If you listen closely enough in the city, you can hear the hum. It’s the sound of traffic, of deadlines, of the holiday rush that seems to start earlier every year.

But if you get in your car and drive north—just an hour or two past the city limits—the frequency changes. The skyline drops away, replaced by open expanses of snow-dusted spruce and vast, frozen lakes. The hum of the highway is replaced by the crunch of boots on fresh powder and the crackle of a woodstove.

Welcome to the North.

We are thrilled to launch this new directory, a collaborative effort between five of Alberta’s most distinct and welcoming communities: Barrhead, Big Lakes, Lac Ste. Anne, Westlock, and Woodlands Counties.

We built this site because we know that adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket. Sometimes, the best escapes are the ones right in your own backyard. As we close out 2025, we invite you to rediscover what lies just up the road.

Here is a quick introduction to the five unique “flavours” of our region.

1. Barrhead County: Where the Prairie Meets the Pine

Barrhead is the transition zone. It’s that sweet spot where the open agricultural plains begin to roll into the boreal forest. In December, this landscape transforms into a winter playground.

• The Vibe: Accessible adventure. It’s close enough for a day trip but wild enough to feel like an escape.
• Winter Highlight: The Misty Ridge Ski Hill. If you’re looking for family-friendly slopes without the mountain price tag, this is your spot. Afterward, warm up in town where the small-town hospitality is as genuine as it gets.

2. Big Lakes County: The Inland Ocean

Home to Lesser Slave Lake, this county is defined by water—and right now, by ice. Big Lakes is a haven for those who respect the power of nature.

• The Vibe: Vast and impressive. Standing on the edge of the frozen lake, looking out at the horizon, you’ll feel a million miles from the office.
• Winter Highlight: Ice Fishing. This is the undisputed capital of hard-water angling. Whether you are renting a luxury ice shack for the weekend or drilling your own hole, the northern pike and walleye are waiting.

3. Lac Ste. Anne County: Spirit and Solitude

Famous for its sacred waters and rich Metis and Indigenous history, Lac Ste. Anne carries a deep sense of place. It is a county of gathering, culture, and quiet reflection.

• The Vibe: Historic and heartwarming. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect with family, and breathe deeply.
• Winter Highlight: The lakeside retreats. From cozy cabin rentals to winter walks along the shore where the sky seems to touch the ice, this is the ultimate wellness escape.

4. Westlock County: The Heritage Heartland

Westlock is rooted in agriculture and pioneer history. It’s a place where “authentic” isn’t a marketing buzzword; it’s just how life is lived.

• The Vibe: Nostalgic and open. The skies here are massive, perfect for winter photography or storm watching.
• Winter Highlight: The Canadian Tractor Museum. You might not expect a museum to be a winter destination, but this world-class collection is the perfect warm-up stop. Standing next to these restored giants of the past, you feel the grit and history of the region—without the wind chill. It is a cathedral of chrome and steel that pays homage to the machines that built the west.

5. Woodlands County: The Wild Backyard

If you want to get off the beaten path, you go to Woodlands. Pristine, untamed, and rugged, this is Alberta’s wild side.

• The Vibe: Adrenaline and solitude. This is where the trails go on forever, and the cell service (happily) drops off.
• Winter Highlight: Snowmobiling. With hundreds of kilometres of groomed trails weaving through dense forests and past hidden frozen waterfalls, Woodlands is a sledder’s paradise.

How to Use This Site

This directory is your new tool for weekend planning. We have curated the best local businesses, from hidden-gem diners to glamping domes, all in one place.

• Looking for a bed? Check the “Places to Stay” category.
• Hungry? Hit “Food & Drink.” category
• Bored? Our “Events” calendar is packed with everything that’s happening this month.

The coffee is on, the ice is thick, and the trails are groomed. We’ll see you up here.

Ready to plan your first trip?