attractions and tours.

Originally a meeting place for First Nations, Metis and European traders, Athabasca is brimming with an exciting history. The Athabasca Landing Trail, running 121 km (75 mi.) from Gibbons to Athabasca, is a major overland route connecting the Athabasca and North Saskatchewan rivers. This route was a major trading route for the Hudson's Bay Company. The Muskeg Creek Trail is perfect if you're looking for some time outdoors, as skiing, hiking, jogging, bird watching, and walking are all popular activities. At the top of the trail is an observation deck where the entire valley can be seen, so bring your camera. Cross-country skiing and hiking trails in the Athabasca area are all groomed and lit, and they are often full of people enjoying the outdoors. Try out the local cuisine at Buffalo J's in Colinton (near Athabasca) where the chef specializes in fine bison cuisine.

Fort McMurray

Known as Alberta's 'Northern Light', Fort McMurray is the perfect spot to admire the stunning Northern Lights. A true community town, Fort Fort McMurray is close to fishing, hiking, canoeing and camping, while still providing all the amenities of a modern city.

Canoe the historic travel and trade routes of the early explorers, and learn about the history of the region first-hand. Fly-in fishing lodges, canoeing, and kayaking are immensely popular tourist activities given the abundance of beautiful lakes and rivers. Request a tour of the Athabasca Oil Sands, a natural reserve known by locals as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". For an interactive learning experience, the Northern Alberta Heritage Trail is a must-see. Travel through an interconnected and organized route of towns with heritage sites depicting the history of Alberta.