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Explore Northern Alberta Behind The Wheel Of An Rv
he Deh Cho Trail meanders own an RV of their own, there are
through the boreal forest, RV rentals available throughout
pristine rivers, former Alberta. Throughout your
gold rush towns and Aboriginal adventures you will find
culture of northern Alberta. accommodations to suit every
Travel Alberta offers insights need.
into the highlights and
navigation secrets of the trail. Whether you're traveling by car,
Exploring this trail with an RV bus or RV/motorhome, this
gives you a window on a 1,800-kilometre (1,118-mile)
magnificent world. circle route is a classic road
trip for adventure-seekers who
There's a bear grazing on the like to walk (and drive) on the
side of the road, munching wild side. This journey through
contentedly on grass. And just the Canadian North thanks to its
yesterday, you got the rare vast boreal forests, mighty
chance to watch a gangly mother rivers, pristine lakes and
moose and her calf wade on the rolling prairies, rivals other
banks of a crystal-clear lake. classic driving routes such as
Driving an RV along the Deh Cho the Alaska Highway,
Trail in northern Alberta affords
moments like these at every bend Aptly named, the Deh Cho
in the road. The rugged landscape (pronounced Day-Cho) is an
- while vast and remote - is a Aboriginal term for 'big river',
modern-day explorer's dream, a representing the Mackenzie River
land steeped in the unique region through which travelers
culture and history of the will pass on their 12- to-14-day
region's early inhabitants and journey.
the traders and prospectors that
followed. For those who do not This driving trek is sprinkled
with scenic campgrounds and RV named 12-foot Davis, who found
parks - a testament to the riches - and fame - in the
countless tourists who drive the mid-1800s, when gold was
route each year. discovered in the Peace River.
Officially, the trail loop begins The town, situated at the
in the town of Grimshaw, 440 confluence of three rivers, is
kilometers (270 miles) north of well suited to recreation lovers
the provincial capital of - boasting world-class fishing
Edmonton. (Check out Grimshaw's and boating as well as hunting,
Mile Zero Antique Truck Museum, golf and ranch vacations.
which boasts an eclectic
collection of old vehicles. A few Heading north on Highway 35,
kilometers to the east is Peace motorists will pass through a
River, a former gold-rush town string of towns such as Manning
from which explorer Alexander and High Level that played a key
Mackenzie launched his epic role in connecting communities
journey to the Pacific Ocean. during the fur-trade and Gold
Rush era.
Visitors can delve into the past
at the Peace River Centennial East of High Level is the town of
Museum and Archives, which boasts Fort Vermilion, which competes
interpretive displays on the with the northern hamlet of Fort
region's Aboriginal culture, Chipewyan as the oldest
early explorers, fur trade and settlement in Alberta. Fort
northern transportation. There's Vermilion was founded as a North
also a restored railway station, West Company trading post in the
dating back to 1916, as well as late 1700s; historic buildings
the grave and statue dot the town and the restored
commemorating a local character General Store is a popular
refueling stop for travelers. The downtown to get their photo taken
Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre at the Mile Zero Signpost.
boasts tales from the town's (There's also a visitor centre,
founding days, as well as a museum and pioneer village).
unique experimental farm
collection dating back to 1907. Three hours later, travelers are
back in Alberta's Grande Prairie,
North of High Level, the Deh Cho an urban oasis of 35,000 people
Trail crosses into the Northwest that boasts several campgrounds
Territories at the 60th parallel, as well as an assortment of
which is denoted with a bustling hotels and motels. Check out the
visitor centre. From here, city's history at the Pioneer
Highway 35 becomes the N.W.T. Museum, or head to Muskoseepi
Highway 1, which winds through Park to bird-watch and catch some
communities such as Fort Smith - rays.
a gateway to Wood Buffalo
National Park - and Fort Simpson, From here, the road jogs north
a popular jumping-off point for again back to Grimshaw, passing
travelers exploring Nahanni through classic prairie towns
National Park. such as Fairview, home to
Dunvegan - an interactive
From there, the route loops interpretive centre that
through communities such as Fort recreates life in the 19th
Liard - home to its famous hot century.
springs and river - and south
into the neighboring province of Those who are still in 'go' mode
British Columbia. The city of can continue their drive through
Dawson Creek, B.C., marks the several routes: from Grande
start of the Alaska Highway, and Prairie south on Highway 40 to
travelers frequently stop the city of Grande Cache, a
journey that meanders past holiday tips and vacation deals
pristine areas such as Willmore in Alberta visit:
Wilderness Park and onto Jasper http://www1.drivecanadianrockies.
National Park; or southeast on com/adventure-advisor/
Highway 2 through Slave Lake and
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park For more information or Alberta
for great camping, world-class Travel Planning visit:
boating, fishing and beaches, http://www.TravelAlberta.com
plus an annual
sandcastle-building festival each Are you a media person who
summer) and Athabasca to requires more information?
Edmonton. Contact the Travel Alberta Media
team at
To sign up to receive Travel http://www1.travelalberta.com/en-
Alberta Adventure Advisor media/index.cfm?pageid=2067
newsletter with travel updates,
About the Author:
Author, Susan Mate, writes articles on Travel and Destination for Travel Alberta Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.travelalberta.com
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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