It’s a time to slow the pace, get moving, try something new and make a little more room for the things that make you feel good. From a morning swim and a workout to a nourishing smoothie, an afternoon art class, a hands-on workshop or a relaxing spa treatment, there are plenty of ways to embrace winter with wellness in mind.
Across Peace River, Fairview, Grimshaw, County of Northern Lights, Nampa, Saddle Hills County and Northern Sunrise County, you will find places designed to help you move, create, connect and recharge all before settling in for a warm meal at the end of the day.
Start With Feeling Good
There’s something satisfying about getting moving when the thermometer is doing its best to convince you to stay on the couch.
Across the region, recreation centres and fitness spaces make it easy to keep active all winter long.
In Peace River, the Baytex Energy Centre brings plenty of indoor activity under one roof, with an ice rink, indoor fieldhouse, running track, fitness centre and more. The Peace Regional Pool offers year-round swimming and programming, making it a particularly good option when you’ve had enough of looking at snow for one day.
And if you want a more structured workout, places like J4 Performance focus on fitness, strength and movement, with personal training and group classes designed for different ages and fitness levels. J4’s approach also looks beyond simply getting a workout in, incorporating movement, nutrition, sleep and overall wellness.
In Fairview, Phoenix Studio brings Pilates into the mix with classes focused on movement, strength and body awareness. The Fairview Community Centre also provides a place to stay active and connected throughout the winter, with the pool and fitness centre available.
Over in Hines Creek, the Dave Shaw Memorial Complex is another hub for winter recreation, giving locals and visitors a place to get active, take part in community activities and make the most of the season without having to bundle up for every workout.
In Grimshaw, the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex gives winter visitors another place to get active, catch a game or simply spend some time indoors.
Hit The Ice
There’s something about curling that makes winter feel a little more social.
Grab a few friends, lace up your curling shoes and get out on the ice. You’ll get moving, learn a new skill, and probably spend plenty of time laughing while trying to figure out exactly where that rock is going.
Across the Mighty Peace, curling clubs are a big part of winter life, offering leagues, bonspiels, drop-in fun nights, events and opportunities for both experienced curlers and those who are just getting started.
In Grimshaw, the Grimshaw Curling Rink is a local gathering place throughout the winter, bringing people together on the ice and in the clubhouse. Whether you’re joining a league, trying curling for the first time or heading out to watch some friendly competition, it’s a great way to get out of the house and into the winter spirit.
Family Fun at the Grimshaw Curling Club
Because winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation. Sometimes it means sweeping furiously while yelling at a piece of granite.
Follow It With Coffee
A proper winter day needs a coffee stop.
The kind where you walk through the door with cold cheeks, order something warm or maybe a smoothie and settle in for a little while.
J's Java Domain
In Peace River, J’s Java Domain is a longtime local favourite, serving specialty coffees, healthy smoothies, breakfast wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads. It’s also the kind of place where local art and a cozy atmosphere give you a reason to stay for another cup.
In Fairview, The Old Bistro is a great spot to slow down over a coffee and a bite to eat. It’s the kind of stop that fits perfectly into a winter day of exploring, shopping or taking in a class.
Coffee from The Old Bistro
In Nampa, Nampa Sunrise Cafe brings that small-town café feeling to your winter adventure, with a welcoming place to grab a coffee and something to eat before heading off to your next stop.
And across the Mighty Peace, local cafés are part of the fun whether you’re looking for a healthy smoothie after your workout, a warm drink after a swim or simply somewhere cozy to catch up with a friend.
Because sometimes wellness looks like a great cup of coffee, good food and nowhere else you need to be for the next hour.
Make Something
Winter is a pretty good excuse to pick up a new hobby or finally try the one you’ve been talking about for years.
In Peace River, the Peace River Art Hub offers classes, workshops and creative programming ranging from drawing, painting and photography to printmaking, sculpting, glass and mixed media. You can come to learn something new, work alongside local artists or simply spend a few hours making something with your hands.
In Fairview, the Fairview Fine Arts Centre is another place to get creative, with art shows, classes and workshops including weaving, photography, painting and quilting.
And creativity doesn’t stop at the art studio.
Head to Northern Sunrise County for hands-on experiences at places like The Green Goddess, where workshops can take you into the world of herbal teas, natural skincare and traditional plant-based preparations.
Or stop by Radiance Florist & Gift Shop in Peace River, where flowers, houseplants, DIY paints and creative projects give you another reason to put your phone down and make something yourself.
The best souvenirs aren't always something you buy. Sometimes you make them.
Take a Walk Through the Past
When the weather outside is doing its absolute most, museums are a pretty great place to spend an afternoon.
Peace River Museum Tour
In Peace River, the Peace River Museum & Archives brings local history to life through objects, photographs, archival records and changing exhibits. Explore the stories of the Peace Region, learn about the people who shaped the region and take a little time to dig into the history behind the landscape you’ve been travelling through.
Nampa Museum
In Nampa, the Nampa & District Museum offers another glimpse into the region’s past, preserving stories and artifacts connected to the community and surrounding area.
Because sometimes warming up means stepping into the past for a while.
Take Some Time for Yourself
Wellness isn't just about working out. Sometimes it’s about taking a little time to look after yourself.
Book yourself a spa day in Peace River at Zen Spa Medi-Spa, tucked inside a restored 1940s home near Main Street. Services include massage, esthetics, body treatments and spa packages, along with a steam shower and hair studio.
Revitalized Salon Services
Looking for a little refresh? Book some time at Revitalized Salon & Spa in Fairview or stop in for a visit with Wing Dental in Peace River while you’re taking care of those everyday wellness appointments.
Choosing Change Counselling Services
For something a little different, Choosing Change Counselling Services in the M.D. of Peace offers wellness experiences and retreats in a peaceful rural setting, including nature- and equine-assisted approaches. Their onsite cabin provides a quiet place to pause, reflect and reconnect.
This is the part of the day where your phone can stay in your pocket, the errands can wait and you can simply take some time for yourself.
Shop Local
A little retail therapy fits nicely into a winter day.
Hair Chic N' Boutique
Take some time to browse local shops and discover something you didn’t know you needed. In Fairview, Hair Chic N Boutique combines fashion, beauty and boutique finds, making it an easy stop while exploring downtown.
For a more budget-friendly treasure hunt, check out New to You Thrift in Fairview and see what catches your eye. You never quite know what you’re going to find and that’s half the fun.
Experiences at Hive Hero
And shopping local doesn't always mean heading into a storefront. Hive Hero brings a little piece of the Mighty Peace to you through its online shop, with products made right here in the region.
Whether you're looking for something new, something vintage or something made close to home, winter is a pretty good excuse to browse a little longer.
Stock the Kitchen or Kitchenette
Dixonville General Store
Pick up a home-cooked meal from the Dixonville General Store, The Lodge At Kimiwan or Hines Creek General Store when you want someone else to do the cooking, or stop in to grab ingredients and supplies for your own cozy meal.
Peace Country Co-op is another handy stop for stocking the kitchen with the ingredients you need to put together a nourishing winter meal.
Finish With a Table and a Pint
Eventually, every good winter day should end around a table.
Somewhere warm. Somewhere comfortable. Somewhere you don't have to rush.
In Peace River, settle in at The Pub for classic pub fare and a laid-back atmosphere, grab a local pint at Peace River Brewing, or make an evening of it at What The Chuck, Board n Barrel or Mr. Mikes.
In Fairview, keep the evening going at Heilan Beer House or warm up with a hearty meal from Butter Chicken Co. or Dunvegan Inn & Suites.
Order dinner. Catch up with your people. Talk about what you did that day or make plans for tomorrow.
Because a day spent moving, creating, exploring and recharging deserves to end with good food and even better company.
