Circle Tour: Slave Lake to Fairview – Small-Town Alberta, Hidden Lakes & Big Sky Vibes

Forests, Rivers & Peace Country Roads

Circle Tour: Slave Lake to Fairview – Small-Town Alberta, Hidden Lakes & Big Sky Vibes

This scenic circle tour connects the forested shores of Slave Lake with the golden farmlands of Fairview, weaving through historic towns, Indigenous lands, and big-sky country that defines Northern Alberta. It's the kind of road trip where you lose the crowds, find real community, and come back with stories.

🌲 Lake Life & Northern Waters

Start your loop in Slave Lake, where the massive blue of Lesser Slave Lake stretches out like an ocean. Think paddleboards, beach walks, and a front-row seat to Alberta’s best northern sunsets.

Not far west, Kinuso, Driftpile First Nation, and Sucker Creek First Nation dot the lakeshore — communities rooted in the land, each with their own stories, fishing spots, and small-town charm.

Keep heading west and you’ll reach Faust and High Prairie — excellent spots to stop, snack, and stretch your legs by the water. Enilda and Brownvale keep things quiet and scenic, while offering unique backroad access to northern trails and rivers.

🪶 Culture, Connection & First Nations Roots

This route brings you through vibrant First Nations and Métis territories. Driftpile First Nation and Sucker Creek First Nation both sit along the lake and are rich in stories, tradition, and hospitality.

Take time to learn and listen — from roadside art to community events and powwows (if your timing’s right), you’ll find this part of the province brimming with spirit and history.

Make a stop in McLennan or Nampa — small but full of character — and head north to Peace River, a riverside hub that mixes arts, history, and amazing valley views.

🏘️ Prairie Towns, Farmland Roads & Hidden Stops

As you roll west into Grimshaw, Bluesky, Berwyn, and Fairview, the trees give way to golden fields. This part of the tour offers classic prairie towns — community murals, quiet coffee shops, and quirky landmarks worth a photo or two.

Fairview itself is full of heart: explore the local museum, stroll through green parks, and visit during summer weekends when farmers’ markets bring the streets to life.

🛣️ The Return Loop: Backroads, Beavers & Big Sky Beauty

On the return leg to Slave Lake, head south on Highway 2 and turn west at Rycroft, taking the scenic back roads through Bay Tree and into Dawson Creek, BC. Swing by Pouce Coupe, then curve east toward Hythe — and if you’re lucky, the Hythe Legion might be open for a visit and a story or two.

Don’t forget to stop for a photo with the iconic Beaverlodge Beaver — a 15-foot roadside legend that’s proudly greeted travellers since 2004.

If you're on schedule, make time for the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum near Wembley — one of the coolest stops on this route. Then cruise into Grande Prairie, up through Clairmont, Sexsmith, and Teepee Creek.

Wind your way through Watino, then swing south to Debolt and Crooked Creek — where the donuts are famous and worth the detour. From there, take Highway 49 back through High Prairie, Sucker Creek, and Driftpile, before rolling back into Slave Lake with a full camera roll and a story-packed heart.

🥧 Small-Town Flavour You Can Taste
And if you're rolling through Sexsmith during harvest, stop for pie.
Local favourites like The Pie Lady, JD’s Pizza & Bakery Outlet, or Crumbs Café & Pizzeria are known for their sweet treats and small-town hospitality. Even if it’s not pie season, you’ll likely find something that hits the spot.

🌟 Did You Know?
Grimshaw is the official Mile Zero of the Mackenzie Highway, a jumping-off point to the true North. And Peace River’s breathtaking valley views are one of the most Instagrammed spots in Northern Alberta.

🚗 Roadside Finds & Trip Tips

Keep your camera handy: moose sightings, vintage signs, and hidden lakes are everywhere up here. Pack a picnic, bring bug spray, and give yourself time to wander — this isn't a rush-through route.

Backroads near Canyon Creek, Rycroft, and Wembley lead to some of Alberta’s most photogenic drives. And if you’re in Grande Prairie, Sexsmith, or Beaverlodge, stop, snack, and soak in that Northern Alberta hospitality.

📸 Pro Tip:

Catch golden hour on the Peace River valley hills or sunrise over Lesser Slave Lake — this loop is made for slow mornings and epic evenings.

Maps: NW 7  NW8

Towns: Slave Lake, Kinuso, Driftpile First Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation, Faust, High Prairie, Enilda, McLennan, Nampa, Grimshaw, Peace River, Berwyn, Bluesky, Brownvale, Fairview, Rycroft, Spirit River, Sexsmith, Beaverlodge, Dawson Creek (BC), Pouce Coupe (BC), Hythe, Wembley, Teepee Creek, Canyon Creek, Wanham, Watino, Bay Tree, Debolt, Crooked Creek