Location

If you’re looking for affordable winter fun that the whole family can enjoy, then you MUST experience what the Manning Ski Hill has to offer!

The Manning and District Ski Club has been in operation since 1972 as a non-profit organization in the Notikewan River Valley, just east of the town of Manning. With some of the best scenery around, this hill is a favourite to many locals and out of town visitors. The hill itself has four main runs with a t-bar lift, making it easy to use for all ages. Whether you’re just started out on the slopes or are an experienced skier or snowboarder, this hill has something for everyone to enjoy.

Relying solely on volunteers to maintain weekend operating hours, the Manning Ski Club is open throughout the winter months on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 4pm. Plus, with the recent installation of lights, they are now open late on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 9:30pm for exhilarating night skiing and boarding.

Staying active during the winter season is important and the Manning Ski Club is committed to helping users do just that. Although they don’t offer lessons at this time, they do have a chalet with pre-packaged snacks to help visitors refuel after a long day hitting the slopes.

Be sure to check out their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, as well as their website, for up-to-date information and their schedule of operations. They look forward to seeing you out this winter!

Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with a purebred Siberian Husky sled dog? Because now you can at Whirlwind Acres! Offering year-round fun, a dog boarding kennel and one-of-a-kind experiences, Whirlwind Acres is truly an animal lover’s dream. Located just outside of Berwyn with plenty of room to roam and explore, guests can visit and get a healthy dose of affection from the many four-legged friends on site.

During the summer months they host events where visitors can participate in educational opportunities surrounding the health and care of the majestic purebreds, learn mushing commands and how to harness sled dogs, plus sneak in a few furry snuggles. On top of that, you can now celebrate your birthday with the cuddly creatures and spend hours getting wet and wild in their dog friendly spray park. 

When winter hits, the fun goes through the roof! During the snowy season, visitors can book a dog sledding tour and experience a once in a lifetime moment behind the fast feet in front of them. Once the dogs complete their loop in the fluffy white snow, guests are brought back to a warm bonfire for a comforting cup of hot chocolate and plenty of tasty s ’mores. This unique experience provides a full day of entertainment and is a must try!

Whirlwind Acres also offers top quality care to those who need a place to board their furry family members. With a clean and welcoming dog kennel available, it is a home away from home for visiting canines.

Plan your visit now and see why so many people (and dogs) love being at Whirlwind Acres!

The Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society (FARS) is a non-profit organization that is passionate about preserving history. FARS took on the incredible feat of restoring the Canso, a Canadian built aircraft of World War II, and they successfully brought it back to life for the community to appreciate and enjoy. Their mission is to include all ages in the rich history that the Canso encompasses and to showcase a glimpse in time that should never be forgotten.

Demonstrations in the sky are now available to watch, which are guaranteed to invoke curiosity into the historical past that the Canso represents. Viewers on the ground can watch in awe as the big, red machine moves gracefully through the air and they can imagine what it must feel like to be at the controls. FARS has allowed history to come alive again and they are motivated to educate school aged children, adults and community members about Canada’s past in aviation. 

Exhibits with other local pilots and airplane enthusiasts happen throughout the year at local airshows and provide an opportunity for everyone to take in and explore the stunning, historical aircrafts. FARS is always looking for new members who want to join them in the restoration processes and who have an interest in sharing knowledge about aircraft history. FARS is for those who want to connect the past with the present and make a difference in the way history is portrayed. It’s never too late to learn with FARS!

Enjoy a long, sunny northern Alberta summer’s day at Murphy’s Flats. This scenic day use area running along the Smoky River is the perfect spot to enjoy an active day of hiking, fishing, kayaking or canoeing.  The river may offer a natural sandy or rocky beach depending on the flow and height of the river water. The nearby Peace River Wildland Provincial Park offers amazing areas for mountain biking and hiking adventurers. A leisurely stroll, rock collecting as well as wildlife and bird watching can be enjoyed by more gentle explorers.  Pack a picnic so you can stay all day!  There are firepits, tables and free firewood available. This newly developed area is open from the May long weekend to the October long weekend.

To access this area from Highway 744 near Marie Reine, turn west onto TWP RD 822, then turn left on RGE RD 222.5 and turn right onto 821.5 or alternately turn off Highway 744 west onto TWP RD 820, then turn right on RGE RD 222 and turn right onto 821.5.

Day use only.

For more information call – 780-624-0013

When it comes to treating you and your family this summer, look no further! Billie’s Cones has something for everyone and is conveniently located on Main Street Peace River. With over 30 flavours of ice cream, snow cones and cotton candy, it’s a one stop shop to cure your sweet tooth and feel like a kid again. They offer many varieties of cones, including waffle cones, sugar cones and gluten free choices, as well as cups for those who want a mess free ice cream experience. There’s even a baby friendly option called the “Billie Cone” for little ones to enjoy their first taste of ice cream, plus, if you’re a dog owner you can take your four-legged friend and treat them to a “Pup Cone”, which is topped with a mini dog treat. Finding a family friendly pit stop has never been easier!

With welcoming staff and one of a kind ice cream flavours, stopping by Billie’s Cones will be the cherry on top of all your summer activities. Grab two scoops, try a new flavour, plan a date night or simply treat yourself after a long day, Billie’s Cones is guaranteed to be a summer staple for everyone. Cool down and let your taste buds run wild this year! Billie’s Cones will give you a chance to have a fun, tasty experience in the heart of Peace River and you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for a sign to enjoy a tantalizing treat, this is it!

Make the most of your weekends! Peace River’s Farmer’s Market can be found in the West Hill Industrial Plaza, running every other Saturday from 10am until 2pm. Once inside, you’ll notice that the building is buzzing with excitement and the energy is full of positivity each and every time. You can browse and enjoy local vendors who offer everything from handmade gifts, home décor, baking and produce to farm fresh eggs, freshly roasted coffee and locally sourced honey. The market features a wide range of artists, makers, farmer’s and home-based businesses and is the perfect opportunity to support and appreciate the people in the area.

With a welcoming atmosphere, you can stop and enjoy conversations with vendors, taste sweet treats, smell indulgent aromas of handmade soaps and candles, stock up on fresh vegetables or try on hand crafted jewellery. With many one-of-a-kind items, vendors encourage any and all questions and are more than willing to share their processes and knowledge with you. Take the time to browse each table and marvel in the diversity that the market offers. There really is something for everyone here. This family friendly event provides a space for all visitors and shoppers to have fun and is the perfect place for those wanting to get out of the house and support local. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, wanting to treat yourself, or re-stocking your favourite foods and snacks, Peace River’s Farmer’s Market is the place to be. 

Where in the Peace Country can you see Brian Mulroney riding a mechanical bull? The Brownvale North Peace Agricultural Museum!  This 15 foot high fiberglass bull and rider were built by the Alberta Government for the Alberta Pavilion showcased in Vancouver for Expo 86! The original cost was $30,000 but the Brownvale Museum was lucky enough to have it donated to them by George McKenzie who purchased it at auction for $4000.  What better rider to portray than our Prime Minister in 1986 – Brian Mulroney!

Continue on past the bull to explore the historical buildings on display – the Grey Eagle school and the Brownvale Post Office are available for visitors to explore. Slip back through the decades when you step inside the buildings which feature many artifacts from the past. The museum also includes a selection of agricultural equipment and road building equipment dating back to horse powered days!  Don’t miss the 1929 Chevrolet Landeau Convertible – this restored vehicle is one of only 16 left in existence!

The museum is located on the coroner of Highway 2 and Highway 737.  Free parking, restrooms and a snack shop are all available at this wheelchair accessible facility.   The museum hours are 10am – 6pm July through August.  

For more information call – 780-597-3934

The Misery Mountain Trails offer natural trails to elevations that offer a wonderful view of the Peace River Valley and the west side of the community. To access the natural trail network, you can park at the trailhead just off 99^th Ave behind the Westridge Condominiums.

This area is amazing for hiking and mountain biking. The views are worth the elevation gain!

Download Misery Mountain Trail Map (PDF – 32 MB)

A magical gem of Boreal forest with easy access awaits you only 600 metres off of Highway 35. From highway 35, turn west onto highway 689 into the hamlet of Dixonville. Dixonville is approximately 57km northwest of the Town of Peace River. Once in Dixonville, watch carefully for 1st St. West and turn South on it.  You will then come to a large truck parking lot on your right hand side.  You have now arrived at your enchanted destination.

The entry to the forest trail is marked by a large sign with flags and is adjacent to a foot bridge. Cross over the bridge (beware of the old troll that may still be lurking) and you are onto the trail. The majority of the trail is a gravel surface and while not suited for a wheelchair, it is mostly flat and level. The trail is approximately 1.5km’s and offers a great way to stretch your legs while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a typical boreal forest.

Along the trail you will find informative signs highlighting various aspects of the flora and fauna. A variety of bird houses and even bat houses have been installed throughout the forest to encourage nesting. For the young or very young at heart, look for a tiny enchanted forest but be very quiet as you never know what or who you may see in there.  A side trail will have you bounding on soft moss and encompassed by some large White Spruce trees.

In the wintertime, the trails are still very much so accessible. The main portion of the trail is packed and groomed for easier walking or cross country skiing. The side loop is intentionally not groomed as it lends itself well to snowshoeing and off trail exploration.

A 50 metre section of the trail lovingly referred to as “Chickadee Alley”, features several large bird feeders complete with bins of seeds. Feel free to fill the feeders while you watch and listen.  It is not unusual to feed over 600 pounds of seeds here each winter not to mention suet and other treats!  These feeders are primarily stocked in winter months only. From spring months until late fall months our small forest critters are able to forage just fine within the vast hearty taiga.

Toilet facilities are not provided and campfires are only permitted in the Shady Lane campground located south of the Community Forest.

No OHVs permitted

Enjoy a relaxing hike or hop on your mountain bike and explore Pat’s Creek Interpretive Trail. Fresh air, beautiful views and wide-open spaces await visitors exploring this easily accessible trail only a quick 5-minute drive from the Town of Peace River. The trail head can be located by driving through the Sunrise Gateway Business Park, then turning onto the Fairground Road and continuing on until you reach the end of the road. Pat’s Creek is a tributary of the Peace River. It is named after Patrick Wesley, a Métis man who lived in a cabin adjacent to the creek on his property. Pat’s Creek Valley consists of glacial deposits left over from the last ice age about 12,000 years ago. The full 7.6km hike takes about 2 hours or turn back at the metal stair landing for a shorter 10-minute walk.  Bring a picnic and be ready to capture photos of the stunning landscape and abundant wildlife in this spectacular spot!