Take a virtual trip to northwest Alberta, with #exploreNWAB online festival

Linda Hoang
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From trail rides to mini golf, cocktail bars and craft stores, there's no shortage of special experiences to be had in the northwest Alberta regions of Whitecourt and Grande Prairie. 

This May 2025, FestivalSeekers, Whitecourt Tourism, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association and Linda-Hoang.com are putting a deserved spotlight on local business owners and tourism operators in the region as part of #exploreNWAB North West Alberta Online Festival. 

And you're invited to join the fun! As Canadians increasingly look local for their travel plans this summer, this virtual festival acts as a preview for what you might expect when visiting Whitecourt or Grande Prairie, located just 2-4.5 hours drive north west of Edmonton. 

CONTEST ALERT! Checking out the online festival is also an easy way to win free stuff. Read on... 
Friendly locals make warm welcomes in northwest Alberta. Once you've met them through the #exploreNWAB festival, you'll be ready to go!

How to tune in to #exploreNWAB Online Festival

For two weeks, May 6-15, #exploreNWAB will bring you live broadcasts that take you behind-the-scenes and let you meet the makers, creators, cultural tastemakers and experience operators in northwest Alberta before planning your own visits this summer. 

Get to know the owner/operators of some of the region's best businesses and tourist attractions before heading up to explore in person.
Local events add more colour to the scene, throughout the summer season.

The festival is a celebration of the bounty and beauty of northwest Alberta, where you can find homegrown Canadian-made products and unforgettable experiences. And potentially, win door prizes to help fuel your trip.

Enter to win #exploreNWAB door prizes

We're all about supporting local here with the #exploreNWAB online festival, so we're giving away $100 to spend at a participating business in Whitecourt and $100 for a participating business in the Grande Prairie Region. Every time you share one of the LIVE #exploreNWAB Online Festival videos on either Facebook or Instagram, and tag a few friends, you are entered to win $100 to spend in one of these communities.

FestivalSeekers will draw a winner each week!

The more #exploreNWAB videos you share, the better chance you have to win! It's a win-win for you and the local community.

Festival sneak peek

By the end of #exploreNWAB Online Festival, if you're local you'll be eager to get out and explore your literal backyard. And visitors, you'll be itching to plan your road trip! 

Celebrate local gems with virtual tastings, tours, tutorials and behind-the-scenes secrets so you're ready to shop, eat, and adventure while you #exploreNWAB. Take in live music. See how local Alberta delicacies are made, from farm to plate! 

Those are just some of the ways this festival will spotlight local makers and operators. Here are some of your hosts.

The Bead Lodge  

Grande Prairie, Alberta

The Bead Lodge is an Indigenous-owned beading business in Grande Prairie, where tradition meets artistry. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of their ancestors, owner Frances creates handcrafted, one-of-a-kind beadwork that tells stories of resilience, beauty and connection. 

Brooke's Creek Mini-golf and Camping

Whitecourt, Alberta

Brooke's Creek is a local family-owned and operated campground and recreation station in the middle of Whitecourt, Alberta. Here you'll find a state-of-the-art 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course and a 54-site partially serviced, intimate campground. 

92 Beverage Co. 

Grande Prairie, Alberta

92 Beverage Co is a cocktail bar located in downtown Grande Prairie, offering more than 20 cocktails on a rotating, seasonal menu, a curated craft beer, wine and cider menu, as well as the most extensive backbar in the city, where you'll find unique whiskies, gins, and other spirits. 

Whitecourt & Woodlands Performing Arts Society 

Whitecourt, Alberta

The Whitecourt & Woodlands Performing Society is all about good music, good friends and good vibes. The local non-profit aims to promote and enhance arts and culture opportunities in the area and present professional performing arts productions. 

Indian Trail Adventures 

Grande Prairie, Alberta

For those seeking a wilderness experience (trail adventures, horseback riding, wilderness camping and hiking), rooted in Indigenous culture in north west Alberta, look no farther than Indian Trail Adventures. 

Beaver Creek General Store 

Whitecourt, Alberta

No visit to Whitecourt is complete without a stop into the iconic Beaver Creek General Store. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, this all-purpose store is located in the heart of downtown Whitecourt, where you find all sorts of gifts and souvenirs, ice cream, food and drinks, fresh florals to clothing and more. 

Just Peachy Arts & Crafts 

Whitecourt, Alberta

Just Peachy Arts & Crafts is a Whitecourt shop that puts the spotlight on local makers! From home decor to bath and body, to 3D printing and perogies, plus hosting art workshops, this shop is where you want to go to pick up some handcrafted pieces from Whitecourt makers. 

Grain Bin Brewing Co. 

Grande Prairie, Alberta

Grain Bin Brewing Co. is an independent craft beer business with deep roots in the Grande Prairie community. Their taproom is considered a home away from home for locals, and a destination for travelling beer lovers. Grain Bin brews small-batch, big-flavour beers with a whole lot of heart, inspired by the Peace Region land they love and the people who live there. 

Allan & Jean Millar Centre 

Whitecourt, Alberta

The Allan & Jean Millar Centre is Whitecourt's recreation and leisure centre, offering activities for all ages and skill levels. Home to a fieldhouse, aquatic centre, fitness centre and community rental spaces, this is where you'll find tournaments, trade shows, and cultural events in town too. The centre has become Whitecourt's community meeting place!

& more ...

Other festival guests include

Whitecourt

Grande Prairie

Just like partners Whitecourt Tourism and Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association, #exploreNWAB is all about celebrating and sharing the unique experiences-and people-of the region-for locals and tourists alike. 

Check out the #exploreNWAB Festival Hub for the full Online Festival lineup including dates, times, and livestream links. 

  • RSVP to the Festival Facebook page to make sure you don't miss out on the festival moments you most want to watch.
  • Bookmark the Festival Hub for easy access to all your festival viewing.
  • And follow FestivalSeekers on Facebook and Instagram (whichever you prefer) to get all the updates!