© John David McKinnon
Wood Buffalo National Park
Which trails are open in Wood Buffalo National Park
Please check for up to date information on trails impacted by the 2023 Wood Buffalo Wildfires
Fires and closures may affect your visit
For the most up-to-date fire information including a list of open and closed areas:
- There are active fires
- Fire-related area closures remain in place from 2023 fires due to remaining hazards
- Respect all area closures
- Visit the Fort Smith Visitor Centre, or contact us by email at woodbuffaloinfo-infowoodbuffalo@pc.gc.ca or phone at 867-872-7960
Using recreational drones in Wood Buffalo National Park is prohibited. Operating a drone within park boundaries may face law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000.
Spanning the Alberta-Northwest Territories border, the largest national park in Canada protects a large swath of the Northern Boreal Plains ecosystem, the largest herds of wood bison in the world, vital whooping crane habitat, extraordinary examples of karst and caves, and the Peace-Athabasca Delta. This is the traditional territory of the Dene, Cree, and Métis and is home to many spectacular species, including whooping cranes, bison, wolves, and more.
Discover the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve
The sky gets plenty dark in the North through fall, winter and spring until, that is, the Milky Way spills across the sky like a starry river. If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights will light up the night sky.
Road Conditions
Travellers should pay attention to the weather forecast and current conditions and be prepared for unexpected challenges.
Important bulletins: WBNP
Make sure you are fully prepared for whatever activities you choose to participate in so you can have a safe, enjoyable and memorable visit.
Visiting Wood Buffalo National Park
Activities and experiences
Things to do, places to visit, trails, experiences and red chairs.
Plan your visit
How to get here, weather, accessibility, gift shop and fees.
Safety and guidelines
Important bulletins, backcountry travel, AdventureSmart and winter safety.
Camping
Frontcountry camping, group camp and backcountry camping
Road conditions
Find current road conditions in the park.
How to get here
Information about getting to Wood Buffalo.
About Wood Buffalo National Park
Science and conservation
Plants, animals, waterways, wildfire management, research and conservation projects.
Culture and history
Cultural history, natural heritage and history.
Wood Buffalo National Park Action Plan
Action Plan, ongoing work and Indigenous and stakeholder engagement.
Stewardship and management
Jobs, management plans, permits and contact information.
Contact us
Fort Smith main office: visitor centre
Phone: 867-872-7960
24 h hotline: 867-872-7962
Fort Chipewyan satellite office:
Phone: 780-697-3662
Fax: 780-697-3560
Hours of operation
Wood Buffalo National Park Visitor Centre
Winter Season Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm
Closed for lunch 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Social
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