Summer
Enjoy the beauty of the Peace River and it’s valley by taking the short drive down the Shaftesbury Trail!
Running along side the Mighty Peace River for approximately 26km, the Shaftesbury Trail is one of the most scenic and interesting drives in the Peace region. Originally used by First Nations and Metis fur traders it is the location of several important historic sites. Start your tour on this paved and well maintained roadway either from Grimshaw going south on Highway 2, then taking secondary Highway 684 down into the valley or from Peace River, turn onto Highway 684, which can be accessed on the west side of the Peace River bridge. A relaxing and interesting adventure awaits! Along the way visit Fort Fork, MacKenzie Cairn as well as St. Augustine’s Mission. Stop for a picnic at Strong Creek Park and enjoy the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife! Continue on and visit the market gardens to see what’s in season! End your Shaftsbury Trail adventure with a ride on the Shaftesbury Ferry, the view of the river and surrounding hills is spectacular!
Getting There
From Grimshaw: go south on Highway 2, then take secondary Highway 684 down into the valley. From Peace River: turn onto Highway 684, which can be accessed on the west side of the Peace River bridge.
Mackenzie Cairn
It was 1793 when Sir Alexander Mackenzie, famed North American explorer, overwintered at Fort Fork before starting his transcontinental journey to the Pacific. The Mackenzie Cairn, built in 1929, honours both the Fort Fork trading post and the place where Mackenzie’s important journey began. This National Historic Site also provides a wonderful view of the Peace River, and an information kiosk offers detailed maps, drawings of the fort and early photos. Historic tours are available during the summer months.
St. Augustine Mission Church
About 13 km southwest of the Town of Peace River, the St. Augustine Mission Church sits in a tranquil space in the valley. A Provincial Historic Site, St. Augustine Mission Church is the remains of the St. Augustine Mission, established in 1888. Tours of the church and grounds are available in the summer.
Bridgeview Gardens
U-Pick berries and other vegetables. Call them at 780-624-1335.
Fort McLeod
A historical site on the banks of the Peace River. Learn more about fur trade history with new interpretive signs, or visit the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre for a more in-depth history.
Strong Creek Park
Free camping, kitchen shelter, water, fishing, hiking trails and playground, including a backstop and field for baseball/softball.
Brick's Hill
When driving from Hwy 2 near Grimshaw, take Brick’s Hill to take in the beauty of the valley floor. Named after original families owning river lots in the area, Brick’s Hill boasts an abundant landscape of agriculture and gardens. The hills are layered with history and evidence of the Cree and Beaver First Nations.
Shaftesbury Ferry
A unique experience awaits at the Shaftesbury Ferry!
This is one of only 6 ferries operated by Alberta Transportation in the entire province! The ferry is part of highway 740 and crosses the mighty Peace River linking the Shaftesbury Trail with the Tangent Park area. The length of the crossing is 325 metres and takes about 5 minutes. Enjoy spectacular river valley scenery during the crossing and keep your eyes open for the abundant wildlife that frequent this area. This experience is available May through the end of October, 7am to 11pm daily. The ferry is free of charge and can accommodate everything from foot traffic to large RV’s and motorcycles. Visit 511 Alberta for the most recent information about ferry operations.
Tangent Park
Tangent Park campground is located on the east bank of the river, just a ferry ride across from the Shaftesbury Trail. It offers full service sites, showers, group camping and horseback riding/hiking trails.
Winter
Take a winter road trip down the scenic Shaftsbury Trail which runs alongside the river for approximately 26 km, and experience beautiful snowy views of the mighty Peace. The Peace River flows until the coldest winter days set in and then the mighty river becomes covered in thick, jagged ice. When warm spring temperatures return, you can hear some awe-inspiring loud cracks and bangs as the ice begins to break up and move down the river.
Get There: From Grimshaw go south on Highway 2, to secondary Highway 684 down into the valley or from Peace River, turn onto Highway 684, which can be accessed on the west side of the Peace River bridge.
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Google Map Not Loaded
Sorry, unable to load Google Maps API.
Photos
Related Listings
-
SavePlace Title: 12 Foot Davis Events ParkPlace Description:
There is nothing better than getting your basket in gear and heading out to a grassy escape for a feast!
The Twelve Foot Davis Events Park is a hidden gem tucked away downtown, along the shores of the Heart River. This is a great location to roast hot dogs with a river valley view, toss a ball, have a romantic dinner and watch the sunset or simply for a picturesque walk. This is one of the best outdoor concert venues in the Mighty Peace. The shape of the hill surrounding the park makes a natural amphitheater it has made this location a prime choice for large events such as Peacefest a iconic annual music festival.
Address: 103 Avenue
Peace River
Alberta
T0H 1L0
CanadaTelephone Number: (780) 624-1000There is nothing better than getting your basket in gear and heading out to a grassy escape for a feast!
The Twelve Foot Davis Events Park is a hidden gem tucked away downtown, along the shores of the Heart River. This is a great location to roast hot dogs with a river valley view, toss a ball, have a romantic dinner and watch the sunset or simply for a picturesque walk. This is one of the best outdoor concert venues in the Mighty Peace. The shape of the hill surrounding the park makes a natural amphitheater it has made this location a prime choice for large events such as Peacefest a iconic annual music festival.
-
SavePlace Title: 12 Foot Davis StatuePlace Description:
The legendary 12 Foot Davis statue!
Henry Fuller Davis struck it rich in the mid-1800s on a 12 Foot gold claim in northern British Columbia, earning him around $12,000 as well as the “12 Foot Davis” nickname. Spending much of his life as a fur trader on the Peace River, he left his mark on many places in the region and was known for his good business sense and friendliness.
A wooden statue of 12 Foot Davis stands proudly in Riverfront Park, located along the bank of the Peace River, downtown Peace River. The park is complimented by a children’s playground, gazebo, and a beautiful view of the Peace River. A paved walking trail connects the park to the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.
Address: 100 Avenue
Peace River
Alberta
T8S 1J3
CanadaThe legendary 12 Foot Davis statue!
Henry Fuller Davis struck it rich in the mid-1800s on a 12 Foot gold claim in northern British Columbia, earning him around $12,000 as well as the “12 Foot Davis” nickname. Spending much of his life as a fur trader on the Peace River, he left his mark on many places in the region and was known for his good business sense and friendliness.
A wooden statue of 12 Foot Davis stands proudly in Riverfront Park, located along the bank of the Peace River, downtown Peace River. The park is complimented by a children’s playground, gazebo, and a beautiful view of the Peace River. A paved walking trail connects the park to the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.
-
SavePlace Title: Athabasca HallPlace Description:
Athabasca Hall is home of the Peace Players Theatre Group, Athabasca Hall is a cultural centre in Peace River. This historic building hosts various performances and concerts throughout the year. Built in 1938 it is also a historical fixture. Peace Players host several productions every season from September to June, including a musical, a children’s production and the highly popular dinner theatre. Peace Players productions are held upstairs on the Don Weaver Stage, where there is fixed seating for 250 and a lounge and bar area for intermissions
Downstairs there is a sizeable Art Gallery and Dance Studio. The Athabasca Hall is ideal for musical productions, as well as small parties or special events. The capacity for the hall ranges from 114 people to 182 depending on the type of setup.
Address: 9705 98 Ave
Peace River
Alberta
T8S 1J3
CanadaTelephone Number: (780) 624-1000Athabasca Hall is home of the Peace Players Theatre Group, Athabasca Hall is a cultural centre in Peace River. This historic building hosts various performances and concerts throughout the year. Built in 1938 it is also a historical fixture. Peace Players host several productions every season from September to June, including a musical, a children’s production and the highly popular dinner theatre. Peace Players productions are held upstairs on the Don Weaver Stage, where there is fixed seating for 250 and a lounge and bar area for intermissions
Downstairs there is a sizeable Art Gallery and Dance Studio. The Athabasca Hall is ideal for musical productions, as well as small parties or special events. The capacity for the hall ranges from 114 people to 182 depending on the type of setup.
-
SavePlace Title: Baldwin Court PlaygroundPlace Description:
Race, leap, laugh and play at the Baldwin Court Playground. The Play World System installed in 2000 on a pea gravel base offers many appealing choices to kids of 5 to 12 years of age.
Address: 98b Street
Peace River
Alberta
T8S 1B5
CanadaRace, leap, laugh and play at the Baldwin Court Playground. The Play World System installed in 2000 on a pea gravel base offers many appealing choices to kids of 5 to 12 years of age.
-
SavePlace Title: Baldwin Court PlaygroundPlace Description:
Get outside for some fun and active play at Baldwin Court Playground. Built by the Baldwin Court Playground Society in 2000, this Play World System equipment, built on a pea gravel surface, will provide entertainment for kids ages 5-12 years of age. Plenty of space to run and even enjoy a picnic.
Address: 98b Street
Peace River
Alberta
T8S 1B5
CanadaGet outside for some fun and active play at Baldwin Court Playground. Built by the Baldwin Court Playground Society in 2000, this Play World System equipment, built on a pea gravel surface, will provide entertainment for kids ages 5-12 years of age. Plenty of space to run and even enjoy a picnic.
-
SavePlace Title: Board 'n' BarrelPlace Description:
Board ‘n’ Barrel Restaurant & Patio located on the picturesque Peace River is a foodie destination hot spot. Concentrating on a flavour forward locally sourced menu with in-house made foods that rival the “big city” dining options. We specialize in shareable charcuterie boards and small plate items plus menu items like house made flatbreads, Superfood salads, fresh made pastas, duck breast, spring lamb, AAA Alberta steaks and burgers that will amaze your tastebuds. We specialize in Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options and can meet almost all dietary requirements or preferences, while creating a fabulous dining experience for all.
Address: 9610 94th Street
Peace River
Alberta
T8S 1J2
CanadaTelephone Number: (587) 479-1200Email: manager@boardnbarrel.comBoard ‘n’ Barrel Restaurant & Patio located on the picturesque Peace River is a foodie destination hot spot. Concentrating on a flavour forward locally sourced menu with in-house made foods that rival the “big city” dining options. We specialize in shareable charcuterie boards and small plate items plus menu items like house made flatbreads, Superfood salads, fresh made pastas, duck breast, spring lamb, AAA Alberta steaks and burgers that will amaze your tastebuds. We specialize in Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options and can meet almost all dietary requirements or preferences, while creating a fabulous dining experience for all.
