Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo National Park, National park in northern Alberta and Northwest Territories, Canada
Wood Buffalo National Park is a protected wilderness area in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, covering roughly 45,000 square kilometers (17,400 square miles). The territory combines boreal forests, open prairies, and wide wetlands crossed by rivers and dotted with lakes.
The Canadian government created this reserve in 1922 to protect the last free-roaming wood bison herds from disappearing entirely. Over the following decades, bison numbers recovered and the territory gained recognition as a World Heritage site.
The name Wood Buffalo refers to the forest bison that inhabit this wilderness, and visitors often spot herds crossing meadows or resting near water. During summer, many bison dig shallow depressions in the ground where they roll in dust to protect themselves from insects.
Fort Smith sits at the southern edge and serves as the main starting point for exploration, with a visitor center and camping spots spread throughout the territory. Trails are often unpaved, so travelers should prepare for changing weather and bring enough supplies.
The Peace-Athabasca Delta forms the largest inland delta in North America and attracts millions of migratory birds that stop here to rest. At night the reserve offers some of the darkest skies on the continent, allowing visitors to watch northern lights and constellations without artificial light.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Fort Resolution
202.7 km
Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park
231.8 km
Deh Cho Bridge
326.1 km
The Wildcat Cafe
351.1 km
Northwest Territories Legislative Building
350.7 km
Alexandra Falls
221.9 km
Enterprise
219.2 km
Greenstone Building
349.9 km
Clearwater Formation
179.5 km
Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters Yellowknife
350.2 kmSaltos Vermilion
156.5 km
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
350.3 km
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park
339.7 km
Yellowknife Post Office
350 kmFidler-Greywillow Wildland Provincial Park
143.8 kmCaribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park
112.8 km
Fireweed Studio
350 km
Weaver & Devore Trading
350.9 km
Back Bay Cemetery
351.5 km
Log School House
349.8 km
Hudson's Bay Warehouse
351.1 kmBirch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park
208.7 kmNotikewin Provincial Park
342.1 kmLouise Falls
220.3 kmNorthern Life Museum
92.6 km
NACC Theatre
349.7 km
Sutherland's Drug Store
350 km
Bank of Toronto building
351.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes