Base for Aurora Tourism in Canada! 4 recommended tourist spots in Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray is located in central Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1870 at the confluence of the Clearwater River and the Athabasca River, the town developed as a hub for trade and oil production in Canada. Situated at the southern edge of the aurora belt and boasting a high number of clear days, Fort McMurray is now known as a base for aurora tourism. Compared to polar regions, the temperature is relatively mild, so many aurora viewing tours start from this town. Here, we will introduce four tourist spots in Fort McMurray, steeped in history and nature.

1. MacDonald Island Park

Located on a river island surrounded by the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers, MacDonald Island Park is a tourist spot where you can enjoy a variety of sports in one place.

Indoor pools, a golf course, rock climbing, hockey — the range of sports and fitness activities you can experience is truly diverse! There is also a playroom-like area for children to enjoy lightly, making it perfect for spending free time before or after aurora viewing.

2. Oil Sands Discovery Centre

Fort McMurray and its surrounding area first gained attention as a region producing “oil sands.” Oil sands are sandstone containing crude oil, and from the 1930s to the 1980s, Fort McMurray developed as an oil refining town.

The Oil Sands Discovery Centre is a tourist facility where you can learn about oil sands — something inseparably linked to Fort McMurray’s history. Through exhibits, video materials, and viewing actual refining machinery once in use, visitors can learn in detail about oil sands, a resource.

3. Boomtown Casino

While Fort McMurray is famous as a base for aurora tourism, seeing the aurora — a natural phenomenon — sometimes requires a long stay. In such cases, the town offers attractions to fill your spare time.

Located in the city center, Boomtown Casino offers familiar games like slots, roulette, and various card games. With a café and lounge attached, it’s a comfortable place to spend time — just be careful not to forget your sightseeing purpose and spend too much time here.

4. Peter Pond Mall

If you want to enjoy shopping in Fort McMurray, Peter Pond Mall is recommended. Conveniently located right next to Boomtown Casino, access is easy! In its spacious two-story interior, you’ll find a variety of stores — from familiar shops to unique Canadian stores.

Located in the heart of Fort McMurray, it’s a great place to visit if you need anything during your stay.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced four tourist spots in Fort McMurray, the town of auroras and oil sands. While it’s primarily a base for aurora tourism, the city also has attractions worth visiting. We hope this article will help you make the most of your stay in Fort McMurray.