Coming Soon!
Spring is here, so it’s time to start planning your camping trips for 2024! If you’re looking to experience a Boreal getaway, take a look at the Athabasca Region!
The Athabasca Region is rich in camping opportunities for all tastes and skill sets. From fully serviced provincial campgrounds to RV parks to backcountry wilderness, you will find a special place to camp! There are more campgrounds than there are weekends in the summer!
Most camping opportunities now have online booking, so click the provided links to secure your spot. Most Athabasca Region campgrounds are open until the end of September, so take advantage of the amazing fall colours and generally mild weather.
When camping in the Athabasca Region, be sure to note weather conditions and fire bans and always have bear smart food storage. If you are using a watercraft, please clean it before and after use to prevent the spread of invasive species. If you use an ATV remember to keep your wheels out of water and stay on designated trails.
Long Lake Provincial Park
Provincial campgrounds in the Athabasca region vary in size and amenities. All have lake access, except Poacher’s Landing, which provides access to the Athabasca River. While most have water available, please bring potable drinking water. Some sites sell firewood.
The Region’s provincial parks are from 1.75 to 2.5 hours from Edmonton and 2.5 to 3 hours from Ft. McMurray.
Chain Lakes Provincial Recreation Area
Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation Area
North Buck Lake Provincial Park
Poacher’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area
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Jackfish Lake Campground
Athabasca County manages 9 campgrounds throughout the region. Set in the Boreal forest, all are on lakes and have access to the water. Some are as small as 3 campsites with basic amenities, while Forfar Recreation Park has 72 sites and more amenities. All County sites can be reserved online. Firewood is available at some sites, and others close by. Get supplies in Boyle or Athabasca, and take in one of the many events happening throughout the spring, summer and fall camping seasons.
There are seasonal sites available at Hope Lake and Forfar Recreational Area. Fill out an application before Jan 31st of the upcoming camping year and pay a non-refundable $50 fee to apply. You can find more information and the application at the County website: athabascacounty.com/seasonal-camping
Athabasca County campgrounds are around 2 to 2.5 hours from Edmonton and 3 to 3.5 hours from Ft. McMurray.
River Meadows RV Park
Mostly catering to seasonal RV campers, the Athabasca Region has several private campgrounds. Some are adjacent to other recreational offerings including golf, disc golf (fling and footgolf, too), hiking, water access, and more. Some of these private operators offer online booking on their websites. Be sure to check the links for more information and rates.
Corrigal Lake (Round Lake) Campground
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Left – Rocky Lane Fairways & Recreation | Right – Riverbank Golf & RV Park
Rocky Lane Fairways & Recreation
South Baptiste Cabins, RV & Camping
If you’re looking for your next great adventure, check out the backcountry camping in the Athabasca Regions wilderness areas! Experience the boreal forest up close and personal in some untouched forest areas.
These areas have limited amenities and are set in boreal forest areas including wetlands, small lakes and wildlife. Some areas may have limited cell coverage. Use caution during hunting and fire seasons. Many trails are ATV-friendly, but please stay on the provided trails to preserve our amazing forested areas.
George’s Point Walk-in/Boat-in Tenting
Blueberry Hill RV Park
Sani-Dumps
Blueberry Hill, Forfar, Long Lake Provincial Park and Cross Lake Provincial Park have sani-dumps. Most private and provincial sites are for guest use only. Contact your host for details.
Public access:
Fishing Licences
Fire Bans
Please check here for current fire ban alerts.
Purchase Firewood
You can purchase firewood in multiple places in the County or Athabasca. Click here for listings. Many local gas stations and hardware stores sell bundled firewood.
Whether you choose to RV or hike into the wilderness, you’ll experience the Boreal forest, lakes, rivers, wildlife and people of the region at their finest! You’ll want to return for your next camping getaway, and bring your friends too!
To make sure you enjoy your trip to the maximum, be sure to bring appropriate gear and supplies, make a plan and plan to have fun. If you have any questions about camping in the Athabasca Region, email ted@athabascacounty.com
Share your Athabasca Region camping experience on social media using the hashtags #LiveLifeOutside and #VisitTheAthabascaRegion.
While the days are getting cooler and leaves have changed their colour, not everything in the Athabasca Region is getting ready to tuck in for winter! Our Fall events schedule is heating up and getting ready to rock!
Take a look at some of our feature events coming up in October and November! And be sure to check our Events Calendar to see any updates.
The Heartwood Folk Club is a staple of Athabasca’s arts & culture scene. They present a seasonal series of amazing musicians from around Alberta, Canada and the world!
Performances happen in the fantastic Nancy Appleby Theatre, an intimate setting with a retro feel and great lighting and sound!
Make it a date-night-getaway and enjoy 10% off your meal at both Johnny’s Eatery or 49th Street Grill. Just show your server your ticket to the show!
Get more details here about the Heartwood Folk Club and their Fall 2023 Concert Series and how to buy tickets.
“Spice up your night with the delightful sounds of Tina Hartt singing a coquette-ish mixture of originals, jazz standards and French chansons with a playful retro Parisienne cafe twist. Intimate, rhythmic and fearless – fully expect a toe-tapping soirée along with some downright pleasant surprises!
From Montreal but now living in Calgary. Tina has sung in a gamut of musical ensembles: “Cowtown Opera” (Calgary), Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the 18-piece GTA Swing Band (Toronto), acapella jazz quartet “Tongues ‘n Groove”(Toronto), “Tina Hartt Quintet” (Toronto), and the rock bands “Rebel Hartt’s” and “Papa So Mean” (Montreal).”
“Acclaimed raconteur Ray Bonneville strips his bluesy Americana down to its essentials and steeps it in the humid grooves of the South, creating a compelling poetry of hard living and deep feeling. His ninth release, At King Electric, delivers more than his trademark grit and groove. Songs such as “The Next Card to Fall” and “Codeine” gleam with intimate narratives of characters reaching for hope and wrestling with despair. Rich guitar and harmonica lines resonate over spare but spunky rhythms, while Bonneville’s deep, evocative voice confesses life’s harsh realities.”
“Jake Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Saskatchewan, Canada. His traditional sound and unique style could be defined as a blend of Bluegrass and 50’s Rockabilly, with Jake also specializing on guitar and banjo in addition to his impressive vocals.
Jake strives to write and play with a focus on storytelling and messages that he hopes his audience can relate to, all packaged in foot-stomping, high-energy performances with The Sturgeon River Boys.”
“Crystal Plamondon hails from Plamondon, a town in Northern Alberta founded by her Franco-American great-grandfather in 1908. Crystal is a talented bilingual singer/songwriter/performer with a 35-year track record of consistently delivering passionate concerts that cover an emotional range from heart-warming ballads; as she demonstrates in her sixth studio album “TORCH” realizing a dream to sing Jazz classics; to her rockin’ country, cajun, roots style. Crystal never fails to connect with her audience because of her warmth, wit and report! Crystal has toured extensively in live music venues, theatres, and festivals throughout North America and Europe.”
Learn more about Crystal here.
Visit the lovely Village of Boyle the Thursday before Thanksgiving, October 5, from 12 pm to 3 pm, to stock up on treats, veggies and unique handicrafts for your holiday festivities!
If you’re heading from Fort McMurray to Edmonton (or vice versa), leave early so you can visit this great, accredited Farmers’ Market!
The market is held at the Boyle Community Center in Downtown Boyle. There is good parking on the street. Google map link to Community Centre.
You know summer is coming to a close, 🙁 , when the Athabasca Farmers’ Market moves to its indoor venue at the Athabasca Multiplex! But don’t be too sad, because you can still get all the amazing food, treats, crafts and more from the region’s market vendors. Same local products, cozy indoor setting.
Grab a snack and then head over to Muskeg Creek Trails for a gorgeous hike afterwards.
Upcoming dates: October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 2, 9, 16
Check out their Facebook or Instagram profiles for more info!
Are you ready to rumble? Get your pro-wrestling fix at the Monster Pro Wrestling: Rise Up! Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at the Rotary Fieldhouse at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
Doors Open: 6:00PM
Show Time: 7:00PM
Tickets:
$25 Each Advanced (Contact any MPW wrestler/staff member or contact mpwrestlingevents@gmail.com)
$30 Each At The Door
“One Book, One Community (OBOC) is an event in Athabasca designed to encourage people to all read the same book and then come together to discuss it and participate in a program of related events. One Book, One Community-Athabasca supports reading, celebrates books and writing, promotes Canadian authors, and builds a sense of community through the shared experience of reading. OBOC is run by the One Book, One Community Committee which consists of local book club members, library staff, and members of community betterment groups.”
Join the Athabasca community in learning more about the refugee experience with the immersive events the One Book, One Community program hosts.
The book for the One Book, One Community program this year is Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung.
Join members of the community and the OBOC committee to discuss this award-winning account of two people’s refugee stories.
2 – 4 pm, Athabasca Seniors Center. Lots of great parking. Map to the Centre here.
Meet Author Winnie Yeung as she chats about the book she co-authored: Homes: A Refugee Story.
Then enjoy a screening of the award-winning film, Peace By Chocolate, the award-winning film about Syrian refugees who build a life in Nova Scotia one delicious piece of chocolate at a time. Based on a true story.
Both events at the Nancy Appleby Theatre. The chat begins at 5:30 pm and the film at 7 pm.
Get your tastebuds ready for a tour through Athabasca’s multi-cultured community! Community members will be cooking up traditional and cultural treats to share! Grab some bite-size nibbles from around the world and learn more about what makes Athabasca and the region a truly multicultural community!
By donation at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex from 11 am to 1pm.
Rock out at Neighbours Pub with local talent Fall Into Place! These local rockers will be bringing the tunes and Neighbours will be serving up delicious food and beverages! Come out and support local live music!
Wear a costume (celebrate Halloween early!) to win prizes! The band starts at 9 pm. No minors.
Check out Fall Into Place here.
‘Tis the Season: Moonlight Madness & Market – November 24 & 25Kick off the holiday season with the Moonlight Madness Festival and Market! There will be a parade, a market at the Multiplex and more.
Stay tuned for details!
With so many fun, entertaining and sometimes thought-provoking events coming up in the Athabasca region, why not plan a weekend or long weekend getaway? There are some perfect date nights, so get out of the city with your S.O. or friends and experience the arts & culture scene of the Athabasca Region!
Get information about upcoming events, dining, accommodations and more at visitathabasca.ca!
If you love thrifting and finding unique gifts and homeware, yummy coffee and treats, and delicious brunches and lunches, Athabasca has an afternoon of fun for you!
Downtown Athabasca is perfectly set up for an awesome “Thrift & Finds Crawl”. If you don’t know what a “thrift crawl” is, think pub crawl but with second-hand shopping! And here in Athabasca, you can visit some unique retailers along the way, too.
For this order of stops, you could park at the Riverfront, but there are other parking options where you could start your crawl. There’s parking on 51st Street and you could loop around from there.
Wear walking shoes, this crawl is about 3 km long. The Town of Athabasca is built on the Athabasca River Valley, so there are some hills. There are a lot of places for refreshments along the way if you need a break.
If you are looking for more thrift & finds opportunities, there are a few to drive to. You’ll never know what you’ll find, so it’s worth it.
Starting from the Athabasca Riverfront Park, walk south (away from the river) on 49th Street. About halfway up the block, you’ll come to the first stop.
Paddymelon Gifts, Espresso & Eatery is a great place to start your crawl. Fuel up on one of their espresso drinks and an in-house baked treat, or a breakfast wrap! They have a daily lunch special and other delicious meal items.
Paddymelon isn’t just on the list as a fuel stop, but as a place to find unique home decor, candles, scarves, Canadian-made jewelry, baby gifts, books, and more!
www.facebook.com/PaddymelonGifts
Just a couple of doors down from Paddymelon is A Little Bit of Everything
A Little Bit of Everything is exactly that: some used, some new, some food, some clothing, some arts & crafts! They are a local favourite, always bringing in new and exciting items and crafts.
From A Little bit of Everything, continue walking south (back past Paddymelon) to the corner, turn right and walk over to 50th St. Turn right and walk down the east side of the block until you come to Ella & Birch. You can’t miss it… they always have an amazing window display.
Ella & Birch Collective is a boutique with a collection of clothing, accessories, soap and spa products made and designed by women in Canada! Comfy well-made clothing, handmade soap (the store smells amazing), lovely jewelry and more.
After leaving Ella & Birch, continue down the block (north) about 3 buildings down. There you will find Bubel’s department store.
Bubel’s is a family-owned and operated department store that harkens to the past. It carries clothing and footwear for the whole family! They also carry a unique selection of swimwear, toys, games, models, movies, CDs and vinyl records.
From Bubel’s, continue walking towards the river. When you get to the corner you’ll see a newer building kitty corner. That’s where you’ll find Glas Floral Studio.
“Glas offers unique home decor curated from designers throughout Canada and the United States. Our preference lies with local, woman-owned companies and items with a story, quality of material and eco-friendly practices.”
Glas always has interesting and inspiring finds of all kinds. Their flower art is one of a kind, too.
From a Glas Floral, you could walk to the Train Station. On the west side of the station is a walkway that leads to the Rotary Trail which follows the river. Walk west (away from downtown) on the Rotary Trail until it swings up and meets the highway again. Cross the highway there and you’ll see Rhi-Defined New & Used.
Rhi-Defined is a classic thrift store with a mix of furniture, household goods and clothing. They also have new jewelry, collectables and more.
From Rhi-Defined, walk along the highway back towards Downtown until you get to 53 ST. Turn right and the second building up is the ANFC.
At the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre, you can get 2 shopping experiences in one! Upstairs is their Gift Shop which has a beautiful selection of Indigenous-made gifts, jewellery and arts. Downstairs you’ll find Riddle, their second-hand store. Tons of clothing, household goods and more are available.
If you do the crawl on a Friday, they will sometimes be serving delicious homemade soup and bannock. Also a local favourite!
When you exit the Friendship Centre, head back down to the highway. Continue east (towards downtown) until 51st ST. Turn right and go up the block about 5 buildings. You’ll find Lolly Pop Thrift Shop there.
Lolly Pop Thrift Shop has a great selection of used housewares, clothing and more. They pride themselves on having a neat and tidy space for you to do your best thrifting! Another family-owned business that delivers great service.
And finally, to your last stop, Flowers by Christina. Head back down to the highway from Lolly Pop and walk back to the main street (50th ST). Turn right and head to halfway up the block to find Flowers by Christina.
Flowers by Christina has a beautiful assortment of gifts and flowers for any budget. Home decor, food items and more, plus their gorgeous flowers.
If you’re getting tired from carrying your haul, no worries, there are plenty of places for snacks, drinks and meals along your route. From convenience stores, fast food, food trucks, Chinese food, family dining and pubs, Downtown Athabasca has it!
Get something to go and enjoy it at the Riverfront Park. There are picnic tables and seating with river views for your convenience.
Take a look at our website listings for more info on where to eat/drink: www.visitathabasca.ca
“Welcome to Country Bliss! We are very excited to share some wonderful decor! Whether you’re searching for a piece of character to fill that special area of your home or need a heartwarming gift for your loved ones…..we have it!!”
Second Time Round has an amazing selection of thrift items, from clothing, household goods, furniture and more.
Remember, small towns have some of the best thrift items around!
If you are looking for a day trip out of the city, or want to spend some time before an event in Athabasca, be sure to take on the Downtown Thrift & Finds Crawl. You’ll be sure to find some items that won’t be found anywhere else!
For more information about retail stores in the Athabasca Region, check out our website: www.visitathabasca.ca/things-to-do/shopping/stores-boutiques
Are you looking to combine a getaway with a great round of golf (or two)? Look no further than the Athabasca Region!
We have some amazing choices that pair scenic and sometimes challenging courses set in the Boreal, with camping, vacation rentals or in-town accommodations. Check it out!
Main photo courtesy of Athabasca Golf & Country Club
The Athabasca Golf & Country Club is located just north of the Town of Athabasca. It is nestled in the Boreal forest along the banks of the Athabasca River. It is considered one of the premiere courses in Northern Alberta and challenges the most experienced players.
Athabasca Golf and Country Club was originally a nine hole layout designed in 1963. The course was expanded to a full eighteen holes in 1995 by Sid Puddicombe. Now with a recent $1.8 million renovation (also by Puddicombe) it boasts the 4th most difficult challenges in all of Canada. This beautiful course has much to offer even the most experienced golfer. During your round you may encounter a variety of wildlife including fox, moose, deer or even the occasional bear. Come test your skill and enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Alberta. – AGCC website.
The AGCC is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year! To celebrate they are hosting a 60th Anniversary Championship Tournament on September 10, 2023. If you haven’t experienced the area in the fall, this would be a fantastic way to soak in the usually warm and dry weather and the fall colours.
They also host multiple themed tournaments and special events, including the upcoming Road to Hope fundraiser on September 7, 2023.
The clubhouse is home to their Pro Shop and the Fox Den Restaurant. The pro shop offers all the clothing and equipment you will need for a successful round. Please note that the club does have a dress code of preferred golf attire and footwear.
The Fox Den serves up a mean burger (veggie choice available, too), fish and chips, salads and delicious craft beers. They boast a gorgeous patio to enjoy your meal and the view after your round.
If you are looking for camping accommodations, the Blueberry Hill RV park is just across from the clubhouse. They also manage the Lions Campground, which serves as their overflow. About 10 minutes away is the scenic River Meadows RV Park, situated right on the river. If you want to rough it a bit, check out the Riverside Recreation Area about 10 minutes away.
If you are looking for a hotel/motel or AirBnB, Athabasca has many choices. Check out our “Stay” section for details.
The AGCC has partnered with the Tawatinaw Valley Retreat Bed & Breakfast for a Stay and Play Package! The Tawatinaw Valley Retreat is about 40 minutes from Athabasca and is set in the gorgeous Tawatinaw River valley. After you are finished golfing, take in the view of the lake at the end of the dock or go on a stroll. It’s a peaceful place away from everything! Check out their website for details on the package.
Contact Information
Website: https://athabascagolf.ca/
Phone: 780-675-4599
Email: info@athagolf.com
Photo courtesy of Athabasca Golf & Country Cub
Rocky Lane Fairways & Recreation offers fantastic, family-friendly recreation for all skill levels. And if you aren’t a golfer, they have something for you, too!
Located about 10 minutes south of the Town of Athabasca, just off Hwy 2, Rocky Lane has a 9-hole par 3 course, disc golf, soccer golf, fling golf and a golf simulator. It is a gorgeous course with water features and lots of lush landscaping. The really cool thing is that the course has been designed so that your crew can golf, throw discs or fling balls together, all at the same time!
Rocky Lane has a 10-stall campground as well, so you can camp & play without having to leave the site. Each stall has a picnic table and fire pit. You can purchase firewood for your evening s’mores, too.
If you’re looking for a space for an event like a wedding or family gathering, Rocky Lane can accommodate you. They have tables and chairs, a sound system, event tents and more.
Contact Information
Website: https://rockylanefairways.wixsite.com/recreation
Phone: 780-327-9671
Email: rockylanefairways@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Rocky Lane Fairways & Recreation
Skeleton Lake Golf and Country Club is located in the Summer Village of Bondiss, about 8 km east of the Village of Boyle, with access off Hwy 663. This is a scenic 9-hole course that is as fun as it is challenging.
Their clubhouse has a licensed restaurant and lounge and their pro shop features great golf merchandise along with cart and club rentals.
If you are wanting to stay overnight, Shoreline Camping and Fishing Resort is located just on the other side of the bay. There is a gorgeous lakefront AirBnB cabin in Bondis as well.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.skeletonlakegolfandcountryclub.com/
Phone: 780-689-2455
Email: slgolf@mcsnet.ca
Photo courtesy of Skeleton Lake Golf and Country Club
Also not too far from Boyle, about 12 km south, is Northern Ridge Golf & RV Resort.
This is another scenic 9-hole course set in the Boreal forest. They have a licensed clubhouse with a deck that overlooks Hole 5.
They have over 30 fully serviced campsites and a few that have power only.
Located close to a paintball course and Long Lake Provincial Park, which offers camping and lake access, this site makes for a getaway with lots to do!
Contact Information
Website: https://www.northernridgegolf.ca/index.html
Phone: 780-576-3939
Email: information@northernridgegolf.ca
Photo courtesy of Northern Ridge Golf and RV Resort
Last but not least, at the far northern end of the region, you’ll find Riverbank Golf & RV Park
This hidden gem is nestled along the Wandering River about 1 hour north of Athabasca and 2 hours south of Fort McMurray. This 9-hole course is a Par 36 regulation course that will challenge you while you soak up the Boreal forest setting.
They host a number of tournaments over the season, with the next public one set for August 26th
Riverbank has a licensed restaurant with a full-service menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner selections.
They also have a 50-unit RV park:
Riverbank RV Park has 50 fully serviced RV sites that are 50 feet wide by 60 to 100 feet long. Unlike many RV Parks in the area, which are built in the middle of an open field, our sites either back onto the river or have beautiful views over the river and golf course. Come and have a look for yourself to compare to the other parks! Power, fresh water and no hassle sewer make the difference in a scenic river valley setting. – Riverbank website.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.riverbankgolfandrv.com/home.html
Phone: 780-771-2582
Email: riverbankgolfandrv@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Riverbank Golf and RV Park
Whether you are looking for a day trip round or a week of golf and sun, the Athabasca Region has multiple choices for a great golf & stay getaway. Be sure to try them all!