The North Milk River in Alberta is accessed at the bridge on Highway 62, a few kilometres north of the hamlet of Del Bonita. A rustic campsite sits beside this put-in, equipped with two shelters, outhouses, mowed grass for tenting, and stocked firewood at the newer shelter. Hedgerows of shrubs provide some wind protection, though there are no trees. Cell service may be limited or absent at this location.

The standard route runs approximately 44 kilometres east to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Aissinai'pi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers a canoe landing ramp, visitor centre, campground, and store as the primary take-out. Paddlers can leave vehicles in the overflow parking area near the visitor centre for the duration of the trip, provided they register with park staff and supply their licence plate numbers and expected return date. An intermediate take-out option exists at the Weir Bridge, downstream of a feature called Poverty Rock, which has a shelter and benches, though the landing there is muddy.

The river transitions in character along the route. The upper section includes rapids near Poverty Rock, after which the current slows and the terrain shifts dramatically. Hoodoos and sandstone formations carved by wind and rain rise from the riverbanks in the lower stretch approaching Writing-on-Stone, making this the most visually striking and technically easiest section of the trip. The overall journey takes roughly 2.5 days from Del Bonita to the Town of Milk River, with Writing-on-Stone lying beyond.

Drinking water is a significant logistical consideration. The river water is silty and of uncertain quality and should not be relied upon. Paddlers are advised to carry at least 5 litres per person per day and to keep a separate 2-litre container accessible while on the water, as large jugs secured in a canoe are difficult to reach while paddling. Water resupply points are available at the Town of Milk River, Gold Springs Park, and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.