Canada might be a young country, but the Mighty Peace Region has a great deal of history and culture to celebrate…and we do it in many creative ways!These five festivals feature everything from Aboriginal culture to the pioneers to the longevity of the Peace River itself.In each event, you can see the independent, open-hearted, and resourceful spirit that characterizes the region itself. Come celebrate with us!
Keep Tradition Alive at the Peace River PowWow and Aboriginal Gathering
Peace River (locations vary)
Every year in June, Indigenous peoples from around the Peace Region gather to celebrate their heritage. All are welcome to enjoy the food, games, music, and vibrant dress of the entertainers. Enter the drum competition, jigging and fiddling contest, and hand game tournament, eat stew and bannock at the Saturday night supper, enjoy the singing and dancing, and more. You can even take home an authentic Indigenous craft—Turtle Island Native Network–made only—to enjoy!
When: First weekend of June
Feasting and Fun at Farmers Day
Nampa (locations vary)
This day-long event sees the citizens of Nampa and surrounding communities making memories together with fun, food, and music. Play in the weekend-long baseball tournament. Enjoy the specials and live music at Farmers Restaurant. Kids (and kids-at-heart) can get their faces painted or enjoy the entertainers and bouncy castles. Special events makes each year unique. Come celebrate farmers and all they do—there’s something for everyone!
When: Second Saturday of June
Shop Local at Dunvegan Fresh Air Market
Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park
Dunvegan’s annual Fresh Air Market is a throwback to traditional, face-to-face commerce (cash only, please!), when the local economy had to be self-sufficient and the local people made it or made do. The products available at the market must be at least 75% hand-or homemade by the artisans and producers who gather to sell their wares. Costumed interpreters give guided tours of Historic Dunvegan throughout the day, and entertainers and licensed food vendors add to the festive atmosphere. Take home a bit of local flavour!
When: First Sunday of August
Party like it’s 1929 at Pioneer Day
Lac Cardinal Regional Pioneer Village Museum
Once a year, locals take to the historical street of the Lac Cardinal Regional Pioneer Village Museum for a pioneer social extraordinaire. From the pancake breakfast right through the parade, farmers market, buggy rides, and music, this is a day to remember life as it was for the early European settlers in the Mighty Peace Region. The furnished buildings of the village itself represent life from the 1920s to the 1940s. Step back in time and let loose just like our great-grandparents used to do!
When: Second Saturday of August
Navigate History in Paddle the Peace
Shaftesbury Ferry to Lower West Peace, Peace River
Since 2010, dedicated paddlers have enjoyed this group event on the Peace River that celebrates community and the importance of the river in the history of the Mighty Peace Region. On the third Saturday of August, haul your canoes and kayaks down to the boat launch at the Shaftesbury Ferry and join with other eager paddlers to cruise down the river. Last day to register is the week before. You can even bring Rover along!
When: Third Saturday of August
