Exploring Peace River by water is an experience in itself. Plan a day or make an overnight journey, these canoe trips will provide you with unforgettable views and an up-close look at the breathtaking scenery that the Peace Country has to offer.
Plan ahead, grab a friend and get those paddles in the water! Your best summer adventure awaits.
Pratt’s Landing to Historical Dunvegan
This is a fantastic trip for families or those wanting a scenic day on the water. At 28km, the paddle itself can range from three to six hours, depending on how much floating you want to do.
On this relaxing paddle you’ll have the opportunity to see where the Ksituan River joins the Peace River, the beauty of the Hines Creek valley and the opportunity to float beneath the suspension bridge at Dunvegan.
End your trip with a tour of the sites and buildings at Dunvegan or grab an ice cream, play at the park and stay at the campsites available. Either way, you’re bound to have a fun filled day!
Shaftesbury Ferry to Town of Peace River West Peace Boat Launch
If you’re wanting a nice, short paddle that everyone can enjoy, then this is for you! The trip is 24km and for eager paddlers it will take about two and a half hours, but for those who want to travel at a more leisurely pace, plan for at least five.
On this paddle you will get to see the beautiful Smoky River confluence and be surrounded by picturesque cliffs. You will pass by historical sites such as Fort Fork, the Mackenzie Cairn and St. Augustine Mission, so be sure to bring a camera! If you feel like taking a break, you can stop at Strong Creek Park to camp, relax or play on the playground. Just look for the trail that’s about 40m downstream of the large sign.
Plan your stay in Peace River afterwards or grab a tasty meal downtown to finish off your day outside!
McCracken’s Landing Boat Launch to Notikewin Provincial Park
Calling all adventurous souls, this 42km paddle is for you! The trip itself can take four to eight hours and includes high banks, scenic curves, several islands and tons of wildlife. Just remember when accessing McCracken’s Boat Launch to stay on Range Road 204A as it’s the only public access road.Â
On this journey you will be able to go through the historical Horseshoe Bend, where in 1803 the Horseshoe House fort was established.
There’s also an abundance of wildlife to be seen on this paddle and it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of moose, elk, deer, black bears or even grizzlies along the river banks.
When approaching the Notikewin park, you can stop and walk up the trail that’s surrounded by large ostrich ferns and be led to the campsites to extend your trip.
Spend some time at the gravel bar and search for fossils, petrified wood and even ammolite. For fishing enthusiasts, bring your gear and throw a line in to catch supper for the night. This canoe trip has something for everyone!
Murphy’s Flats to Town of Peace River West Boat LaunchÂ
Murphy’s Flats is a fun, new development within the Northern Sunrise County that offers a day use area with fire pits, picnic tables and free firewood. It runs along the Smoky River and has a natural sandy beach where you can prepare for a day full of incredible views and fresh air.
This paddle has many curves and bends to keep you entertained and high banks to admire and snap pictures of. You’ll travel the Smoky River and pass through where it meets the Peace River, which is bound to be a highlight of your trip!
Finish off your day of paddling with a hearty meal or tasty brew at one of the many restaurants in the town of Peace River. This trip is bound to be amazing from start to finish.
Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park to Camp Island
On this majestic 42 km paddle, you will watch the Mighty Peace widen and the valley uncover its unique beauty around every twist and turn. Staring at Dunvegan, this trip can take between four and eight and a half hours, depending on your paddling speed. Along the journey, you’ll see the Saddle (Burnt) River and the Leith (Little Burnt) River join the Peace and a long island on the left just before arriving at Camp Island. Here you’ll find the Elk Island Municipal Campground or free camping in a basic campsite. Here you can really unplug and get away from everything with no cellular access on the entire trip. Before you plan your trip, check the jetboat racing schedule, you do not want to be caught on the river when the races are taking place.
Camp Island to Tangent
There’s lots to see and explore on this spectacular 36 km trip down the Mighty Peace that takes between three and a half to seven hours. Be sure to keep an eye out for the first time the river turns east and watch for a sign halfway up the hill. There’s a trail leading up to Kieyho Park on the right-hand side, leading to a unique stone cabin built in 1993 from river rocks. Along the paddle, you will also pass by clusters of islands for about five kilometres and as the island clusters end, look for the Griffin Creek Valley. This is the river access for the Peace Valley Guest Ranch. Visitors are welcome to pop in and check out the two-story log cabin built in 1919 or why not book ahead and plan to stay in one of their cabins. On the last leg of the trip, you’ll see gorgeous river-side cabins and cottages, pass by the Shaftsbury Ferry Crossing and dock along the shores of Tangent Park, located on the east side of the river about 500 meters downstream from the ferry. They have tons of great camping sites, walking trails and hot water showers here. Be sure to find out when the jet boat races are taking place before you head out; it is not safe to be on the river during the races.Â
