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