Mountains, Forests & Northern Lakes
Circle Tour: Edson to Slave Lake | NW Alberta Road Trip
This circle tour connects the foothills town of Edson with the northern waters of Slave Lake, creating a route that blends mountain edges, dense boreal forests, and lake-country beauty. Along the way, you’ll roll through farming communities, timber towns, and First Nations lands — places where Alberta’s landscapes and cultures meet.
🏞️ From Foothills to Forests
Starting in Edson, the western gateway to the Rockies, the landscape shifts quickly from foothills into rolling boreal forest. Peers and Sangudo are classic small Alberta towns, while Whitecourt and Mayerthorpe reflect the province’s forestry and farming heritage.
Near Canyon Creek and Swan Hills, expect big skies, thick forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s a stretch where moose, deer, and even black bears are often spotted near the roadside.
🌊 Lakeside Highlights
Northern Alberta is lake country, and this tour puts you right in the middle of it.
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Lesser Slave Lake: Known for Devonshire Beach, one of Alberta’s best sandy beaches.
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Faust & Canyon Creek: Small lakeside hamlets perfect for fishing and boating.
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Kinuso & Driftpile First Nation: Communities with deep connections to the water and land.
Make time to stop at the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, especially in spring and fall when migrations peak.
🪶 Indigenous & Cultural Connections
This loop includes Driftpile First Nation, Kinuso, Guy, and Falher, each with stories of resilience, culture, and community. Local events, powwows, and cultural sites give travelers a chance to engage with living traditions.
In Fort Assiniboine, history comes alive at the old fort and ferry crossing site, once vital during the fur trade era.
🏘️ Prairie Towns & Local Stops
Towns like Barrhead, Cherhill, Pickardville, and Rochefort Bridge bring prairie hospitality, murals, and classic main streets. Westlock’s Pioneer Museum and High Prairie’s rodeo culture both make for worthy detours.
For a quieter pace, Glenevis, Gunn, and Birch Cove offer roadside cafés, friendly shops, and glimpses of Alberta’s small-town life.
📸 Pro Tip
If you’re traveling in summer, plan an overnight stop at Slave Lake. Catch sunset on Devonshire Beach, then wake up early to hike the Lesser Slave Lake trails for spectacular sunrise views.
Towns: Edson, Slave Lake, Whitecourt, Barrhead, Mayerthorpe, Swan Hills, Canyon Creek, Peers, Sangudo, Cherhill, Birch Cove, Gunn, Glenevis, Pickardville, Rochefort Bridge, Fort Assiniboine, Westlock, Clairmont, Driftpile First Nation, Enilda, Falher, Faust, Grande Cache, Grande Prairie, Guy, High Prairie, Hinton, Kinuso, Rycroft, Sexsmith, Wanham