If experiencing wild nature, fun day trips, or partaking in authentic rural culture are some items on your bucket list this year, the Athabasca Region has you covered.
Our mix of unique events and amazing natural landscapes promise something new, yet familiar. We’re close enough for weekend and day trips from Edmonton and Fort McMurray. And it’s worth the drive from Calgary or Grande Prairie for a week in nature with some fun rural culture.
Here are some feature amenities, activities and events you can fill your bucket list with!
Annual Snowmobile Rally
The first bucket list event of the year is the Annual Snowmobile Rally and Poker Run. This year the run happens on February 22nd.
Presented by the Athabasca River Runners, this daylong event takes riders through some amazing wild areas on groomed trails. There are prizes to be won and food along the way.
Check out the website for details and how to register: www.athabascariverrunners.com/upcoming-events
Heartwood Folk Club Spring Concert Series
The Heartwood Folk Club presents a concert series each spring and fall.
This spring they are bringing a selection of the best in Canadian blues, folk and traditional music to the intimate Nancy Appleby Theatre.
Make it a date night with a meal at one of Athabasca’s excellent restaurants before the show.
Learn more and purchase tickets here: https://heartwoodfolkclub.org/
Muskeg Creek Trails
Right in the Town of Athabasca, at the Athabasca University campus, is an amazing trail system that winds through the valley of Muskeg Creek.
The trails are multipurpose so you can hike or bike, run or wander through the Boreal landscape and take in the views of the valley.
Then when you are tired and thirsty, you are just five minutes away from food, drinks and accommodations.
Gord Bamford
Country fans are in for a treat this June when country star Gord Bamford visits Boyle, AB.
As part of his 25th Anniversary Tour, Gord wanted to play in smaller venues to return to his roots and give back to the communities that helped his career.
Gord will be playing at the Boyle Millview Arena on June 6. A variety of ticket packages are available.
Visit his website for more info and buy tickets here.
River Rats Festival & Canada Day Celebrations
Another bucket list event for music lovers is the River Rats Festival, held over the Canada Day holiday!
This 2-day festival showcases up-and-coming acts, local favourites and award-winning Canadian musicians, all set on the bank of the Athabasca River!
Food trucks, a street market, a beer garden, kids’ activities and fireworks make this family-friendly musical festival a no-miss for your list.
On day 2, Celebrate Canada Day with the folks of Athabasca! There is a parade, contests, art show, show and shine and market. Then the music continues until the sun goes down!
Fly-In BBQ
A truly unique event to put on your list is the Athabasca County Fly-In BBQ!
Every year in July, this year on the 19th, pilots from all over the region fly to the Athabasca Airport for a burger and some entertainment.
If you love small planes, this is a great opportunity to get up close to some and to talk to the pilots.
Grab a burger and a chair and watch the planes land and take off.
There is also a vintage car show and fun children’s activities.
This is a free, family-friendly event. Everyone is welcome!
Canoe at Narrow Lake
If you love to paddle, you need to check out Narrow Lake!
The water is clear and the banks are wild with beaver lodges, deer and birds. Chase the small fish along the shore.
You can come for a day trip and use the day area and boat launch, or book one of the campsites and stay for the weekend.
Rochester Fair & Boyle Wildberry Festival
Two summer festivals that happen at the beginning of August celebrate the best of the Region!
The Rochester Fair is a celebration of agriculture and horses in the lovely hamlet of Rochester.
On the slopes of the Tawatinaw Valley, Rochester Fair Grounds hosts a bench show, equestrian sports, kids activities and one of the coolest beer gardens ever!
The Boyle Wildberry Festival has a parade with tons of candy flying, a street hockey game, local vendors, entertainment and yummy food! Check out the lovely village of Boyle at this annual festival.
Disc Golf at Rocky Lane Fairways and Recreation
If your bucket list includes trying disc golf, then a trip to Rocky Lane Fairways and Recreation will check that off!
Rocky Lane is a gorgeous course set in the Boreal forest with varied terrain and beautiful landscaping. It is one of the top-rated disc golf courses in Alberta and is a favourite for folks who participate in tournaments.
The disc golf course is 18 holes, but you can choose to play 9. Disc rentals are available.
RCMP Mounted Ride
This RCMP Mounted Ride is a bucket list experience you don’t want to miss!
The Athabasca District Ag Society presents the Ride on August 16th at the Athabasca Agri-Plex!
This world-renowned performance delights and amazes and if you love horses… it’s the best!
If travelling from out of town, stay in Athabasca or camp at one of the local campgrounds and make a weekend of it!
Camp at North Buck Lake Narrows
A hidden gem for campers and paddlers who like a more secluded spot, the North Buck Lake Narrows Campground is a favourite Boreal camping opportunity!
There are only 6 sites tucked in the bush, each with a fire pit and table. There is a boat launch for small boats and paddle craft. Birdwatchers can enjoy the platform across from thick riparian areas!
You’re just 20 minutes to Grassland or 30 minutes to Boyle for food and supplies!
You can book your spot online here. Bookings open at the beginning of March.
Hell On Hooves
Experience authentic cowboy culture at the Boyle Agricultural Society’s “Hell On Hooves”!
Events include favourites like barrel racing and bull riding and a kids’ Mutton Busting contest.
The event hosts a dance and beer garden to continue the festivities.
Camping is available on the grounds, in Boyle or in the area.
Watch our Events calendar for details. This event usually happens at the end of July.
Athabasca River Experience with Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures
Does your list include escaping to the wilderness? Travelling the same route Indigenous people and explorers used to expand into the north? Seeing a unique geological wonder? Then think about booking your trip with Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures!
This family-run business provides authentic cabin accommodations, delicious home-cooked meals, helicopter sightseeing, fishing, wildlife viewing and more. Take the trip to see the rapids and learn more about the history of Northern Alberta.
Visit their website to see their travel packages and learn more.
Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures.
Athabasca History Walk
Downtown Athabasca provides a unique history experience through its self-hosted Athabasca Historical Walking Tour.
Wind your way through downtown Athabasca learning about the historical buildings and the establishment of the town as a trading and transportation center.
Stop for lunch or dinner at one of Downtown Athabasca’s excellent restaurants to make a day of it.
Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon
Postponed to 2026
It’s easy to see how you can fill a list of bucket-worthy experiences here in the Athabasca Region.
Here’s a link to our Events Calendar to stay updated on our “bucket list” events. Subscribe to get events right in your digital calendar!
Share Your Photos
How many items will you check off of your list?
Share your bucket list photos on social media with the hashtags
#VisitTheAthabascaRegion and #LiveLifeOutside!
If you have any questions, contact us here.
