8-Day Northern Alberta RV Itinerary
From prairie skies to forested valleys, experience a journey where the road less travelled leads to unforgettable memories.
Trip Overview
Start / End:
Arrival in Edmonton: Gateway to the North
The Road to Peace River (486 km | ~5 hrs)
Hit the highway and journey into Peace Country, where the prairie gradually gives way to rolling hills and river-cut valleys. Travel northwest on Highway 16, then veer north on Highway 43 and eventually Highway 2. This scenic route winds through communities like Whitecourt, Valleyview, and Rycroft before descending into the stunning Peace River valley.
Keep your eyes open for roadside bison, francophone villages, and heritage markers that whisper of Alberta’s early settlers and fur trade history.
Stop Ideas:
Peace River: Culture, Nature & Connection
Nestled where the Peace, Smoky, and Heart Rivers meet, the town of Peace River is a hub of cultural richness and outdoor beauty. Start with a sunrise paddle or guided boat tour, then stretch your legs on trails throughout Misery Mountain. Or check out some impressive lookouts like the Sagitawa Lookout or 12 Foot Davis Lookout.
Explore the town’s roots through Indigenous experiences, agricultural tours, or a stop at the Peace River Museum. Enjoy lunch riverside, visit local shops, and catch an event if the timing’s right, there’s always something brewing in this welcoming northern town.
Stop Ideas:
From River Valleys to Lakeshores (276 km | ~3 hrs)
Lesser Slave Lake: A Day by the Water
Spend the day enjoying the natural rhythms of lake life. Walk the sandy beaches of Devonshire Beach, watch pelicans skim the water, or hike the Marten Mountain Viewpoint for panoramic views.
Nature lovers can visit the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, while those seeking peace will find it in the lapping waves and gentle breezes. Stay a second night to fully unwind.
Cross-Country to Elk Island (324 km | ~3.5 hrs)
Leave the lakeshore and head southeast, passing through forest and farmland as you make your way toward Elk Island National Park. This stretch takes you through Westlock and along the Yellowhead Highway, where grasslands hint at your return to prairie landscapes.
Stop for a break in small-town cafés or picnic spots before entering the sanctuary of Elk Island.