Fort Smith is not on the way to anywhere else — getting here is a deliberate choice. The Fort Smith Airport (IATA: YSM) has scheduled service from Edmonton via Canadian North and other carriers; the flight takes about two hours. By road, the town is reached via Highway 5 south from Hay River, or via Alberta Highway 58 to the border. Driving from Edmonton takes roughly 13–15 hours; from Calgary, a day longer. There is no rail service and no bus route from the south. If you are self-driving, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready from October through April — road conditions on the highway can be severe.