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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.

Learn More Here

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!

Download the Tour Guide

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.

The Athabasca Region has a lot of what you might expect… forests, lakes, trails, community events and small-town charm. We also have some unique places, activities and events you won’t find elsewhere!

From a BBQ at the Athabasca Airport to a triathlon that includes the Athabasca River, The Athabasca Region has something for an entertaining day trip, an active weekend getaway or a week of exploration. #LiveLifeOutside in the #AthabascaRegion

Athabasca Airport Fly-In BBQ

Every July, Athabasca County hosts the Fly-In BBQ at the Athabasca Airport! It’s an annual family event that locals and visitors love!

The airport is about 8 km northeast of Athabasca, about 2 hours north of Edmonton and 3 hours south of Fort McMurray.  Parking is available, but it gets busy so you may have to walk in a bit.

There is a free BBQ, activities for the kids, and a classic car show. It’s a fun family afternoon, especially for those who love planes!

Pilots can fly their planes to the BBQ, and join in from around the province. If you are a pilot who would like to fly in, please be sure to register: athabascacounty.com/PILOT-REGISTRATION

Learn more here!

Workout at the Athabasca Riverfront

Athabasca’s Riverfront Park is the beautiful heart of the town. It’s a place where folks meet up, grab lunch at one of the food trucks or launch their boat in the river. There’s a playground, a splash park and a skate park.

Adjacent to the playground is one of Athabasca’s unique amenities: the outdoor training circuit. A circuit of machines that use body weight to provide resistance is set up so you can work out while the kids play in the playground. Or maybe the kids want to work out too!

After your workout, everyone can come together around one of the firepits for a fire, roast some hotdogs, and watch the river go by.

Athabasca’s “Hollywood” Style Welcome Sign

Athabasca doesn’t have much in common with Hollywood, except for one thing… a big sign on a hill!

Kind of like the famous Hollywood sign, on the north shore of the Athabasca River, across from Downtown Athabasca, is a sign up on the bank welcoming folks to town and asking everyone to keep things green by preventing forest fires! It’s a little smaller, well, a lot smaller, but you can’t miss it! Even the locals call it the Hollywood sign.

You can get to the site, at Lion’s Centennial Park, by crossing the bridge (Hwy 813) and turning left at the sign. The park has amenities to enjoy the view of the town while picnicking or relaxing in the gazebo.

Even this view is unique! Not many Alberta towns boast a view of their home like this!

Athabasca Historical Walking Tour

Learn about the history of Athabasca on this unique walking tour of the Town.  The Athabasca Heritage Society in partnership with the Alice B. Donahue Library and Archives publishes a guide booklet with detailed descriptions of the landmarks and buildings.

There are many stops on the walk, 29 in total. At some places along the way, you’ll find signs that give you a brief history and context.

The walk starts at the Athabasca Train Station, moves through Downtown and up to the Archives and Old Brick School, and then you head back down to the Riverfront.

Take a look at some of the sites you’ll visit: Athabasca Historical Walking Tour Gallery

So, put on some comfortable shoes, fill up your water bottle and enjoy this self-guided tour of Athabasca History. It’s like an outdoor museum!

Athabasca Historical Walking Tour Guide Book

Amber Valley Museum & Cultural Centre

One of the unique stories in the history of the Athabasca Region is that of the people who settled Amber Valley, about 20 km east of Athabasca on Highway 55.

In the early 1900s, many African American people, escaping from the conditions in America, settled in various parts of Western Canada. Amber Valley is one of those places.

The Amber Valley Cultural Centre is where the ancestors of the original settlers and the community come together for events and celebrations. Watch our calendar for their Chicken Suppers!

The Amber Valley Cultural Centre hosts a collection of memorabilia from the Amber Valley settlers. Call 780-675-3490 to book a tour of the collection.

Antique and Collectables Collection at Island Lake

A hidden gem of the region is “Bill’s Garage Sale” and “Val’s Cabin”, a unique site tucked into the forest at Island Lake.

Bill’s Garage Sale is the ongoing project of Bill Desrosier. For over 25 years, Bill has been building his collection of antiques and collectibles, in his RV garage. It’s a fascinating step back in time, with more things to look at than you have time for!

And it is a garage sale! Bring some cash because you’ll want to pick up a few pieces.

After you visit Bill, Val Desrosier can show you the Cabin.

It is a re-assembled log cabin that’s lovingly set up with antiques and household items, in a museum-style display. There is Ukrainian art, historical pictures and even a machine used to knit socks!

They are open for visitors from spring to fall. Please call 780-675-5452 to check hours and availability.

Trail Running & Athabasca River Access at River Meadows RV Park

Another unique place in the Athabasca region is River Meadows RV Park. For outdoor adventurers who like various activities, River Meadows has many right at your doorstep!

This privately owned RV park is about ten minutes north of Athabasca, close to Athabasca Golf and Country Club. The campsites are located just steps away from the Athabasca River.  They offer seasonal and short-term stays.

The site offers access to get your watercraft into the river. You could paddle a canoe or kayak or launch your jet boat. There is an opportunity to fish off of the bank as well.

Once you have finished your river adventure, you can take in the amazing Boreal forest on a run or hike on the many trails. Some of the trails offer quite a challenge, being on the steep banks of the Athabasca.

Visit their website for more info and to book a site: rivermeadowsrvpark.weebly.com

Photos courtesy of River Meadows RV Park.

Kapâwinihk Triathlon

Those trails at River Meadows? They are part of one of the Region’s unique events, the Kapâwinihk Triathlon.

This triathlon is unique in that instead of swim/bike/run it’s bike/paddle/run. Contestants start at Riverfront Park in Athabasca on their bikes and head out to the Muskeg  Creek trail system on the west side of Athabasca.

After finishing their loop on the bike trails, contestants jump in or on their watercraft (canoes for teams, kayaks and paddle boards) and launch into the Athabasca River. They follow the river downstream for approximately 8 km until they reach River Meadows RV park.

Here, the contestants don their trail runners and head out for 5 or 10 km of trail running through the boreal bush.

They are finally welcomed to the finish line with a BBQ and growler of craft beer! It’s always a challenge and always a good time!

Visit their website for details and to enter: www.parallel54.org

Par 3/Disc/Fling/Soccer Golf at Rockylane Fairways & Recreation

If golf is more your recreational style, check out Rocky Lane Fairways and Recreation. They have a unique course set up so players can enjoy traditional golf, disc golf, fling golf and soccer golf, all at the same time!

Rocky Lane is located just south of Athabasca, close to accommodations and restaurants, and if you are looking for a camping spot, they have unserviced lots for you to set up camp.

It’s a gorgeous and well-maintained par 3 course, with water features and a lot of bush. You can rent gear or bring your own.

Call 780-327-9671 to book your tee time or visit their website for more info: rockylanefairways.wixsite.com/recreation

Center photo courtesy of Rocky Lane Fairways & Recreation.

Xcalibre Paint Ball

Are you looking for a unique group experience that involves shooting skills, stealth and a lot of fun? Then paintball at Xcalibre Paintball should be on your bucket list.

Located 14 km south of Boyle, close to Long Lake Provincial Park, and tucked into the Boreal forest, the property has multiple playing fields and obstacle courses.

You can rent gear or bring your own. If you are looking for a group experience, make a reservation, if you want to try it out, you can join with other players on the course. Open to all ages, but minors must have a parent’s signature.

Check out their website for more info: www.xcalibrepaintball.com

Photos courtesy of Xcalibre Paint Ball.

Now that you know some of the special and unique places, events and activities in the Athabasca Region, be sure to experience one or all of them the next time you visit. Tag your social posts with #VisitTheAthabascaRegion to share your experiences!

If you are looking for a place to camp with access to hiking, boating, canoeing, and golf and is just minutes away from the amenities of Athabasca, look no further than River Meadows RV Park. River Meadows is a family-run business that developed the site on their property because they knew it was a special place and wanted to share it with others.

River Meadows is 2 hours north of Edmonton and St. Albert and 3 hours south of Ft. McMurray.

All photos by River Meadows RV Park

The Campground

River Meadows RV Park is nestled in the Boreal forest on the banks of the Athabasca River, just a few minutes north of Athabasca. It offers guests generously sized spots for either short-term or seasonal stays. Some sites back into the bush and others have river views. All have fire pits and picnic tables.

While the sites are unserviced, seasonal campers can set up water and sewer tanks. The Athabasca sani dump is just a few minutes away.

A Google reviewer said:

“We spent last summer hanging out here and can’t wait until spring arrives so we can get right back to our favorite spot. This is a place where you can do it all! Quadding, boating, hiking, fishing, foraging, and yet you have everything 10 mins away.”

Athabasca River Access

River Meadows offers a great location to enjoy the Athabasca River, in many ways! You can launch your river boat, canoe or kayak for a trip down the river. Or if you are into fishing, there are spots you can fish off of the bank.

They have a day-use area if you’d like to have a picnic and a swim in the channel by the nearby island.

Hiking/Biking Trails

River Meadows also has many trails, set in the forest and along the river. You can hike, run or ride your bike just steps away from your campsite.

The trail system is available for day use. Please let them know you’ll be on the trails at rivermeadowsrvpark@gmail.com or call  (780) 689-1565 or (780) 689-1398.

The Kapâwinihk Triathalon

The Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathalon is a new and exciting annual event hosted at River Meadows. It is a unique event, in that instead of bike/swim/run, triathletes bike/paddle/trail run. 

The race begins in the Town of Athabasca where the cyclists start at the Riverfront Park. They make their way through the Muskeg Creek trails and back down to the river. There, they launch from Riverfront Park into the Athabasca River and paddle a few kilometres downstream. When they get to River Meadows, they run the trails through the forest!

The event ends with a barbeque and frosty beer in the green space at River Meadows. It’s a great day for athletes of all levels. Learn more here: www.parallel54.org.

Annual Athabasca Riverboat Association Rally

River Meadows also participates in the annual Jet Boat Rally, running from Athabasca, downriver to the Riverside Recreation Area (Learn more: www.facebook.com/jetboattheathabasca). River Meadows offers a stop where boaters can grab some BBQ lunch and pick up a card for the poker run.

Book Your Spot

Check out River Meadows’ website for more information and online booking: rivermeadowsrvpark.weebly.com

Share photos of your River Meadows experience with the hashtag #VisitTheAthabascaRegion. #LiveLifeOutside