Trails

When using the trails along the Slave River during the summer (May through October), it is important to be aware of wildlife, particularly black bears. Be Bear Aware. Black bears use the river as a migration route, and though human encounters with bears are rare, they do happen. Inform yourself about how to avoid an encounter with a bear, and know how to react if one does occur.

Trails in Fort Smith 

Fort Smith is a pedestrian-friendly community. Many people walk, cycle, or bike to work year-round. Fort Smith’s paved roads also accommodate the use of inline skates. In the winter, some people ski to work; others commute via snowmobile.

There are many dirt hiking trails in the bush surrounding the community, which many people use to walk their dogs. Dogs are expected to be on leash at all times. Currently, there are no off-leash dog parks in the community.

Axe Handle Hill Park has a network of multi-use dirt trails for hikers and cyclists, and skiers (in the winter). Motorized vehicles are not permitted on these trails.

Trails along the Slave River 

courtesy Town of Fort SmithMany trails in the community are situated along the Slave River, and have stunning lookout points along the way. All four sets of Slave River rapids are accessible by hiking, cycling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Three of the four sets (Cassette, Pelican, and Rapids of the Drowned) are accessible year-round for viewing. The trails at Mountain Portage are used by hikers, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers in the winter, though the rapids themselves are not.

Trails in Wood Buffalo National Park

Ski and biathlon trails

The Fort Smith Ski and Biathlon Club has an impressive network of groomed trails suitable for light touring, skating, and backcountry skiing. The club’s well-used trails wind through the boreal forest and offer panoramic views of the Slave River and surrounding landscape. The trails start at the clubhouse and biathlon range just 4 km east of town on Highway 5 (same access road as for the Pelican Rapids Country Club and Golf Course).
Every year in March, the Fort Smith Ski Club organizes the Fitz-Smith Loppet from Fort Fitzgerald to Fort Smith. Participants of all ages and skill levels ski the old 27 km-portage route that bypasses the Slave River rapids. The route is now a part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Trails used by dog teams

Several people in Fort Smith run dog teams, either as part of a traditional lifestyle, or as a recreational pastime. Often, dog teams share the same trail with hikers, cyclists, skiers, snowmobilers, ATV drivers, and dirt bike drivers. Most of the trails used by dog teams are outside the limits of the Town of Fort Smith.

Dog teams are run in the winter using sleds, and in the summer using ATVs.

If you encounter a dog team, it is important to give the team the right of way. Make sure the musher sees you, then leave the trail and allow the team to pass.

Always keep your dog on a leash when using trails frequented by dog teams. Off-leash dogs and dog teams can be a lethal combination for the dogs.

Trails for snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.

Fort Smith has an enviable array of off-road trails for use by ATVs and dirt bikes in the spring, summer, and fall (April through October), and by snowmobiles in the winter (November through March).

Many of the trails in and around the community are multi-use trails shared by off-road vehicles and persons on foot. Please ride with care.

There are also trails farther away from the community, which are not often frequented by persons on foot.

In the winter, the Fort Smith Ski-Doo Club organizes group rides, which allow experienced riders to share their knowledge of the area with new riders.

TransCanada Trail