Location

Judah Hill provides the perfect starting point for your circle tour trip. Be sure to grab a coffee and a snack at J’s Java Domain before heading up the hill because once you arrive, you won’t want to leave. Judah Hill provides stunning views of the Land of the Mighty Peace and leads to one of Peace River’s most incredible and historical lookout points – Sagitawa Lookout.

Get There: Drive down Main Street (100 Street) to the bottom of Main, then turn left onto 102 Avenue. Follow this to 102 Avenue, turn right and cross the Heart River bridge. Turn left onto 104 Avenue and follow the Hwy 744 signs.

What does the Peace Country look like from the air? Find out with a thrilling helicopter tour with Black Swan Helicopters. You will be in awe of the beauty of the valley and the rich landscapes of the Peace region with 360-degree views.

During a Black Swan Helicopter Tour, passengers experience the incredible feeling of lifting-off and flying (which feels more like floating) through the low-level air, surrounded by beautiful topography that makes the Peace Region one of the most beautiful places in Northern Alberta. It will be hard putting your camera down; the view of the river valley and surrounding landscapes are absolutely breathtaking.

The once-in-a-lifetime experience is popular among residents and visitors to the area. Guests can request to fly over specific areas or choose the awe-inspiring Smoky River Tour, where passengers get up-close views of the Smoky River and the surrounding region. Tours are available all year round and cost $500 for a half-hour (with a maximum of 4 passengers).

In addition to providing tour services in the region, the company transports firefighters, cargo and equipment to fire sites and provides essential support to extinguish fires and limit fire expansion. Black Swan also transports visiting biologists performing research in the area. 

Black Swan Helicopters is located in Berwyn, Alberta, serving the region since 2003.

If you are looking for a home away from home or a quick overnight stay in Peace River, the Western Budget Motel is an excellent choice for you.

Guests can choose a single, double, kitchenette, or jacuzzi room, which all come outfitted with a full-size fridge, flat-screen TV and free high-speed internet. Are you bringing your furry family member? No worries, the Western Budget Motel also has a few pet-friendly rooms.

Not only is this motel comfy, clean, and affordable, there is a restaurant, lounge and hair salon on site. The location couldn’t get better being situated on Peace River’s west hill, only steps away from a large grocery store and a gas station. And if you rely on your Tim Horton’s coffee fix in the morning, you’re covered – it’s located right across the street in the Peace River square.

While you are here, be sure to check out all the beauty and attractions the Town of Peace River and surrounding areas have to offer – you won’t be disappointed. 

* The Western Budget Hotel Restaurant is currently closed.

Engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits beckon visitors to explore this museum located on the northwest side of McLennan on Hwy 2.  This carefully curated collection of artifacts from the pioneer days of northern Alberta are artfully displayed within historic buildings such as a NAR station, hospital, a store as well as a church, school and a library. Visitors are sure to discover one-of-a kind displays that will educate and inspire!  

Open May – August.  Outdoor exhibits open year-round. 

For Information call – 780-925-0405

A warm welcome awaits visitors at the Kimiwan Lake Municipal Campground in the Town of McLennan. This campground is conveniently located within town limits for visitors to access amenities like groceries, laundromat services and fuel. Visitors can self-register before choosing one of the 18 available sites. Choose a serviced or non-serviced site, both have fire pits and picnic tables, and prepare to enjoy a relaxing stay in this beautiful area. There is also an inviting day use area for an impromptu picnic.  This is the perfect spot to set off from and explore the nearby Kimiwan Lake Bird Walk and Interpretive Centre as well as the Railway Museum.  There’s something for everyone with The Smoky River Regional Golf Course nearby for those interested in hitting the links! Little campers will also enjoy the playground and wooden train play centre as well as the catch and release fish pond that is within the campground area. Campers will also find a shelter with a cook stove, washrooms, showers, sewage disposal, town water and free firewood are all available to make their stay more comfortable.  The campground is open May 1st – September 30th. 

For more information contact the McLennan town office at 780-324-3065. 

Group rate is $200/night, to book all 18 stalls for private functions.

Come explore one of the must-see birding destinations in the Peace Region, the Kimiwan Bird Walk. This area in McLennan is indisputably one of the premier waterfowl sighting areas in North America.  The Interpretive Centre is open May through October and will lend you a pair of binoculars to get a close-up view of wildlife.

The first portion of the self-guided Bird Walk is a hard-packed gravel walking trail of approximately 300 m which circles around a wetland and leads you to the wooden portion of the walkway. Walk slowly and quietly to have the best chance to observe some really interesting bird behaviour. Be sure to check out each “Watchable Wildlife Fact” sign which highlights a specific bird that is common to the site.

The wooden portion of the walkway takes you approximately 400 m out towards the main lake and over shallow water. Each step you take can result in a different sighting or bird behaviour. Walk past a second small wetland and then proceed out into the lake. There are three decks along the wooden walkway stretch, each with a picnic table and a garbage can. At the last deck and furthest into the lake, there is a viewing scope for your pleasure. Experience the excitement of spotting a variety of waterfowl species coming in for a smooth landing on the water or a red winged blackbird perched on a cattail. Listen for the sweet song of a thrush or witness the hunting prowess of a bald eagle! Nothing compares to the wild and wide-open spaces of the north. 

Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to complete the bird walk. Kimiwan Lake hosts 1000s of migratory birds per day during the migratory seasons and hundreds of other bird species can be seen throughout the summer season. Exploration is worthwhile all year long as other wild life is often spotted during the winter months as well. 

Explore the lakeshore of Lake Kimiwan and all of its many species of wildlife along the paved walking trails established by the McLennan Recreation and Leisure Society. Discover the new covered bridge as well as the many ponds and trees along the trail that the wild waterfowl enjoy throughout the season. Run, walk or bike these trails, it’s a great way to get out with family, friends and pets to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Memorial benches can be found along the trail to take a break and let nature rejuvenate and inspire you. The trails have been built wide and smooth enough to encourage everyone from tiny walkers to those requiring the assistance of a wheelchair to participate in some great outdoor activity.