GUIDE TO FORT CHIPEWYAN

HISTORY

While in Fort Chipewyan take advantage of a community steeped in the history of the fur trade, Outpost Photo dating back to 1798 when the North West Company first established an outpost. In 1821, after the North West Company merged with the Hudson Bay Company, Fort Chipewyan became known as the Capital of the North. Church PhotoToday you can enjoy a community where good old-fashioned hospitality is still a way of life and many residents still make their living by trapping and fishing.


POPULATION: 1200 (approximately)
ELEVATION: 215 meters



CLIMATE

Summers are fairly short, warm and dry with long days and temperatures up to 30°C.

Fall is generally warm and dry until mid-October.

Winters are moderate until December after which the temperatures can drop to -40ºC, although the mean is -20ºC. Average snowfall is 160 cm.

Spring temperatures start to rise throughout March and April, and most of the snow has melted by the early May. The main waterways are usually ice-free by late May, although ice may float into the bay until mid-June.

ACCESS

VehicleCar Picture
Vehicle access to Fort Chipewyan is limited to winter roads from approximately mid-December to mid-March. Fort Chipewyan can be reached by a 190 km winter road from Fort Smith via Wood Buffalo National Park. Under good conditions, this trip takes approximately 3 hours. Fort Chip is also connected to Fort McMurray by a 285 km winter road. This is a 4.5 hour trip.

Up-to-date information on road conditions for the Chip-Smith portion is available from the Park Office in Fort Chipewyan (697-3662) or Fort Smith (872-2349). Travellers should contact Alberta Transportation (697-3778) for information about the Chip-McMurray portion. Vehicles should be in good condition, and travellers should always carry emergency survival gear.

AirAirplane Picture
The Fort Chipewyan Airport is 7 km from town. Contact Air schedules regular flights between Fort McMurray and Fort Chip. Connecting flights between Fort McMurray and Edmonton are via Canadian Airlines. A number of small-aircraft charter companies (including Nor-Rose Air Charters in Fort Chipewyan and Loon Air in Fort Smith) also serve the region.

Boat
During the summer and fall, Fort Chipewyan can be reached by river from both Fort McMurray and Fort Smith. The Athabasca River corridor between McMurray and Chip takes approximately 8 hours by motor boat. Boating from Fort Chip north to Fort Fitzgerald via the Rochers and Slaver Rivers takes about 4.5 hours under normal conditions. Weekly barging services available call Girard Enterprise (780) 697-3846

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:

Summer

  • Hike the scenic Chain Lakes Trail (the trail begins at Dore Lake)
  • Go for a picnic and swim at Dore Lake -camp if you wish!
  • Check out the loons at Third or Fourth Lake
  • Indulge in some berry-picking! Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries abound
  • Hire a WBNP-licensed guide for an exciting boat trip into the Peace-Athabasca Delta
  • Canoe to a nearby island for a picnic
  • Visit the local fish plant during the walleye season
  • Grab your binoculars for some spectacular birdwatching - the spring and fall are ideal for viewing migrating waterfowl
  • Find a secluded spot on the rocks and practice your angling skills
  • Attend a Wood Buffalo National Park Interpretive Event

WinterNorthern Pike Photo

  • Explore the area on cross-country skis
    (skis may be rented from the local Cross-Country Ski Club - contact the Park Office for details)
  • Take a nature trek on snowshoes
  • Chop a hole and drop a line- Old Fort is a popular spot for ice-fishing
  • Watch the dogsledders train on Mission Creek
  • Try some tobogganing on Monument Hill
  • Go on a winter picnic!
  • Attend the Winter Carnival in March


ABOVE ALL, SIT BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY

Back Fort Chipewyan Lodge Go to Ft. Chip Activities
[Fort Chipewyan & Area Information]