Edmonton 
Located approximately 180 km northwest of Edmonton, the town of Whitecourt is a picturesque area that sits on the crossing of the Athabasca and McLeod rivers. The two rivers provide great fishing spots along the banks, and there are a couple of boat launches in town if you’d prefer to fish and explore by boat. The gentle streams of both rivers during a low rain season also make them excellent places to canoe or kayak.
Credit: Town of Whitecourt
Whitecourt’s surrounding natural areas are the perfect setting for a variety of nature adventures like hikes, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and sightseeing. But if you’re looking for more of a cultural experience, take a walk down 50th Ave for a unique local dining experience. You can have a few different adventures when you visit Whitecourt, no matter the time of year*!
McLeod River Tubing
The relatively calm waters of the McLeod River make it a relaxing place for a lazy summer float. It is recommended you bring a good quality tube or raft on your trip and plenty of water. The entire float can take 2.5-3 hours, so you may want to pack snacks in your boat or tube or bring a backpack. The adventure begins south of town and ends at the bridge, where there is plenty of parking available so you can meet your car at the end of the ride.
River Slides at Festival Park
If the river floating is too adventurous for you or your family, take it one step down at the Festival Park river slides! This unique park feature can carry you and your children on a shallow lazy river around the splash park. Festival Park is a popular summer spot, offering a splash park and lazy river, walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
Fishing the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers
You can take to either of these rivers by powerboat or canoe and enjoy a relaxing morning or evening on the calm waters. Expect to catch Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Pike, or Whitefish. Popular spots to launch onto the Athabasca include Riverboat Park and the Blue Ridge Recreation Area. Both parks are also scenic riverside picnic sites, so you can spend time seeing the rivers from a different view after your fishing trip.
Mountain Biking in Town
While there are mountain biking trails in the town’s limits, the forested landscape will make you feel as though you’ve escaped to a secluded part of the mountains. These volunteer-maintained trails offer small jumps, sharp turns, and decent hills. You can also take your skills to the Bike Park and Skills Area afterwards. Popular trails around the Bike Park area include Cougar Ridge, Dahl Drop, or the more challenging Toothy Grin.
Hard Luck Canyon
The Hard Luck Canyon Falls and trail are a short drive south of town. The area holds numerous trails, picnic spots, and the magnificent falls. You can pack a lunch and just relax at your picnic site, bring along a post-hike dinner, or spend all your time on the trails. The paths will take you to a bridge spanning the falls, and you can venture further down towards the canyon to get a better look or photo opportunity.
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E. S. Huestis Demonstration Forest
This 10 km2 forested area is only 10-15 minutes from Whitecourt. Along the trails and in the parking lot are interpretive signs to help you learn about the forest as you explore its trails. Bikers, hikers, and drivers are welcome on the 7 km trail, which circles the protected area. Tours are offered between May and August.
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Forest Interpretive Centre & Heritage Park
The forestry industry has had a hugely positive impact on Whitecourt’s development over the past 60 years or so, and the town welcomes visitors to learn about this important aspect as well as the Indigenous history of the land. The area is surrounded by beautiful forest, paved walking trails (linking to Centennial Park), and a museum/multimedia gallery. The antique preserved buildings, most notably the little white church, are a popular draw for newlyweds and those seeking a picturesque backdrop.
Dining on 50th Ave.
The local dining experiences in Whitecourt are plenty with a little bit of everything to taste. Along 50th Ave, you can enjoy handmade baked goods like breads, cupcakes, muffins, tarts, and fresh soups from Violet Mae’s Bakery, or the highly rated handhelds from KG’s Sandwich Bar (4912 50 Ave, Whitecourt). Other favourites include the Crown & Anchor Pub, My Little Saigon, Boardwalk Burgers, and Kujira (5006 50 St, Whitecourt).
Eastlink Park
These northern hills in Whitecourt make for great skiing and snowboarding every winter, and you can come to Whitecourt for an afternoon of snow sports all kinds. If snowmobiling is not your thing, or if you’d like to switch it up, then Eastlink Park’s ski hill and snow tube park should be your next family destination.
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Snowmobiling
Whitecourt is an outdoorsperson’s paradise all year round. If you’d prefer to visit for an adventurous getaway next winter, then consider a snowmobile tour of the gorgeous area, as Whitecourt is the official snowmobile capital of Alberta! And if you own snowmobiles or can rent, there are numerous staging areas around Whitecourt that take you to seemingly endless untouched snow. The best example of this is the area’s Golden Triangle, a 350 km trail system connecting Whitecourt, Swan Hills, and Fox Creek.
