The Muskeg River in Alberta runs approximately 17 kilometres through the boreal landscape north of Fort McMurray, making it a manageable one-day paddle. The put-in is located at the PTI Camp access off the road to the Albian Mine site, north of Fort McMurray. The take-out is at the Peter Lougheed Bridge — locally referred to as the "bridge to nowhere" — on Highway 63, just past the Fort MacKay turnoff. The shuttle distance between put-in and take-out is short, keeping logistics straightforward.

The river is generally Class 1 to 2 moving water with a couple of Class 2 sections, including a notable Class 2+ play wave approximately halfway down. There is one significant hazard: a Class 3 ledge that can be portaged via a short 30-metre carry on river left. Experienced paddlers may choose to run it at appropriate water levels. Wood hazards are a consistent concern throughout the run, with sweepers and strainers present, and some steep walls along the banks mean swimmers need to be comfortable in moving water.

Water level is the primary variable governing the quality of the experience. The recommended flow range for canoes is between 15 and 25 cubic metres per second. At peak spring flows or after sustained rain, the river becomes fast and pushy with real consequences at the ledge. In late summer, low flows expose gravel bars and rocky shallows that can make the trip difficult to navigate. The spring window, when flows are in the optimal range, represents the best conditions for most paddlers.

Despite its proximity to Highway 63 and the oil sands industrial corridor — which is visible in places along the access road — the boreal landscape closes in once on the water, giving the river a relatively remote feel. The river is listed under the Peace/Slave, Buffalo and Hay paddling region of Alberta. A topographic map covering the Muskeg River area is available through Backroad Mapbooks in digital format via the Avenza Maps app, which includes paddling routes, roads, and other recreational features for trip planning purposes.