by Turo
posted on December 1, 2025
The Edmonton to Fort McMurray drive takes you through open prairie, quiet lakes, and long stretches of remote forest. This road trip guide gives you driving tips, route options, and the best stops to make your time exploring Northern Alberta fun, exciting and memorable!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Edmonton to Fort McMurray
- How are the road conditions between Edmonton and Fort McMurray?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, Alberta?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Edmonton and Fort McMurray?
- Where to stop while driving from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, AB
- Frequently asked questions about the Edmonton to Fort McMurray road trip
- Book your rental car in Edmonton with Turo
Tips for driving from Edmonton to Fort McMurray
The drive to Fort McMurray is roughly 435 kilometres and takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. Fuel up before leaving the city, bring water and snacks for the quieter northern stretches, and build in breaks so you stay alert once Highway 63 narrows into long, uninterrupted sections of forest.
How are the road conditions between Edmonton and Fort McMurray?
The route is fully paved with long straightaways and good visibility. Traffic thins out quickly past the smaller towns. Expect changing speeds near work zones and prepare for sudden weather shifts once you’re deeper into the boreal region.
What is the best time of year to drive from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, Alberta?
Late spring through early fall offers the most daylight and predictable roads. Summer is the most popular time; winter can be much more challenging. If you can time it right, an early fall trip will give you a front row seat to some of the most beautiful fall colours in Canada!
Are there EV chargers along the way between Edmonton and Fort McMurray?
Fast chargers are available in Edmonton, Lac La Biche, and Fort McMurray. Plan your stops ahead, especially if you want some extra buffer on the long stretches between towns.
Where to stop while driving from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, AB
A few small detours will break up the rhythm of Highway 63 and add some variety to your road trip. These five stops are great chances to stretch your legs and see something new before settling back into your drive north.
Elk Island National Park
Just east of Edmonton, Elk Island‘s calm lakes, wide meadows, and wildlife make it one of the most popular national parks in Alberta. An early stop here will help you ease into the drive while getting a quick taste of Alberta’s great outdoors.
- Distance from Edmonton: ~50 km (~40 minutes)
- Distance to Fort McMurray: ~385 km (~4 hours)
Why it’s great
Bison herds, quiet trails, and open viewpoints make this a peaceful reset after leaving the airport and before settling into Highway 63.
Practical tips
Cell service can dip near the lakes. Bring a jacket if you’re walking the shoreline; the wind moves across the water quickly. Parking is easy near most trailheads.
How to get there
Take Highway 16 east toward the park gates. An SUV or pickup truck will work well here, especially if you’re carrying outdoor gear or planning to wander gravel turnoffs. Models from Ford and Subaru easily handle rough terrain, and pickup at the terminal is simple when you start your trip with an Edmonton airport car rental from Turo.
World’s Largest Pierogi – Glendon, Alberta
Glendon’s giant pierogi is one of those roadside attractions that you’ve got to stop at. It’s a quick, memorable stop with a small park, benches, and room to stretch and snap some pics before continuing on.
- Distance from Edmonton: ~215 km (~2.5 hours)
- Distance to Fort McMurray: ~260 km (~3 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s quirky, easy to access, and offers a fun break in the middle of the route.
Practical tips
Grab fuel or snacks before options thin out between Glendon and Lac La Biche. The park itself is small, so this stop works best as a short visit.
How to get there
Take Highway 28 northeast toward Glendon. This stretch of wide-open road is even better behind the wheel of a sports car or a classic car, like a Porsche. The pierogi is a quick stop that’s easy to enjoy before getting back on the road and feeling the power of the engine.
Lac La Biche and Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Stop at Lac La Biche for a shift in scenery, trading highway lines for open water and a stretch of quiet shoreline. The island park has easy hiking trails, picnic spots, and enough space to get some fresh air and exercise.
- Distance from Edmonton: ~215 km (~2.5 hours)
- Distance to Fort McMurray: ~220 km (~2.5 hours)
Why it’s great
The calm water and shoreline trails make this one of the most relaxing stops on the drive.
Practical tips
Services are close to town, but the park itself is quiet. Bring snacks, water, and a jacket if the breeze picks up over the lake.
How to get there
Stay on Highway 28 and follow the turnoff toward Lac La Biche, then cross the short causeway into the park. This area has reliable fast chargers, so an electric vehicle, like a Tesla or a Chevrolet, is a great fit. Top up your battery in town before heading deeper into northern Alberta.
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is just south of Fort McMurray, where you’ll find clear water, a sandy shoreline, and a calm forest backdrop. It’s a great place to stop for a swim or a walk near the end of the drive.
- Distance from Edmonton: ~420 km (~4.5 hours)
- Distance to Fort McMurray: ~35 km (~30 minutes)
Why it’s great
The lake is warm in summer, and the beach has plenty of space to unwind and catch some sun.
Practical tips
If you want to swim, check conditions before heading in; the shoreline can feel cooler on windy days. Facilities are near the main parking area.
How to get there
Follow Highway 63 north and watch for the turnoff to the park. A comfortable luxury car keeps the long northern stretch quiet and relaxed. Make your Edmonton rental car a BMW or Mercedes-Benz and drive in style.
MacDonald Island Park
MacDonald Island Park is one of the best places in Fort McMurray to let kids get the energy out after hours on the highway. The facility has so much to do, so your crew can play, explore, and shake off the last stretch of the drive.
- Distance from Edmonton: ~435 km (~5 hours)
- Distance to Fort McMurray: ~3 km (~5 minutes)
Why it’s great
The Syncrude Aquatic Centre has water slides, a lazy river, and warm pools. If everyone wants to stay dry, the indoor playground, climbing wall, and fieldhouse are just as fun.
Practical tips
Pack swim gear and a towel if you plan to hit the aquatic centre. Socks or indoor shoes help for the playground and climbing zones. It gets lively on weekends, so expect more families around the main entrances.
How to get there
Follow Highway 63 into town and take the signed turn toward the island. If you’re road tripping with kids, making your Edmonton rental car a minivan or van will give you plenty of space for strollers and swim gear. A roomy Toyota or Chrysler model will keep everyone comfy and entertained on the long drive.
Frequently asked questions about the Edmonton to Fort McMurray road trip
Where is Fort McMurray?
Fort McMurray is in northeastern Alberta, where the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers meet. The city is about 435 kilometres north of Edmonton by road and acts as a gateway to Alberta’s oil sands and several surrounding communities.
Most visitors arrive by car or through Fort McMurray International Airport, just southeast of the city. Booking your Edmonton or Fort McMurray airport car rental on Turo makes pickup easy with delivery options that meet you right at the terminal!
Is Fort McMurray close to Edmonton?
They’re connected by a straightforward highway, but the province is big; the two cities are still more than 400 kilometres apart. It’s close enough to drive in a day, but far enough that you’ll want breaks along the way.
How long does it take to drive from Edmonton to Fort McMurray?
Most travellers reach Fort McMurray in about 4.5 to 5 hours. Weather, construction, and fuel stops can add a bit of time, so plan for a steady pace rather than a rush.
Are there scenic alternatives to Highway 63?
There aren’t many alternate routes, but Highway 881 offers a quieter path through smaller communities before rejoining Highway 63 farther north. It adds time but offers a different view of the region.
Do I need winter tires for the Edmonton to Fort McMurray drive?
If you’re driving in winter, absolutely. The right tires will keep you confident behind the wheel, and Turo vehicles come equipped with tires that meet local regulations.
Book your rental car in Edmonton with Turo
Plan your drive with a car that fits your style. On Turo, you can choose the exact vehicle you want, skip the rental counter, and have it delivered right where you need it. All that’s left to do is pack your bags, pick your stops, and head out on the open road!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
