I am looking for a little local information while making travel plans for a moose hunt in the middle-end of November.

I was planning to fly into Grande Prairie, but am considering flying into Edmonton and driving the 4-5 hours instead to give me the freedom of having mobility. I understand Alberta 43 is a major provincial highway. Any concerns other than freak snowstorm this time of year such a closures, delays, etc outside of normal construction? Is the drive scenic? I am from Louisiana, so I don't drive in snow other than on vacation or business

The drive should be uneventful. I have driven that route several times, although not in November. But Canadian roads are efficiently cleared during snowstorms, if you have a decent rental vehicle you should have no insurmountable problems. It is not particularly scenic, but I think much of it is beautiful. Most of the route is known as "Moose alley" so pay attention. Your most important road hazard might be moose.

Edmonton > Whitecourt > Fox Creek > Valleyview > Grande Prairie, about a 5 hour drive not known to be scenic. Depending on the weather the highway can be icy and/or could encounter poor visibility due to snow or fog. Freezing rain is also possible. Collisions with Moose and Deer aren't uncommon.

It can be a brutal drive depending on weather. Last year lots of closures and some bad multi car accidents. Lost a good friend in one. The highway contractor for that road underbid to get the job and it shows. Hopefully this year is better. Twice last year I had to go through Swan Hills to get to GP

quote:

Originally posted by metalman29:

Any concerns other than freak snowstorm this time of year such a closures, delays, etc outside of normal construction?

I wouldn't characterize snow in Alberta in November as "freaky" - it has already snowed south of Edmonton this month. Heck, snow is a reasonable expectation in the upper Midwest of the US in November.

quote:

Originally posted by Spooksar:
It can be a brutal drive depending on weather. Last year lots of closures and some bad multi car accidents. Lost a good friend in one. The highway contractor for that road underbid to get the job and it shows. Hopefully this year is better. Twice last year I had to go through Swan Hills to get to GP

All things considered, it's a major highway and kept in good driving condition. Divided 4 lane most of the way. I wouldn't sweat it.

Grizz

Yup barring a big snow storm I'd say enjoy the drive!

Driving north on Highway 43 this evening. From Whitecourt to Fox Creek the landscape looks like this.

Good food at the casino just north of Whitecourt.

I have done that road a bunch of times. In good weather you can buzz right along. If you are driving during the day you should be safe from smacking a moose.

Personally, I would fly into Grand Prairie and if you still want to drive a bit .. rent a car there …