Fort McMurray Accommodation Guide
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Welcome to Fort McMurray 1

Fort McMurray, in Northern Alberta, has been a town, then a city, then the largest unincorporated municipality in the province. The region is rich in oil sands, and was a popular spot with early first Nations residents, notably the Cree, for waterproofing canoes. European explorers came in search of fur, began trading with the Cree and settled the area around 1778. Fort McMurray grew out of a trading post established by the Hudson's Bay company in the mid 1800s. In the following years, the outpost grew as a rest stop for traders en route to outposts farther north.

ABOUT FORT MCMURRAY

By the early 20th century, Fort McMurray was gaining momentum in the oil industry, but remained a small town. Large oil companies began exploring the potential of the region in the 1920s and the first oil refinery (for separating oil from sand) was built.

The railway came to town in 1925, and the population began to grow as this oil rich region began to attract national attention. By the 1930s, oil and sand were successfully being separated using hot water based methods.

During the Second World War, Fort McMurray came to prominence through the Canol Road. The Canol (short for Canadian Oil) Road was involved in building a pipeline and road from Norman Wells, Northwest Territories to Whitehorse, Yukon to deliver precious fuel and oil. Shortly after the war, Fort McMurray joined the nearby town of Waterways to become the village of McMurray.

The village changed its name again in 1962, adding the designation "Fort" in order to preserve its heritage. Within a few years, the town had reached a population of 2,000 residents. Within five years, the oil industry grew, refineries opened and the population would began to boom, reaching almost 7,000 within ten years and then exploding to just over 30,000 in another ten years.

	Sakitawaw Trail, Fort McMurray 2

Fort McMurray incorporated as a city in 1980.

Oil prices had dropped, and the National Energy Program was developed to combat the crash. The city kept growing and suffered little throughout the lower prices (and higher taxes) for Canadian oil. The National Energy Program cost the industry dearly, and by the time it was cancelled in 1984, the program had cost the province of Alberta an estimated 100 billion dollars. Fort McMurray, however, reached a population high of around 37,000.

At just over 64,000 people as of 2006, Fort McMurray remains the largest community in the municipality, and one of the nation's largest centres for oil production. Other big industries include natural gas, forestry and tourism.

Fort McMurray's seasons are typical for an Albertan City: cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature at Fort McMurray is -19.8°C (-3.6°F) in January and 16.6°C (61.9°F) in July.

ACCOMMODATION

The WorldWeb.com Travel Guide Accommodation Directory provides all the information visitors need to choose the right place to stay Fort McMurray. In this directory visitors will find detailed information on many choices, from hotels and bed & breakfasts to inns, campgrounds and more, with links to booking services and even interactive maps displaying the location of lodgings relative to restaurants and attractions.

Useful Accommodation Links for Fort McMurray, Ab

DOWNTOWN

Downtown Fort McMurray is host to a number of great accommodations, like the The Nomad Inn, Stonebridge Hotel and The Merit Hotel. Being surrounded by The Boomtown Casino, shopping facilities like the Peter Pond Shopping Centre, a superstore, and an abundance of great restaurants adds convenience to the list of downtown's amenities. Travellers are placed within walking distance of all the local businesses they'll need while enjoying a night away from home. Ace Inn is also located in the heart of Fort McMurray's downtown, right on Biggs Avenue by a 24-hour donut shop. As well, The Super 8 Motel is another accommodation downtown promising guests a comfortable stay for the night. Minglers Blues Bar, Cedar's Steak House and Hu's Pizza and Donair are just a few of the dining establishments located around the downtown sphere. Fort McMurray's downtown also offers an array of artistic sights and sounds, like the Artworks Gallery on Biggs Avenue for tourists to enjoy.

A Winter Sunrise at Vista Ridge in Fort McMurray 3

POPULAR ALTERNATIVES

In the Northern Alberta landscape, camping can be an enjoyable alternative, even in the winter months. The forests are deep and seem never-ending, and are as vibrant as any in the country. The Gregoire Lake Provincial Park, Centennial Park Campground and Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area are all great locations for families looking to experience something different on their holiday. Campsites are great spots for an interactive holiday, not only do they give travellers the chance to be surrounded by the great outdoors, but the opportunity for meeting new people in this socially charged atmosphere is guaranteed. The newly built Advantage West Inns & Suites,located on Parent Way, is another popular alternative to a downtown accommodation. Advantage West Inns is a popular choice simply because it is made easily accessible from one of Fort McMurray's busiest arteries and is located at the east end of the city. With the oil industry booming, Fort McMurray also has a number of extended stay options as well for individuals looking for a place to stay while they're working. Clearwater Suite located on Haineault Street and Sawridge on MacKenzie Boulevard are both excellent accommodations offering extended stays.

STAYING ON THE RIVER

	Glider Plane Taking off at the Snye 4

Visitors with a penchant for fishing could be interested in staying at the Mikisew / Northern Sport Fishing Cabins, located 243km (150 mi) north of Fort McMurray near Lake Athabasca. As well, Gypsy Lake Lodge offers fishing trips and outfitting services for hunters. Located 50 minutes east of Fort McMurray, guests will be greeted by a 2000 sq ft main lodge and four rustic cabins, each perfect for a true adventure.

GETTING AROUND

Visitors rarely encounter difficulties when exploring the city. All of the major accommodations, restaurants and attractions are easily accessible, or within a short drive from the major thoroughfares, and many have pleasant scenic surroundings. Travellers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Sakitawaw Trail, Thickwood Boulevard, Confederation Way, Franklin Avenue and Hospital Street. Each of these roads will connect drivers to every corner of the city and are easy to navigate through.

Fort McMurray maintains an efficient and reliable public transit system, which encompasses the subdivisions north and south of the city. Tickets are available at some grocery and convenience stores, as well as on the buses themselves. For vehicle rentals, Avis, Driving Force, Williams Chrysler & Jeep and Action Auto Rentals are all top-choice Fort McMurray vehicle rental companies offering great options and affordable rates.

The Fort McMurray Airport is located just south east of Fort McMurray, which is about 16 km (9.9 mi) from city centre.

PHOTO COURTESY c/o Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo- Wikipedia; Welcome to Fort McMurray; Fort Mcmurray, AB, Canada c/o Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.- Wikipedia; Looking North on Highway 63; Fort McMurray, AB, Canada c/o Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo- Wikipedia; Sunrise at Vista Ridge; Fort McMurray, AB, Canada c/o Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo- Wikipedia; Glider Plane Taking off at the Snye; Fort McMurray, AB, Canada