Wood Buffalo National Park Highways & Freeways

This single-lane backcountry dirt road leads south from Highway 5--about 30 km east of Fort Smith--through boreal forest, eventually connecting to Pine Lake Road. The 54-km road provides access to the Salt Plains (via the Salt Plains turn-off) and Parson's Tower Viewpoint. Parson's Lake Road is open from late spring to early fall. It may become impassable when conditions are wet due to its soft surface. Check with the Visitor Reception Centre for updates on road conditions.

From mid-December to mid-March, a winter road connects the communities of Fort Smith, Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray. A section of this road travels through Wood Buffalo National Park, between Fort Chipewyan and the Peace River, winding narrowly through the forest and traversing ice bridges. Travellers must be prepared for cold-weather survival. Check road conditions with the park hotline.

Pine Lake Road leads 120 km south from Fort Smith to Peace Point Reserve on Peace River. This gravel all-weather road provides access to many of Wood Buffalo National Park's frontcountry facilities. Bison are sometimes encountered along this route; always maintain a safe distance. The maximum speed limit along Pine Lake Road is 80 km/hr (under normal driving conditions).