The provisional district of Athabasca was established in 1882, encompassing the northern parts of modern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

[8] Unlike many other towns in Alberta, Athabasca predates the Canadian Pacific Railway.

During the fur trade era, when rivers were the principal means of transportation, the Athabasca–Edmonton trail connected two different drainage basins.

In 1876, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) built a warehouse at Athabasca Landing to facilitate the supply route to Lesser Slave Lake.

The site was expanded in 1886 with a store, house, and new larger warehouse, and it became a full trading post.

[10] The North-West Mounted Police stationed officers at Athabasca Landing for the summer of 1892, due to increased traffic on the trail.

[10] A massive forest fire in August 1913 destroyed a large portion of the town, including 30 businesses.

[10] The Athabasca Heritage Society put up signs through the downtown as well as along the riverfront that explain and depict the history of the town.

It has also published a historical walking tour that is available from the town office, library and visitor information center.