Old Fort Trail

The Old Fort Trail follows sections of the original fur trading route between Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan, winding through 180 miles of northern Alberta’s boreal forest and muskeg country. This isn’t some recreational trail—it’s a working route used by trappers, hunters, and oil field workers who need to reach remote areas that regular highways can’t touch. The trail crosses the Athabasca River multiple times via seasonal ferry crossings and low-water fords, with the most challenging section running through the Birch Mountains where deep mud holes and corduroy log roads separate the rookies from the experienced bush drivers.

This is a difficult route that demands serious preparation and a capable 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance, aggressive tires, and recovery gear. Summer means mosquitoes thick enough to carry off small children and mud that can swallow a pickup truck whole, while winter brings frozen rivers, -40°F temperatures, and the possibility of breaking through ice. No permits required, but you’ll need detailed maps, satellite communication, extra fuel, and the skills to use all of it. What you get in return is access to some of the most pristine wilderness left in North America and the satisfaction of following in the tire tracks of the fur traders who opened up this country centuries ago.