Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada

Local Community Services

Fort Smith, Northwest Territories

This small but dynamic subarctic community, population 2500, is the gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park. The following services are available within the community:

Aerial view of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
© Parks Canada & Big River Tourism Association / WBNP M-1

• Hospital, medical clinic, and dentist
• RCMP
• Accommodations (hotel, campground, and bed & breakfasts)
• Restaurants and bars
• Grocery stores
• Small department and specialty stores
• Garage and gas stations
• Vehicle rentals
• Canoe and watercraft rentals
• Air charters and commercial airline flights
• Bank
• Laundromat
• Visitor information centre
• Post office
• Public library
• Community college
• Tourist attractions
• Museum

Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

This small, isolated community of 1200, located on the north shore of Lake Athabasca, is the Gateway to the Peace-Athabasca Delta in the southern end of the park. There is no all-weather road access to Fort Chipewyan and the availability of services is more limited. Access to Wood Buffalo National Park from Fort Chipewyan is by water only. Please note that watercraft or canoe rentals are not available locally. The following services are available in the community:

Aerial view of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta
© Parks Canada / D.Hodgins / WBNP M-2

• Nursing station
• RCMP
• Accommodations (hotel, bed & breakfast, camping)
• Restaurants and bars
• Grocery stores
• Drygoods (limited)
• Gas station (no garage or mechanics)
• Vehicle rental
• Air charters and commercial airline flights
• Bank (limited service)
• Laundromat
• Post office
• Museum

• Visitor Facilities
• Guides and Outfitters
• Access for Persons With Disabilities
• Local Community Services