The Mighty Peace region has some of the most awe-inspiring terrain in Northern Alberta and we are known for our recreational activities and family friendly attractions. Take a look through all of these kid-approved spots in the Mighty Peace and plan your next adventure.
Falher
Any day is a day well spent in the Town of Falher. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a massive bee statue and play at a bee-themed park? This super cool bee-themed fun haven for kids has a water splash park (sponsored by Richardson), a 27-foot slide, a four-story beehive structure to play on, a toddler park, and a soccer net – it’s perfect for a playdate, picnic or family get-together. You can’t leave town before checking out the world’s largest bee statue in downtown Falher. Be sure to take a selfie with the bee and read up on the historical information displayed on site.
McLennan
Hosts to 1000’s of migratory birds, the Kimiwan Lake Bird Walk will keep the kids engaged and happy for hours. The bird walk stretches around and across the Kimiwan Lake (over the shallow waters), giving visitors some pretty cool front row bird watching seats. To walk the entire bird walk takes around 30 minutes, but you better carve out some extra time for this fantastic waterfowl sightseeing area. Before you head out of town, be sure to check out the Northern Alberta Railway Museum. You and the kids will be transported back in time as you move from room to room in this stunning museum. The rooms inside depict the elements of the historic Northern Alberta Railway Station’s store, hospital, school/library and church with artifacts from the early 1900s.
Village of Nampa
There’s so much for the kids to see and do in this cozy little community, so plan your adventure to Nampa! Start off with a delicious meal at Nampa Sunrise Cafe; breakfast lunch, or dinner; everything is absolutely delicious. Then head next door to the Nampa Museum. This stunning facility is loaded with so much fascinating history. Indigenous, natural wildlife and settler history will capture their attention through fascinating artifacts and objects. They also have a great gift shop showcasing some cool local talent. Outside the museum walls, the kids will love checking out the preserved buildings and seeing the preserved CN train caboose, church and water tower.
Woodland Cree First Nation
Pack up the kids and head to Haig Lake in the Woodland Cree First Nation for a fun outdoor adventure. There’s nothing like seeing the curiosity of a child who sees a fish up close for the first time, and here at Haig Lake, that is more than likely. Known for awesome fishing, this lake is also a great place to spend the day on the kayak, canoe or paddle board. The kids will think they are living in a fairytale, seeing such stunning beauty in every direction, and there’s a ton of lush green space to run, play, and hike. They also have eight unserviced camping sites, firepits, picnic tables, a hiking trail and excellent cell phone service if you need to stay connected.
Town of Peace River
If you want to treat the kids and cool them down on a hot sunny day, Peace River is the place to be. The Water Spray Park is a summer wonderland where the laughter never ends -there are so many fun ways to splash and stay cool. Speaking of staying cool, you’ll be “cool” with the kids for going to Billie’s cones on mainstreet! They’ve got 30 different ice cream flavours, snow cones, and cotton candy. During your downtown walk, keep the camera handy; the kids will want some photo shoots with the beautiful murals on several buildings around town. The perfect end to the day is a comforting meal at the Board n’ Barrel located along the banks of the Peace River. The patio is a dream for kids; they can watch boaters, and birds, watch the people pass by on the walking trail, or stay inside and enjoy the air conditioning, and cozy vibe. They have a wide variety of top-notch menu items and tons of dishes the kids will love, and they also specialize in gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
MD of Fairview
Take the kids on your next road trip to Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park. There is a ton for the kids to do here, and this area is absolutely gorgeous. They have a huge playground area, a museum and restored buildings on site, tons of walking trails, and cool views of the river and the bridge. The kids will love playing amongst the massive trees and endless green space. Skip rocks by the river, bring the fishing rods, and give river fishing a try. Stop for ice cream or shopping at Dunvegan Market Gardens just down the road. They sell fresh fruit, veggies and have a gift shop too. They also have 65 powered sites, firewood, and outdoor toilets.
MD of Peace 135
Show the kids what it was like in the 1930s at the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum – the kids will be in awe of what a school looked like nearly 100 years ago! This place is so unique, it is literally a village! They have a school, four fully furnished houses, a blacksmith shop, general store, fire hall, municipal office, carpenter shop, church, barn and a library. Plan to go during Pioneer Days (in August) and show the kids some of the village in actual operation. What are the chances of them seeing butter being churned or a blacksmith shop in operation in their lifetime! Right across the road is the Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park, where the kids will have plenty of room to run and play. They have a playground, shelter, horseshoes, a day-use area, and a sandy beach perfect for sandcastle making. Bring the inflatables, kayaks, canoe, boat and tube and take the kids out for some fun on the water. They also have 56 serviced and non-serviced campsites.
Clear Hills County
Here’s your chance to take the kids horseback riding in the backcountry! “Horse Trekking Adventures, based out of the Clear Hills County, is the premier guided horse riding in the Mighty Peace. They offer tons of options for tours for beginners and families. You can customize your tour or have Harvey and Laureen Kosheiff (owners) plan it for you. Guest can enjoy hourly horseback trips, full and half-day rides or multi-day trips into the wilderness areas of the Mighty Peace. After your ride, the kids will be hungry and want to stretch. Why not plan for a picnic at Many Islands. The kids will love seeing all the tiny islands (where the area gets its’ name) as you descend down the river valley. Nested along the Peace River, Many Islands is a great place to unwind or play. They have a playground, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, a boat launch, fire pits, picnic tables, outhouses, camp kitchens and lots of green space.
Town of Grimshaw
There are not many outdoor pools in the Mighty Peace, but there is one in the Town of Grimshaw, and the kids will LOVE it! They’ve got lots of family and public swim times offered throughout the summer months, and if the weather isn’t fit for swimming, right across the street is the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex. There is always something happening at this great facility. They have a fitness center, field house, ice surface, walking track and an awesome Municipal Library. When you’re all done, take a pit stop at the Mile Zero Marker in Grimshaw. The authentic rail car and monument are always a hit with the kids, and right across the street is ICE CREAM – a perfect way to end the day. The Junction – Candy, Creamery, and Coffee House has a ton of different ice cream flavours, cotton candy, authentic Dutch Licorices, and candies, and for mom and dad, they have some pretty tasty hot and cold brew coffees.
Village of Hines Creek
Take the kids out for a long Peace Country day in the Village of Hines Creek. The kids will love the spray park and playground that has an awesome selection of play equipment that will keep them smiling for hours. You can enjoy a picnic here and then check out the End of the Steel Museum. There’s so much for the family to see with a train caboose, historic houses, the Hines Creek School, the trapper’s cabin, agricultural equipment and machinery. If you are there on a Saturday, stop at the historic Lubeck Hall, where the community now holds their Farmer’s market – they have the most delicious cinnamon buns and coffee.
County of Northern Lights – Figure 8 Lake
There’s no shortage of things for the kids to do at Figure 8 Lake. Figure 8 Lake is a favourite for residents and visitors in the area because it offers so much – you can fish, swim, boat (electric power), camp and hike. The vibe of this little slice of heaven is peaceful, rustic, relaxed and joyful. You can pop up a picnic, enjoy the view of the lake, take a hike on the stunning trail around the lake or just keep on fishin’. There is also a playground, fire pits and firewood, and outhouses.
Town of Fairview
If you think your kids would like to watch a parade, play in bouncy castles, have their faces painted and eat some pretty yummy treats and food, be sure to mark your calendars for the Town of Fairview’s Summer’s End Festival! The much-anticipated festival is usually held on the last Saturday in August. They also have open-air markets, a street dance, a car show and live entertainment – you don’t want to miss it! You’ll want to check out the Fairview Splash Park for any sunny day. They’ve got tons of fun water features the kids will love and a hop, skip and, a jump away is the skate park and bowling alley. A day trip to Fairivew is not complete without a visit to Fairview Pizza and Donair. This family-friendly eatery has a delicious menu of pizza, burgers, donairs and appetizers that is sure to satisfy the fam jam’s appetite.
St. Isidore
Take the kids to St. Isidore to enjoy a rich and fun cultural Francophone experience. The St. Isidore Cultural Centre has a library filled with French books, a bilingual museum and the kids will be in awe of the local weavers (Tiesserandes des St. Isidore) who create their stunning projects on site. A massive outdoor gazebo, playground, and outdoor exercise equipment are also on the property. They have ball diamonds, an outdoor rink for ball hockey, and kids absolutely love the 2.5km walking/biking path that circles around the community. They also have a Kid’s French Camp that runs every summer. Before you head out, be sure to stop at the local Co-op for a slushie!
Northern Sunrise County
The kids will be bouncing for hours at Cecil Thompson Park – literally! This park is home to a dedicated bouncy pillow, a playground, outdoor fitness equipment, a gazebo, a fishing pond, a walking path, a bridge and a sandy volleyball court! After all that fun, the kids will be hungry and conveniently located next door is “Kat’s Concession” food truck that serves up ice cream, treats, burgers and tons of yummy food.
