Wood Buffalo National Park
Canada's largest national park, a UNESCO site with wood bison and whooping cranes.
About Wood Buffalo National Park
At 44,741 km², Wood Buffalo is larger than Switzerland. It protects one of the world's largest freshwater deltas (the Peace-Athabasca Delta), karst sinkholes, wood bison, and one of only two known nesting areas of the endangered whooping crane. It's also a dark-sky preserve.
A brief history
The park was established in 1922 to protect the world's largest herd of free-roaming wood bison. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for the biological diversity of the Peace-Athabasca Delta and its wild bison.
RV tips
- This is a true expedition. Park headquarters are in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and Fort Chipewyan in Alberta has a satellite office. Check Parks Canada for current road and access information before planning.
- Services are very limited. Carry spares, extra fuel, water and food.
- Mosquitoes and black flies are intense in summer.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds
See Alberta campgrounds in this region for typical costs, hookups and booking links.
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping