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What Does Points North Adventures Offer?

Tourism plays a big role in the economy of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Points North Adventures has been a big economic asset to the area, and it is a company that provides guide services and adventure tours for visitors and locals in the Fort McMurray area. The remote location and exquisite landscape of the city makes it a natural paradise for those who enjoy outdoor activities. In the summer there are many rivers and other water bodies as well as hiking trails that can be explored, and in the winter months skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities are very popular. Points North Adventures offers guide services, guided tours, and rental equipment to help individuals enjoy the natural scenic beauty and great outdoor activities in the Fort McMurray area.

Points North Adventures can provide rentals of canoes and boats so that you can take advantage of all the rivers near Fort McMurray. It is possible to arrange for canoe trips with a guide as long as you make reservations in advance, otherwise you may find that the tours are already booked. There are a number of river tours to choose from and tour packages that you can pick.  Points North Adventures also offers jet boat rides to residents and visitors in the area, and these can be arranged for a very reasonable price. If you have never been to the Fort McMurray area or to Points North Adventures then you may want to start considering a trip here to see what all of the buzz is about.

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Tips for Getting around Fort McMurray

  • Getting around Fort McMurray using public transportation can be tricky at times. There are public buses but these vehicles are often late, and you could be waiting for a bus past the scheduled arrival time.
  • Fort McMurray involves numerous subdivisions, and these may only have a single entry/exit point. Know where this point is before you explore one of the subdivisions or plan to visit a residence or business in the area.
  • There are several cab companies in Fort McMurray for visitors to choose from. Limousine services are also available. If you need a cab or limo call as soon as you know you will need transportation. Some of the services may be booked in advance and if you do not give enough notice you could end up waiting for your ride.
  • When you are using the highway be prepared to see massive loads being hauled. It is not uncommon to see more than 1 truck hauling a load of equipment for one of the oil companies in Fort McMurray. Pay close attention and obey all the posted placards so that you stay safe while traveling on the highway.
  • Some cab companies and shuttle services will offer discounted rates in certain situations. These rates may be provided to oil workers in the area and to certain locations. If you need to arrange for shuttle services in Fort McMurray it is a good idea to reserve a spot the day before if possible so you know you have the necessary transportation.
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Ft Mac

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray has many campgrounds and RV parks that visitors may stay in, and these range from very cheap and spartan to more expensive choices that may come with additional amenities. Christina Lake Camping is open from May until September, and there are boat rentals and cabins available for visitors. The Golden Eagle Resort is another option if you are looking for campgrounds and RV parks in Fort McMurray. This campground does not offer tent campsites, only RV sites. It is situated 8km east of Fort McMurray, and there are 120 campsites offered. Power, water, and sewer are available at each site, and there are community showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities as well. A playground, biking and hiking trails, and a concession stand and small store make this a popular campground for visitors to the Fort McMurray area who have an RV.

One of the more popular campgrounds and RV parks in Fort McMurray is the Centennial RV Park Campground. This facility has 76 sites for RVs, and there are laundry and shower facilities as well. The campground is conveniently located on Highway 63 at the southern end of Fort McMurray. Camp Yogi is another favorite when it comes to campgrounds and RV parks in Fort McMurray, but this is not a traditional campground. It is a cedar log camp that covers around 7 acres, and it offers 2 community kitchens and 25 beds as well as many other amenities. There is a community barbeque pit, a beach, volleyball areas, a horseshoe pit, and even a meeting room. Camp Yogi is a good choice for company outings or family reunions.

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What is the Wood Buffalo Viewing Point and Bison Sanctuary?

The Wood Buffalo Viewing Point and Bison Sanctuary is located very close to Fort McMurray, and it was created by Syncrude to help protect the Wood Bison which is native to this area. The attraction is situated just off of Highway 63 about 21 miles north of Fort McMurray. The sanctuary sits at the front entrance to the self guided trails developed by Syncrude. As you explore the trails you may see a number of Wood Bison, and it is important to remember that these are wild animals and not domesticated pets. You will also see many native plants and other species of wildlife. The bison herd is approximately 300 strong, and these animals are not usually aggressive but you should take care not to disturb or anger them in their natural habitat.

The Wood Buffalo Viewing Point and Bison Sanctuary is an exciting and scenic experience for all ages. The wood buffalo is the biggest terrestrial mammal that is native to Canada, and it can be enormous. This animal is similar in appearance to bison or plains buffalo, and an adult male can weigh as much as 1,000 kg. The Wood Buffalo Viewing Point and Bison Sanctuary is a fantastic place to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wide variety of wildlife in the area. Just don’t expect the buffalo to move around frequently or pose for the cameras. Often these animals stay in one spot for long periods of time. Use caution when calves are present in the herd, because this can bring out aggression in the animals if they feel threatened

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Trade Shows in Fort McMurray

There are several trade shows in Fort McMurray each year, and these events draw in many people and boost the local economy. There are two main trade shows held by the community on an annual basis, as well as a number of other similar events that are scheduled each year. The revenue that these events bring in to the Fort McMurray area can be substantial, and exhibitors from across Canada or even further away travel to Fort McMurray to participate in one or more trade shows. The Annual Spring Trade Show takes place in April and the Annual Fall Trade Show is held in September. Both are held at MacDonald Island. Both shows feature a very wide range of products, services, and information. You may find everything from arts and crafts to motor homes to hot tubs, and almost everything in between.

The Annual Spring Trade Show held in Fort McMurray will attract around 250 vendors and exhibitors, and the number of visitors to the event will usually number between 15,000 and 17,000 people. This provides a fantastic economic boost to the area because these visitors usually need flights, lodging, meals, and other travel amenities.  The Fort McMurray Annual Fall Trade Show is slightly smaller, and it usually attracts a little less than 200 vendors and exhibitors. Attendance at this event is also a little less than what is seen during the spring event, with between 13,000 and 15,000 people coming to the event. There are also smaller conventions and trade shows which may be scheduled during the year.

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Ft Mac

The Oil Sands Discovery Center Tour

One of the biggest Fort McMurray attractions is the Oil Sands Discovery Center tour. If you are taking the tour make sure that you book your spot at least two weeks in advance because these tours fill up very quickly. The tour leads from the Oil Sands Discovery Center and ends up at the Syncrude plant which is approximately 40km north of Fort McMurray. The tour covers many fascinating areas and interesting sights. Along the way you wille xperience the Wood Buffalo Viewing area and be treated to the sight of a wild buffalo herd that includes 300 animals. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled at the sight of these animals, and the scenery is incredible.

Another stop on the Oil Sands Discovery Center tour from Fort McMurray is the Giants of Mining. This is an exhibit that includes some of the large machines and equipment that was used in the past to mine for oil in the local area. This display is right outside of Syncrude, where the tour will end. You will tour through the main Syncrude plant and learn about the company operations. You may even get the opportunity to see an active mine being worked. Make sure to dress appropriately for the season and the current weather because you will be outside for much of the tour. You should also bring water or other fluids, especially in the warmer months. The areas being toured are extremely dry and there are no concession stands or shops that offer food and beverages along the way.