Fort McMurray might not top the average Albertan’s travel bucket list—but maybe it should. Tucked along the Athabasca River in Alberta’s boreal north, this resilient and quietly beautiful community offers a surprising mix of riverside trails, fascinating museums, local eats, and (if you’re lucky) a chance to spot the northern lights—all within a weekend’s reach from central and northern Alberta.
Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Fort McMurray for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path escape.
Day One: Parks, Pathways & Discovery
Morning: Borealis Park & Riverfront Trails
Start your day in downtown Fort McMurray with a walk through Borealis Park and the Birchwood Trail System, a network of paved and natural paths running along the river and through town. Stop at Snye Point Park to catch the views where the Clearwater and Athabasca Rivers meet.
Local tip: Grab a coffee and baked treat from Mitchell’s Café, a go-to spot for locals and visiting teams alike.
Lunch: Downtown Fort Mac Favourites
Looking for something casual and flavourful? Try one of these:
- Mitchell’s Café – Their turkey cranberry sandwich is a local legend.
- Nishiki Japanese Cuisine – Sushi, bento boxes, and ramen.
Afternoon: Oil Sands Discovery Centre
Spend your afternoon diving into Alberta’s industrial and geological backbone at the Oil Sands Discovery Centre. Whether you’re fascinated or just curious about the region’s role in energy, this museum offers a balanced, hands-on look at how oil sands are mined, processed, and managed.
- Massive mining equipment outdoors
- Interactive exhibits indoors
- Open year-round
Details: Oil Sands Discovery Centre
Evening: Northern Lights & Night Skies
Spring is one of the best seasons to catch the aurora—you just have to stay up a little later.
Top spots for aurora watching:
- Abasand Lookout – Great open views facing north
- Birchwood Trails – Peaceful and dark after dusk
- Your hotel parking lot – Sometimes, that’s all you need this far north
Check real-time activity at AuroraWatch.ca.
Day Two: Forest Trails, Recreation & Local Flavour
Morning: Birchwood Trails or MacDonald Island Park
Stretch your legs with a walk or bike ride through the Birchwood Trails, a sprawling network of over 130 km of forested paths. In spring, these trails come alive with birdsong and the first buds of the season.
Prefer something indoors? Head to MacDonald Island Park, Canada’s largest community rec centre, for swimming, gym time, or art gallery browsing.
Lunch: The Banquet Bar
For a family-friendly lunch that balances comfort food with fun, head to The Banquet Bar. It’s got arcade games, a bowling alley, and a casual menu that covers burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates. Great option if you’re travelling with kids—or just feel like playing skee-ball after your meal.
More info: The Banquet Fort McMurray
Afternoon: Heritage Village (a.k.a. The Shipyard)
Wrap up your visit with a stop at the Heritage Shipyard on the Clearwater River. This open-air museum is home to restored riverboats and historical buildings that tell the story of Fort McMurray’s early days. It’s walkable, informative, and a great way to wind down before the drive home.
Note: Opens seasonally—check listings before you go.
Where to Stay
Fort McMurray has a good range of accommodations depending on your travel style:
- Podollan Inn – Locally owned, full-service hotel with a highly rated restaurant.
- Radisson Hotel & Suites – Great central option with clean, comfortable rooms.
- Airbnb – More options popping up for families and longer stays.
Why Fort McMurray Is Worth the Drive
- The aurora borealis is real—and visible here even in spring.
- The trail system is excellent and surprisingly quiet.
- It offers a unique mix of nature, history, and industry—with a deeply local character.
- You won’t be sharing it with the rest of Alberta.
.
Whether you’re looking for a new place to explore or a destination that feels way off the regular tourist path, Fort McMurray is a northern Alberta escape that delivers more than expected.
Upcoming Events in Fort McMurray
Hues for Humanity – June 7, 2025
Join the 10th annual Hues for Humanity 5K Fun Run on Saturday, June 7th, starting at 9:30 AM from the Doug Barnes Cabin. Participants will enjoy a vibrant run through the Birchwood Trails, complete with color stations, music, and prizes. Proceeds support Real Humanitarian’s educational programs for at-risk children.
Hello Summer Music Festival – July 5–6, 2025
Experience Fort McMurray’s newest two-day music festival at SMS Equipment Stadium in MacDonald Island Park. The festival kicks off at 4:30 PM each day, featuring live music, food, and fun activities. MacDonald Island Park
Fort McMurray Spring Fair – June 12–16, 2025
Enjoy classic fair rides, games, and food at the Fort McMurray Spring Fair, held at MacDonald Island Park. The fair operates from 3 PM to 11 PM on June 12, 12 PM to 11 PM on June 13–15, and 12 PM to 5 PM on June 16. West Coast Amusements
Wood Buffalo Pride Fair – June 28, 2025
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at the Wood Buffalo Pride Fair on Saturday, June 28th, at the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard. The event features live performances, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Birdies Fore Business Golf Tournament – June 26, 2025
Participate in the Birdies Fore Business Golf Tournament at the Fort McMurray Golf Club on Thursday, June 26th. Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Been to Fort Mac lately? Let us know what you saw, where you stayed, and what surprised you the most. We love hearing about real Alberta road trips from real travellers. 
