Venture further
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo: Alberta’s wild north
Spanning vast boreal forests, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo rewards travellers seeking the true spirit of adventure. The region is home to Wood Buffalo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting the world’s largest wood bison herds. Visitors can paddle down historic rivers and enjoy some of the world’s best views of the northern lights. Twelve Indigenous communities share rich traditions within this awe-inspiring northern gateway.
Developing year-round adventure and premium eco-lodging, plus supporting the growth of Indigenous-led tourism experiences, will unlock the zone's immense potential. This wild frontier is ready to become a premier global destination for authentic wilderness discovery.
At a glance
Location: Northeastern Alberta
Key community: Fort McMurray
Projectedvisitor spend: $334M by 2035*
GDP: $249M by 2035*
Jobs: 1,630 by 2035*
*With investment
Resident sentiment toward tourism is developing
68% of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo residents say that tourism is important to the local community.
High demand for key activities
Highly engaged international travellers are already planning trips to Alberta—but Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo needs more winter adventure, authentic Indigenous experiences, premium northern lights viewing and high-end accommodations to fully meet that demand. These additions can anchor year-round itineraries and drive sustained tourism growth.
Developing Alberta Tourism
Key Projects
Travel Alberta helps local tourism grow by facilitating the development of projects that will attract overnight visitors throughout the year. We work closely with local communities to remove barriers to development, provide business coaching to help operators grow and prosper, and invest to accelerate the development of four-season accommodations and experiences that will drive meaningful economic impact and job creation.
Why develop tourism
Investing in tourism helps make communities a better place to live, work, and visit.
More revenues
Communities with strong visitor economies earn more municipal revenues per capita, which can be reinvested in the services and amenities that residents love.
Lower taxes
Residents pay lower residential property taxes in areas with strong visitor economies.
More jobs
More visitors create a steady customer base for local businesses, creating great jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Discover more about the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo TDZ
This 2023 report informs and identifies specific actions Travel Alberta, the Government of Alberta and the TDZ communities should take to support the design of a comprehensive Destination Development Plan.
Connect with our Destination & Commercial Development Manager
Learn how Travel Alberta can support your success in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.
