Major city · Canada
Fort McMurray
Go for 2 nights if you want the oil sands story and a real shot at the northern lights; skip it if you are not already in northern Alberta.
Fort McMurray is the service town for the Athabasca oil sands, 450 km northeast of Edmonton on Highway 63. It is not a sightseeing city: the draw is the Oil Sands Discovery Centre, guided plant tours in summer, and aurora nights from late August. Two nights covers it; one night works if you are passing through. Winter is severe, and the town is still rebuilding after the 2016 wildfire.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for warm days and plant tours; late Aug–Mar for aurora
- avoid Dec–Feb unless you are equipped for −30 °C (−22 °F) and darker days; May–Jun for smoke and fire riskavoid Dec–Feb unless you are equipped for −22 °F (−30 °C) and darker days; May–Jun for smoke and fire risk
- Airport
- YMM
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Fort McMurray911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Fort McMurray, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyThe town itself is calm; the real risks are extreme winter cold, bears near food and garbage, wildfire and smoke in summer…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYMM Fort McMurray International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of downtown; daily flights from Edmonton (about 1 h) and Calgary (about 1.5 h).).YMM Fort McMurray International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of downtown; daily flights from Edmonton (about 1 h) and Calgary (about 1.5 h).).
- Getting aroundThe town is a loose cluster of subdivisions, many with a single entry road, so a car is the practical choice.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can at a storeC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiC$15–22 (≈ US$11–16)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketOil Sands Discovery Centre entryC$8 (≈ US$6)
- Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · High C$300 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YMM Fort McMurray International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of downtown; daily flights from Edmonton (about 1 h) and Calgary (about 1.5 h).)YMM Fort McMurray International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of downtown; daily flights from Edmonton (about 1 h) and Calgary (about 1.5 h).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
−12°C (11°F)11°F (−12°C)
Feb
Care
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Mar
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
not flagged
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
May
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Care
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best*
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
Best
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Nov
Best
−3°C (26°F)26°F (−3°C)
Dec
Care
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
Best: Mar, Jul–Nov. Mixed: Jun, Dec–Feb. Avoid: May. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Apr (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Fort McMurray: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−12°C (11°F)11°F (−12°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
12 rd
Feb
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
10 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−13°C (8°F)8°F (−13°C)
10 rd
Apr
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Jun
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
14 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (38°F)38°F (4°C)
12 rd
Oct
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
Nov
−3°C (26°F)26°F (−3°C)
−12°C (11°F)11°F (−12°C)
12 rd
Dec
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
−20°C (−3°F)−3°F (−20°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is a loose cluster of subdivisions, many with a single entry road, so a car is the practical choice. Wood Buffalo Transit runs about 9 routes across the city; cash fare is $2.25 and seniors 65+ and children under 5 ride free. Taxis are easy to find. A rural bus also serves Anzac, Gregoire Lakes, Janvier, Conklin and Fort McKay.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fort McKay
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Drive Highway 63 north about 55 km (34 mi); rural bus also runs from Fort McMurrayDrive Highway 63 north about 34 mi (55 km); rural bus also runs from Fort McMurray
Small First Nations community, the last settlement of any size on the highway north.
Fort Chipewyan
overnightDoor to door: Half a day or more
About 250 km (155 mi) north; road access only in winter over ice crossings, otherwise fly or boat in summerAbout 155 mi (250 km) north; road access only in winter over ice crossings, otherwise fly or boat in summer
Only reachable by road in winter; plan a flight or a boat in summer.
Edmonton
skipDoor to door: 5–6 h by car
Drive Highway 63 south about 450 km (280 mi), or fly about 1 hDrive Highway 63 south about 280 mi (450 km), or fly about 1 h
Too far for a day return; fly instead if that is the plan.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown (Lower Townsite)
Franklin Avenue services, restaurants and the main mall; walkable core, most hotels here.
Gregoire
South of downtown along Highway 63; motels and hotels, car needed for everything.
Timberlea
Largest subdivision, mostly residential with newer supermarkets and restaurants; quiet, car needed.
Thickwood
Second-largest subdivision; pubs and shops on Thickwood Blvd, residential streets.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–150 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–260 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × C$180 | C$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170 | C$680 |
| Wood Buffalo Transit cash fare, one ride2 × C$2 | C$5 |
| Oil Sands Discovery Centre entry2 × C$8 · family rate and CAA/AAA discount exist | C$16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$111 |
| Trip total≈ C$306 per person per day, bed included | C$1,222≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pub meal | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can at a store | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| 5 km taxi | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Wood Buffalo Transit ride | C$2.25 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Oil Sands Discovery Centre entry | C$8 (≈ US$6) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter cold is the main risk: −35 °C (−31 °F) to −45 °C (−49 °F) happens. Rent a winterised car with a block heater and plug it in.Winter cold is the main risk: −31 °F (−35 °C) to −49 °F (−45 °C) happens. Rent a winterised car with a block heater and plug it in.
- Bear awareness: open food or garbage attracts black bears, including animals displaced by the 2016 wildfire. Report sightings to Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
- Highway 63 is the only road out and has a history of serious crashes; drive it in daylight and watch for wide oil-sands loads.
- Wildfire season can bring evacuation orders and smoke; check Alberta wildfire status before and during a summer trip.
- Spring ice-jam flooding on the Athabasca has forced evacuations before; check local alerts in April–May.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Fort McMurrayFort McMurray
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Fort McMurray; the US consulate and most others are in Edmonton, embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- YMM airport → Downtown, taxi: about C$35–50 (≈ US$30–40), about 20 min
- Wood Buffalo Transit cash fare: C$2.25 (≈ US$2), seniors 65+ and under-5s free
- Bus Edmonton → Fort McMurray: about 4.5 h by coach
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- I need help — I need help
English is the working language; no phrase list needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Fort McMurray. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for warm days and plant tours; late Aug–Mar for aurora · avoid Dec–Feb unless you are equipped for −30 °C and darker days; May–Jun for smoke and fire risk · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YMM: last flight arrivals, taxi and rideshare fallback, hotel shuttle rungs.
- Four walking or driving clusters with anchors: Downtown and Franklin Avenue, Gregoire, Timberlea, Thickwood.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Oil Sands Discovery Centre, plant tours, Peter Pond Shopping Centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Aurora and winter-driving fixtures so cold-weather and night-sky gates can go green.