Winter Recreation

The Athabasca Region is one of the best winter recreation areas north of Edmonton and south of Ft. McMurray! From extensive snowmobile runs, multiple great fishing lakes,  and groomed cross-country trails, the Athabasca Region offers winter recreation experiences for all skill levels.

You can stay in Athabasca where you are minutes away from most activities, or rent a cabin in one of our Lake communities to launch your winter getaway.

The weather is variable in the Region, so be sure to check on conditions before your trip. Pack for winter activities and remember to layer up!

Snowmobiling

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Athabasca River Runners

There’s no doubt that snowmobiling is popular in the Athabasca region. But did you know that the Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club maintains over 240km of trails plus part of the Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail?

Athabasca is linked to Swan Hills, Flatbush, Smith, and Calling Lake by snowmobile trails. Five rest stops along the way come complete with fire pits, firewood sheds, picnic tables, and washrooms – two also include warm-up cabins. Trails are well-marked with directional, caution, and traffic signs. Their annual family-friendly rally is held in February and is a great introduction to the trails and community.

The River Runners Clubhouse is located just west of Athabasca, which doubles as a staging area to access the trails. There is also a staging area west of Baptiste Lake on Township Road 670.

The River Runners were awarded both the 2013/2014 ASA Outstanding Snowmobile Club Northwest Zone and ASA Excellence Award for Outstanding Snowmobile Club.

For more information on the club or to organize a guided tour, visit their website at www.athabascariverrunners.com.

Map of West County trails (Baptiste Lake area)

Map of Skeleton Lake trails

Map of the route through the Town of Athabasca

 

Other Snowmobile Areas

You can ride your sled in other areas of the Athabasca Region. Be sure to plan ahead and for a safe trip when travelling in wilderness areas.

La Biche River Wildland Provincial Park

Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park

There are also many trails close to Boyle in the Chump Lake/Hope Lake/North Buck Lake area.

Ice Fishing

To book a tour with Ray, contact Reel Angling Adventures.

Ice fishing is a great cure for cabin fever. When the sun is up, and the skies are clear, the region’s many lakes can be a welcome place to take a break with family and friends.

Many people who haven’t tried ice fishing before are surprised at how relaxing it is, even if they don’t catch a thing! And, anglers in the region are great at giving tips to the uninitiated and striking up a conversation.

For the seasoned angler and adventurer, there are many lakes that can only be accessed by snowmobile in the winter. They offer a chance to combine snowmobiling with angling.

For more information about angling visit the My Wild Alberta website.

Cross Country Skiing

A nice area free of crowds, the Muskeg Creek Trails are maintained and groomed for classic and skate skiing trails in the winter. Enjoy 15km of trails, ranging from easy to advanced, right within town limits. Signage at all trail junctions lets you know where you are to help stay the course. If you only have an evening to spare, 1.2km of trails are lighted

The main trailhead is located across from the Landing Trail Intermediate School, accessible from 56th Street. Other access points are from the school grounds and at Athabasca University.

The Athabasca Nordic Ski and Bike Club holds an annual Loppet, open to all.

For more information visit the Athabasca Nordic Ski and Bike Club website.

Snowshoeing

Getting out to the trails is fun on snowshoes! Just another way to experience the amazing trails in the Athabasca Region.

Muskeg Creek

The Muskeg Creek trails are a convenient and sometimes challenging way to experience snowshoeing. The trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, so please stay to the side of the trail.

If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can rent some from the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.