Wood Buffalo

Wood Buffalo National Park is Canada's largest national park and one of the largest in the world, spanning 44,807 square kilometers across northeastern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories. Established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of wood bison, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for the Peace-Athabasca Delta, one of the world's largest freshwater deltas, and as the only remaining natural nesting ground for endangered whooping cranes.

Wood Buffalo protects the world's largest free-roaming herd of wood bison (approximately 5,000 animals) and the only natural nesting habitat for whooping cranes. The park supports gray wolves, black bears, moose, lynx, and over 200 bird species.

The boreal forest contains white and black spruce, jack pine, and extensive muskeg wetlands.

The park encompasses boreal forest, salt plains unique in Canada, vast wetlands, and the Peace-Athabasca Delta. The landscape features sinkholes, gypsum karst formations, and one of the world's largest undisturbed grass and sedge meadows. The park straddles the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, with the majority of its area in Alberta.

The park experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters (temperatures to -40°C) and short, warm summers (highs to 25°C). The northern location means extended daylight in summer and long winter nights. Mosquitoes and blackflies are intense from June to August. Freeze-up occurs in October/November.

The park lies within Treaty 8 territory. The Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and other Indigenous peoples have inhabited this land for over 8,000 years. Traditional activities including hunting, fishing, and trapping continue under treaty rights. Indigenous communities are actively involved in park management decisions.

Wood Buffalo was established in 1922 to protect the last wild wood bison. Plains bison were controversially introduced in the 1920s, interbreeding with wood bison. The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Recent concerns about the Site C dam and oilsands development threatening the Peace-Athabasca Delta have brought international attention.

Activities include viewing the whooping crane nesting area (by permit), Salt Plains viewing, exploring the karst sinkholes, canoeing the Peace-Athabasca Delta, bison viewing along park roads, aurora watching (the park is a Dark Sky Preserve), and backcountry camping. Guided interpretive programs are available in summer.

The park is accessed via Highway 5 from Fort Smith, NWT or via winter roads from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. Fort Smith has scheduled air service from Yellowknife and Edmonton. Fort Chipewyan is accessible year-round by air and by seasonal ice road in winter. The nearest major city is Edmonton (approximately 750 km south). June to August offers the best weather for visiting, though insects are challenging. Late August to early September sees fewer bugs and fall colors. The Dark Sky Preserve designation makes winter excellent for aurora viewing. Spring breakup (April-May) brings spectacular flooding of the delta. Park entry fees apply. The main visitor center is in Fort Smith. Services are very limited within the park. Visitors should be self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. Cell service is unavailable in most areas. The park is open year-round, but many roads close in winter. Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping.

The park is managed to protect its natural and cultural resources while providing opportunities for public enjoyment and education. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, species protection, and sustainable visitor management practices.