sightseeing

photo by Cheryl HvalGrosbeak Lake is part of Wood Buffalo National Park’s extensive band of salt plains which cover an area of 370 square kilometres. Unique in Canada, they are formed by water that percolates through underground salt deposits left by an ancient sea around 390 million years ago. At the location of the Salt Plains, impermeable bedrock has forced the saline water to the surface. As the water evaporates, salt deposits are left behind.

Morels are an edible gourmet mushroom that can be found in the boreal forest surrounding Fort Smith. They are highly prized not only for their nutty flavour and meaty texture, but also for the thrill of the hunt to find them.

In the Fort Smith area, the morel hunting season generally runs from early June to the end of July, peaking at the end of June. Daily temperatures have to be at least +15 degrees Celsius and night-time temperatures have to be at least +5 degrees Celsius.

Fort Smith is one of the most practical and cost-effective access points to the largest wilderness left in North America: the storied Arctic Barren Lands (mainland tundra) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Canoeists from all over North America and Europe come to Fort Smith to paddle the Barren Lands on some of the most remote and wild rivers on the planet.

Located 120 km from Fort Smith on Pine Lake Road. Mikisew Cree First Nation Reserve. Featuring: Viewpoint of Peace River, canoe access to Peace River.

Read more about Peace Point

courtesy WBNPSituated in Wood Buffalo National Park, Pine Lake is an aquamarine lake in the middle of the boreal forest, about 60 km (a 45-minute drive) from Fort Smith. Created by a series of three sink holes, the lake is a get-away destination for residents of Fort Smith.

Accessed by a 6 km hike from Pine Lake Road, this site includes a tent pad, picnic table, outhouse and bear cache. It is situated beside a beautiful sinkhole lake.

Read more about Rainbow Lakes Backcountry Campsite