Alberta - The Great Northern Adventure

Explore Peace River County and The Wapiti Formation

July 5 - July 10, 2026 (6 days/5 nights)

Spanning six days and five nights, this journey into Alberta’s Peace River County traces a quieter, wilder edge of the province, one shaped by thick boreal forests, rolling muskeg, and the ancient sediments of the Wapiti Formation.

Guided by the team from the Philip J. Currie Museum, you’ll step into a landscape where Cretaceous giants once roamed and where their stories still rest in the earth beneath your feet.

Your days unfold in a rhythm of discovery: drifting down the broad, meandering Wapiti River where fossils still weather from the banks; joining active field crews at the world-famous Pipestone Creek Bonebed to uncover bones that have lain hidden for millions of years; and venturing behind the scenes at the Philip J. Currie Museum to see how specimens are prepared, studied, and brought to life. Along the way, you’ll meet the region’s paleontologists and fossil hunters, learning how local history and deep-time geology intertwine.

Day 1 - Welcome To Grande Prairie!

Welcome to Grande Prairie, located in the south of Peace River Country—where even a dinosaur greets you as you step into the quaint little airport. This small yet spirited city represents the gateway to northern Alberta, a place where big skies stretch to every horizon and the boreal forest begins its steady sweep northward.

Once a remote outpost of the Hudson’s Bay Company, Grande Prairie has grown into a hub shaped by resilience, resourcefulness, and the land itself. Today, its economy reflects the region’s deep ties to natural resources. It’s a place where history, landscape, and community weave together into a warm welcome for those heading deeper into Alberta’s wild and fossil-rich frontier.

Day 2 - A Float Down Wapiti River

Today we trade solid ground for the gentle current of the Wapiti River, drifting past dramatic rock formations and towering riverbanks that hint at the region’s ancient geology.

Guided by experts from the Philip J. Currie Museum, you’ll learn about the fossils and formations that make this area a hotspot for paleontological discovery, while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the river’s edge; herons wading in shallows, deer pausing to drink, and birds flitting through riverside trees.

Every turn of the river offers a new perspective on the landscape, and you may even spot fragments of fossils slowly eroding from the cliffs, a tangible connection to creatures that roamed here millions of years ago. As you float, the interplay of water, rock, and sky creates a serene backdrop for reflection, photography, and the thrill of being immersed in Alberta’s prehistoric story.

Day 3 & 4 - Fossil Dig at the Pipestone Creek Bonebed

These two days are the heart of the expedition: an unparalleled opportunity to dig at the legendary Pipestone Creek Bonebed, one of the densest and most celebrated fossil sites in the world. This is the very place featured in the BBC’s rebooted Walking with Dinosaurs, where the layers of rock hold the remains of creatures that walked the Earth over 70 million years ago. Guided by Dr. Emily Bamforth and her expert team, you’ll step into the boots of a paleontologist, carefully uncovering Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai bones, raptor teeth, and even prehistoric plant fossils. Each discovery is meticulously documented and your finds are tagged for the museum, meaning your name becomes part of the ongoing story of science.

Here, every moment is a chance to step fully into the life of a paleontologist: brushing away sediment, uncovering hidden fragments, and learning the techniques that reveal creatures lost to time. It’s a place where the thrill of genuine discovery meets the awe of standing in a landscape sculpted over millions of years. It’s a rare opportunity to live out your paleontologist dreams and experience the excitement of unearthing the ancient past firsthand.

Day 5 - Behind the Scenes at the Philip J. Currie Museum

After two days of hands-on digging, today offers a rare glimpse into what happens after a fossil leaves the field. At the Philip J. Currie Museum, you’ll go behind the scenes into labs and collections normally closed to the public, seeing the meticulous work required to prepare, preserve, and study fossils. You might even handle the bones you helped uncover at Pipestone Creek, learning how scientists clean, stabilize, and reconstruct these ancient remains. From cataloging specimens to delicate preparation techniques, this day brings the scientific process to life, deepening your understanding of paleontology and letting you witness how raw discoveries are transformed into museum treasures. It’s a unique opportunity to connect fieldwork with research, bridging the excitement of discovery with the rigour of science.

Day 6 - Homeward Bound

Your final morning in Grande Prairie dawns quietly, the northern light soft across the plains as you make your way back toward the Grande Prairie airport.

Here, paths gently diverge. Some guests will board homebound flights, carrying with them the dust of the Wapiti Formation, memories of river bends and bonebeds, and the warmth of Alberta’s northern hospitality. Others will continue onward, traveling south toward the Canadian Rockies for an optional extension—days of alpine adventure, serene trails, and well-earned pampering beneath the towering peaks.

Whether your journey ends here or stretches on into the mountains, Grande Prairie sends you off with the same spirit that greeted you: open skies, open roads, and the promise of discovery still ahead.

Why You'll Love This Expedition

Hands-on fossil dig at world-renowned Pipestone Creek Bonebed
Behind-the-scenes access to the Philip J. Currie Museum, seeing fossils and lab work rarely open to the public
Birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and immersive exploration of Alberta’s diverse landscapes
Small-group format for personalized attention, meaningful experiences, and camaraderie along the way

6-Day / 5-Night Expedition

USD $3,490

per person based on double-occupancy + 5% GST

Share options available for solo travellers upon request. Single-supplement +USD$990 + 5% GST

What's Included

What's Not Included

Want to know more about this journey through Albert’a prehistory? Simply fill in the form below, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to answer any questions.