Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada? If you're planning to go to Fort MacKay, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Fort MacKay, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada by month

January

January in Fort MacKay is biting cold and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), although night temperatures can dip into the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

February

February in Fort MacKay can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

March

If you go to Fort MacKay in March, you will notice that it is freezing and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April in Fort MacKay is cold and snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows sometimes. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

May in Fort MacKay is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

June

In June, Fort MacKay is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Fort MacKay, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

July is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

In August, Fort MacKay is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Fort MacKay, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

September is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

October

October in this region is brisk and snowy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

November in Fort MacKay is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

December

In December, Fort MacKay is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 10s F (10+ below zero C) and once in a while jump into the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Fort MacKay, with of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort MacKay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

What to do in Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian province of Alberta, Fort MacKay is a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be discovered. This unique town boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the country, alongside a range of exciting activities and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Fort MacKay has something for everyone. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Fort MacKay, Alberta, Canada:

Fort MacKay Historic Site

The Fort MacKay Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the area’s rich cultural heritage. The site features a reconstructed fur trading post that dates back to the early 1800s, as well as a museum that’s filled with fascinating exhibits on the Cree Indian culture and the importance of the fur trade to the region's early settlers.

Birchwood Trails

For those who enjoy hiking or biking, the Birchwood Trails are a must-visit. This network of trails spans over 60 kilometers and winds through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region, including forests, lakes, and wetlands. Along the way, visitors can spot a wide range of wildlife, from beavers and otters to hawks and bald eagles.

Athabasca River

The Athabasca River is one of the region's most famous natural attractions, and for good reason. This majestic river spans over 1,200 kilometers and offers a range of activities for visitors, including fishing, boating, and kayaking. Those who prefer a more leisurely experience can take a scenic riverboat tour, where you'll have the chance to spot an array for wildlife.

Oil Sands Discovery Centre

If you're looking to learn more about the region's booming oil industry, be sure to check out the Oil Sands Discovery Centre. This interactive museum features exhibits on everything from the history of the oil sands to the cutting-edge technologies used to extract oil today. Visitors can also take a guided tour of a real-life oil sands mine, where you’ll see firsthand how the industry operates.

In Summary

Fort MacKay is a truly unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, learn more about the area's history and culture, or just relax and take in some truly breathtaking scenery, Fort MacKay has it all. So why not plan your trip today and see for yourself why this little town is one of Alberta’s best-kept secrets?

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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