Things To Do
in Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray is a vibrant city located in northeastern Alberta, known for being the heart of Canada's oil sands industry. It is surrounded by stunning boreal forests and offers numerous outdoor recreational activities year-round. The city experienced a devastating wildfire in 2016 that caused widespread destruction but has since seen significant rebuilding efforts.
Fort McMurray is a diverse community with a strong sense of resilience and camaraderie among its residents.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Fort McMurray Heritage Park, where you can explore the history of the region. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverfront pathways.
Head to the Oil Sands Discovery Centre to learn about the energy industry that defines the area. Interactive exhibits make it a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Wind down your day by dining at a local restaurant where you can savor Canadian cuisine. Take a scenic walk along the Athabasca River after dinner.
Get an early start on your adventure by hiking the Birchwood Trail. The beautiful scenery and wildlife will invigorate your day.
Pack a picnic and head to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park for a relaxing afternoon. You can swim, fish, or just soak up the sun.
Return to town and enjoy a campfire or outdoor evening at the park. Appreciate the stars and the sounds of nature around you.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong economy driven by the oil sands industry
- Diverse job opportunities and high earning potential
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing
- Community spirit with various cultural and recreational events
- Investment in infrastructure and public services
- High cost of living, particularly housing prices
- Environmental concerns related to oil extraction and pollution
- Harsh winter climate with long, cold months
- Limited amenities and entertainment options compared to larger cities
- Potential for economic instability due to dependence on oil industry
Best Activities in Fort McMurray
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the local history and culture at the Fort McMurray Heritage Society, which offers guided tours and exhibits showcasing the region's past.
Visit the stunning Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography amidst the unique landscape.
Take a leisurely stroll or engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing along the scenic Birchwood Trails, which offer beautiful natural surroundings.
Places to Visit in Fort McMurray
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Athabasca River valley and the surrounding boreal forest.
Provides beautiful views of the Clearwater and Athabasca Rivers converging, as well as the cityscape of Fort McMurray.
Offers a unique vantage point for capturing photos of the city and the confluence of the Clearwater and Athabasca Rivers.
Food in Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local delight, the bison burger offers a unique taste of the Canadian prairies. Head to Buffalo Heart for a mouthwatering bison burger experience.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the flavors of the region with a slice of wildberry pie. Try this quintessential Canadian dessert at The Stonebridge Hotel.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience the local food scene at the Fort McMurray Farmers' Market, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Fort McMurray, it is important to show respect for the local Indigenous communities, their culture, and traditions.
Due to the region's association with the oil industry, it is important to demonstrate sensitivity to environmental concerns and ecological balance.
Engaging with the local community and participating in events and initiatives is highly valued in Fort McMurray.
Safety
Tipping in Fort McMurray
Ensure a smooth experience
In Fort McMurray, Canada, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, hotels, and for other services such as taxi rides and hair salons. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill, but it may vary based on the quality of service provided.
Fort McMurray, like the rest of Canada, primarily uses cash, debit/credit cards, and electronic payment methods for transactions. It's common for businesses to accept major credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or establishments that may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Fort McMurray, Canada is a great time to visit as the temperature starts to warm up and the snow begins to melt. The region comes alive with budding trees and blossoming flowers, and outdoor activities such as hiking and bird-watching become popular.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Fort McMurray. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The longer daylight hours also provide ample time to explore the natural beauty of the area.
In the fall, Fort McMurray's landscapes are transformed into a stunning display of vibrant autumn colors. The cooler weather makes it a great time for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage. Visitors can also experience local fall festivals and events.
Winter in Fort McMurray brings a wonderland of snow and outdoor recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. The region's winter festivals and holiday events add to the festive atmosphere.
Fort McMurray at Night
Hiking in Fort McMurray
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park just south of Fort McMurray, featuring various trails around the lake, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying picnics.
A network of multi-use trails located within the Birchwood Trails Recreation Area, offering scenic views and a variety of trail options for hikers of all levels.
Trails available during the off-season of golf, suitable for hiking with added scenic views of the golf course and surrounding landscape.
An established trail that offers a peaceful hiking experience through wooded areas and along the river, perfect for a leisurely walk or a family outing.
A provincial park offering more than just great fishing; it also features trails that allow you to explore the stunning natural beauty surrounding Peter Pond.
Aiports
How to reach Fort McMurray by plane.
The main airport serving Fort McMurray, providing regular domestic flights and limited international service.
The largest airport in Alberta, located approximately 450 km south of Fort McMurray, offering extensive domestic and international flights.
Located about 700 km south of Fort McMurray, this is another major airport in Alberta with a wide range of international connections.
Located about 300 km west of Fort McMurray, providing regional services and limited connections to larger hubs.
Situated approximately 250 km southeast of Fort McMurray, this airport serves the Lloydminster region with regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, Indigenous peoples make up a significant portion of the demographic landscape in Fort McMurray.
The largest ethnic group in Fort McMurray, predominantly of European descent, including those with British and Irish ancestry.
This group includes individuals of East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent, contributing to the cultural diversity.
This demographic includes individuals of African descent, adding to the multicultural fabric of the city.
A smaller but notable demographic, consisting of individuals from various Latin American countries.
This category includes individuals from a variety of other ethnicities and backgrounds, contributing to the diversity of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a very popular sport in Fort McMurray, with several local teams and a strong community support for the sport.
Football enjoys popularity at both amateur and youth levels, with local leagues and schools participating in various competitions.
Soccer has a significant following in Fort McMurray, with youth leagues and clubs allowing children and adults to engage in the sport.
Lacrosse is practiced widely in Fort McMurray, with local teams actively participating in provincial leagues.
Curling is a popular recreational sport during winter months, with many community members participating in club leagues.
Running events and community runs are common in Fort McMurray, promoting fitness and community engagement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fort McMurray.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Fort McMurray offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options ranging from plant-based burgers to hearty salads. Check out Wood Buffalo Brewing Co. for delectable vegetarian and vegan selections.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can dine worry-free at establishments like Asti Trattoria Italiana, where gluten-free pasta and other delectable options are readily available.