Old Fort Trail
Historic fur trading route through Alberta's boreal wilderness.
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 180 mi / 290 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with aggressive tires |
| Nearest town | Fort McMurray, Alberta |
| Land manager | Alberta Environment and Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle Old Fort Trail?
No. A stock rig will struggle badly here. You need a modified 4WD with aggressive all-terrain or mud tires, good ground clearance, and ideally a snorkel or high air intake for the water crossings. Lockers are a serious advantage in the muskeg sections.
When does Old Fort Trail open and close for the season?
July through September is your window. Spring melt turns the muskeg into an impassable bog, and early snowfall can shut things down by October. Even in peak summer, recent rain can make conditions dramatically worse overnight.
Do you need a permit to run Old Fort Trail?
No permit is required to travel the trail itself. Alberta Environment and Parks manages the land, but there are no fees or registration systems in place for this route as of now — confirm current status with AEP before your trip since remote backcountry rules can change.
What's the hardest section of Old Fort Trail and what should I expect?
The muskeg stretches are the real test — soft, boggy ground that can swallow a vehicle if you pick the wrong line or lose momentum. The water crossings add another layer of commitment since there are no bridges and depths vary with rainfall. Budget extra time and have a solid recovery kit; self-recovery in this terrain is not optional.
Is there any place to get fuel or resupply along the 180-mile route?
No. There are zero services on trail. Fort McMurray is your last reliable fuel stop before you head north, and you need to carry enough to cover the full 180 miles plus a buffer for slow going through rough sections. Plan for significantly lower fuel economy than normal given the terrain.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.