If you’re not quite finished with Summer, spending some time in the Athabasca Region should be on your to-do list!
The trees are just starting to turn colour, the weather is usually warm and dry and amenities are a little less busy with kids back in school.
Just 1.5 – 2 hours away from Edmonton and 2 – 3 hours away from Fort McMurray, the Athabasca Region offers the kind of outdoor recreation, day trips and unique events that will make you “Fall” in Love with our beautiful area! (Not sorry about the pun!)
On social media, be sure to tag your adventures with #VisitTheAthabascaArea and #LiveLifeOutside
1. Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon
 Starting line of the Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon |
On September 7th, one of the Region’s unique and growing events happens along and on the Athabasca River!
The Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon is a fun and challenging race incorporating trail biking/paddling/running rather than the traditional swim/bike/run. Racers start at Riverfront Park with some warm-ups, snacks and prep. They take off from the starting line on their bikes and go through the Muskeg Creek Trails. Once they have cleared the bike route, they drop off their bike and pick up their watercraft at the Riverfront Park boat launch. They wind down the Athabasca River to River Meadows RV Park where they run the gorgeous but challenging trails.
There are two divisions:
- Standard – 20KM Bike – 8 KM Paddle – 10 KM trail run
- Sprint – 10 KM Bike – 8 KM Paddle – 6.5 KM trail run
You’ll receive craft beer, delicious food, swag, and a finisher medal at the finish line!
Camping is available at River Meadows and other local campgrounds or you can stay in Athabasca and get the shuttle back to town when you are done.
Get more info and register at the Parallel 54 Website. See you on race day!
2. Disc Golf
Rocky Lane disc golf tournament
One of the Region’s hidden gems is a day of disc golf at Rocky Lane Fairways and Recreation! They have regular golf and other activities, but disc golf is a growing sport and the course at Rocky Lane is beautiful, so why not give it a try?
Rocky Lane is only 10 minutes from Downtown Athabasca or 1 hour 45 minutes from Downtown Edmonton. The professionally designed course is set in the forest and has many natural water features. You can rent gear there or bring your own.
You can also camp at Rocky Lane, they have multiple un-serviced lots with tables and firepits. Firewood is available to purchase.
Call Rocky Lane at 780-327-9671 to book your tee time and camping spot. Visit their website for more info.
3. Camping
North Buck Lake Provincial Park
There is still plenty of camping time in the Athabasca Region during September! The weather is usually dry and warm (mornings get a little chilly, though) and the trees are starting to turn! Wildlife is on the move, making for great bird-watching!
County campsites are open until September 29th and Long Lake Provincial Campground until October 10. Private campgrounds dates vary, please call ahead or check out their websites.
Check out our Camping Listings for more details.
4. Hiking
Trail at Long Lake Provincial Park
September hiking in the Athabasca Region is spectacular! The changing foliage, warm weather, fresh air and quiet trails offer hikers truly refreshing and energizing nature experiences.
The region boasts world-class trails close to town, in some of the County and Provincial parks/campgrounds and unspoiled natural areas! There are day hikes or back-country overnight hikes available.
Some trail routes include (link opens in Google Maps):
- Muskeg Creek Trails
- Athabasca Landing Trail
- Cross Lake Provincial Park
- The Peace River Wilderness Trail
- Long Lake/White Earth Valley
- Poachers Landing
- North Buck Lake Provincial Park
- LaBiche River Wildland
5. Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding
Narrow Lake
The same great conditions that make for great hiking, also make for excellent watercraft experiences!
All of the Athabasca County campgrounds have lake access with day-use parking.
The Athabasca Region’s lakes offer unspoiled shore views with chances to see beavers, fish, birds deer and maybe a bear or two!
If you are up for the challenge and can arrange a ride back to your launch, there are multiple launches along the Athabasca River! You can start in the Town of Athabasca at the Riverfront Boat Launch. There is free parking in a lot made for boat trailers, etc. From there you can travel downstream to:
- River Meadows RV Park (private company, please make arrangements) approximately 9km
- Riverside Recreational Park (approximately 25 km)
- Poacher’s Landing Recreation Area (approximately 50 km)
6. Fishing
Photo courtesy of Reel Angling Adventures
There is some great fishing in the Athabasca Region during the early fall!
All the county campgrounds, Long Lake Provincial Park and the Athabasca River. Be sure to have all licenses and follow fishing restrictions for each lake.
7. Athabasca History Walk
Athabasca United Church
A great September Day trip to Athabasca should include the Athabasca Historical Walking Tour.
The tour starts at the Historical Train Station. There is parking there or at the Riverfront Park. From there, you follow the route through the history of Athabasca, learning about its early days through its historical buildings and places.
Athabasca is built on the south shore of the Athabasca River, with quite a few hills, so be prepared! Don’t worry though, your route passes by many chances for some refreshments!
8. Athabasca Thrift & Finds Crawl
Rhi-Defined Athabasca
Another fun day trip idea to Athabasca is to go on the Downtown Athabasca Thrift & Finds Crawl!
This walk circles Downtown Athabasca, visiting the amazing thrift stores, unique boutiques and places to grab a bite and beverage!
You’ll experience some of Athabasca’s hills and the walking route is about 3 km, so be prepared with good walking shoes.
If you want to extend your Thrift Crawl you could head west on Highway 2 to Island Lake to an amazing Antique and Collectables Collection. This amazing “garage sale” is at a private residence, they are open for visitors from spring to fall. Please call 780-675-5452 to check hours and availability.
You can also hit up some great finds in Boyle at Country Bliss Treasures and Gifts and Second Time Round and More thrift store.
9. Golfing
Athabasca Golf & Country Club
Golf season in the Athabasca Region usually extends to early to mid-October. All of the courses in the Athabasca Region are set in stunning Boreal forest settings with pro shops for rentals and more.
Enjoy aprés golf at the lounges and restaurants that serve up some great food and cold suds!
Many of the courses have camping on-site or very close by.
Learn more about Athabasca Region golfing experiences!
10. Paintball
Photo courtesy of Xcalibre Paintball
If something a little more strategic and team-building is your style, definitely check out Xcalibre Paint Ball!
Located about 10 minutes south of Boyle, this paintball course offers multiple playing fields, set in the Boreal forest.
They rent paintball gear and you can join other teams to enhance the experience.
Take a look at their website to learn more and reserve your spot!
11. Elvis Tribute
Elvis has entered the building! Coming to the fantastic Nancy Appleby Theatre on September 22 is one of the hottest Elvis tributes in Canada!
Elvis: The Vegas Years stars Jaedyn, an award-winning tribute artist from Edmonton. Enjoy Elvis’s greatest hits in an intimate and great-sounding setting. Make it a date night!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
12. Farmers’ Markets
Athabasca Farmers’ Market
Another great day trip idea or part of a weekend itinerary is a visit to one of the Region’s great Farmers’ Markets! Both markets are great examples of “Make It – Bake It – Grow It” with delicious food, artisan crafts and healthy produce!
Athabasca’s Farmers’ Market happens on Saturdays, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Riverfront Park parking lot. The last outdoor market will be on September 21.
Boyle’s Farmers’ Market happens Thursday afternoons, from 3 to 6 pm. It is in the Boyle Community Centre in Downtown Boyle. It runs through October.
