All Places in Alberta

The legendary 12 Foot Davis statue!

Henry Fuller Davis struck it rich in the mid-1800s on a 12 Foot gold claim in northern British Columbia, earning him around $12,000 as well as the “12 Foot Davis” nickname. Spending much of his life as a fur trader on the Peace River, he left his mark on many places in the region and was known for his good business sense and friendliness.

A wooden statue of 12 Foot Davis stands proudly in Riverfront Park,  located along the bank of the Peace River, downtown Peace River. The park is complimented by a children’s playground, gazebo, and a beautiful view of the Peace River. A paved walking trail connects the park to the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.

Beat the heat and enjoy the summer weather at the Town of Peace River’s Spray Park. Cool off in the parks  unexpected water spouts, cannon streams, flower showers, and more. Pack a picnic because the kiddos are not going to want to leave the park.

Heilan Beer House is a family friendly establishment that was built from the ground up by a small crew alongside the owners, and opened in 2019. When entering the brewery you will notice features such as the hop lighting, beer taps, and table tops that are unique only to this brewery. If you love pizza, their wood fired oven is sure to impress and with constant rotating taps, one visit will not be enough to satisfy your cravings.

If you are interested in live music, Open Mic Thursday’s with the local talent is not to be missed. This small town brewery will be sure to impress and have you coming back for more or at the very least, you will be talking a growler home with you!

A mounted albino moose and a 1500 year old arrow head are just a couple of amazing things available to see at the Battle River Pioneer Museum.   Visitors can easily imagine the town of Manning many years ago while touring the large main building, a cabin, post office, blacksmith shop and machine shed. An annual Heritage Day weekend antique tractor parade showcases the farm machinery used many years ago!  Imagine the early pioneers at work while watching the Heritage Day demonstrations that may include wood working, rope making, and flour milling. The museum’s collection also includes a mounted moose, timber wolf, cougar, grizzly bear, albino porcupine and many other odd and unusual items.This museum located 1 km east of the Town of Manning on Secondary Highway #691 is open May 15 – September 15, 10am to 6pm daily. By appointment call – 780 836-0734.  

Experience the day to day life of a Peace Country pioneer at the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum.  Stroll through this depiction of a typical 1920s to 1940s pioneer village and experience what life would have been like for these hardy pioneers.  Immerse yourself in history as you tour four fully furnished houses, a school, a blacksmith shop and a general store!  You can practically smell the bread baking in the bakery!  The village also includes a fire hall, municipal office, carpenter shop, church, barn and library! 

Pioneer Day celebrations are held annually on the second Saturday of August. This is a great way to enjoy the museum!  Start your day with a pancake breakfast and then actually see the saw mill, threshing machine and blacksmith in operation!  Witness butter being churned the old- fashioned way and then take a horse and wagon ride!  Enjoy a lunch of beef on a bun and pie while listening to the musical entertainment on offer. 

Directions – from Grimshaw – next to Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park, access from either Highway 2 or Secondary Highway 685. 

Open May long weekend to September long weekend. 

Hours of operation – Open Thursday to Monday (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday) 10:30am – 4:30pm.

Admission by donation. 

Contact – 780-332-2030 

Paddling furiously along the Peace River to beat freeze up, Alexander Mackenzie and his crew must have been very glad to reach the area where Fort Fork was to be built and where they were able to find shelter from the coming winter weather.  Soon after his arrival Mackenzie observed “the river stopped” indicating freeze up had arrived!  Mackenzie, a Scottish born explorer and fur trader was to spend the winter of 1792 – 93 at Fort Fork before continuing on his famed journey to the Pacific Ocean.  Fort Fork was named for its close proximity to the convergence of the Smoky and Peace Rivers.  The fort provided shelter for Mackenzie and several years later the explorer – geographer David Thompson.  The fort was also the main North West Company post in the Peace Country until 1806 when its operations were moved to Fort Dunvegan.  Stones from an original chimney in the fort have been preserved and fashioned into a fireplace for the public to view at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.   

Mackenzie Cairn, a National Historic site since 1929, was built to commemorate Fort Fork and marks the spot where visitors can look across the river to the approximate area of Fort Fork which has long since been erased by the ravages of time and river erosion.  Mackenzie Cairn is found a short distance from the Town of Peace River, along the Shaftsbury Trail.  

Exploring Alberta’s North and beyond? 

Be sure to stop in at the Mile Zero Marker in Grimshaw and get a photo!  This monument which is part of the Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum and the Historic Mackenzie Highway Park, is easy to find, right off the main highway 2 going through the town of Grimshaw. The historic Northern Alberta Railway car beside the marker, offers another photo opportunity for visitors.  The monument marks mile zero of the Mackenzie Highway that will lead visitors north to Manning, High Level, Hay River, Yellowknife and beyond. 

Enjoy sweeping views from the top of the riverbanks as you descend toward Many Islands Campground, a peaceful retreat nestled along the banks of the mighty Peace River. As you arrive, you may spot the cluster of small islands that give the campground its name.

There are few experiences more relaxing than sitting by a crackling campfire, watching the quiet power of the river flow past. This campground is a gem in the Peace River Valley, offering stunning natural scenery and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Campers can enjoy:

• 26 regular campsites and 44 seasonal sites

• Two group camping areas

• Well-maintained boat launch for river boating and fishing

• Camp kitchens, picnic tables, fire pits, and outhouses

• Three playgrounds, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball nets

• A variety of games available for campers to borrow

August Long Weekend is packed with fun activities for the whole family, including:

• Boat rally

• Dance

• Kids’ bike parade

• Golf cart parade

• Bouncy castle

• Horseshoe tournament

Many Islands Campground is 24km Southeast of Worsley off highway 64. 

Check out our River Guide to help you plan your trip.

Begin a beautiful Peace country day at the Maples Day Use area!  Upon arriving at Historic Dunvegan simply turn right and proceed under the bridge to this beautiful river side area.  Originally an Anglican Mission stood at this site in the 1880’s.  Today visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, hiking or biking, a beautiful playground and exploring along the mighty Peace River.  Historic Dunvegan is near by and well worth a visit to explore the history of this fascinating region. Dunvegan Gardens is located close by and offers mini golf, shopping and ice cream!  Dunvegan Provincial Park is adjacent to Historic Dunvegan and offers overnight camping facilities.

The Maples Day Use area is 27km South of Fairview.

Warm your hands around a crackling campfire, sit back, relax and enjoy the privacy of your cozy campsite alongside the mighty Peace River! Dunvegan Provincial Park offers 65 powered sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Visitors will find firewood available, outdoor toilets, tap water and a sewage disposal area. This is a great spot to keep the entire family active with hiking/biking trails, fishing, canoeing and a playground. If you’re looking for something more relaxing – take a stroll down the scenic river side pathways to nearby Dunvegan Gardens for some shopping, mini golf and ice cream! Be sure to stop in at the Historic Dunvegan interpretive centre that is right next door. Explore the region’s history and take a guided tour of the historic buildings still standing in their original spots!

Photo opportunities abound in this beautiful area. This is a great spot to view Dunvegan bridge which is Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge! The Maples Day Use area can be found a short hike up river and offers a beautiful spot for picnickers. The South side of the river has a boat launch for boaters wanting to explore the river. The park is open May 1st to October 15th.

Dunvegan Provincial Park is located 26km South of Fairview.

Historic Dunvegan is a provincially and nationally designated historic resource. Experience history through 4 original, authentically restored and furnished buildings and the stories of Indigenous, fur trade, and mission life that our historic interpreters are waiting to share with you. Located alongside the Peace River with a breathtaking view of Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge, there are activities for the whole family! A visitors’ centre located near the entrance offers information as well as guided tours of the historic buildings. The Visitor Centre and historic buildings are open from May 18 through Labour Day, 10am-5pm Wednesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays. Admission fees apply.

2024 Special Events
Dunvegan Tsattine/Beaver Storytelling – June 22, 1pm
Canada Day – July 1, Noon-5pm
Fresh Air Market – August 4, 11-5pm
Sunday Funday – May 19 and June 30, 10am-5pm
Picnic in the Park – July 14 and August 11, 11am-3pm

Located 26km south of Fairview on Highway 2. For more information please visit www.historicdunvegan.ca or find us on Facebook by searching @historicdunvegan!

Other nearby amenities include a day use area and campground operated by Alberta Parks. A playground, fire pits, cook shelters, and horseshoe pitches are all available. The Maples Day use area is just down the road, and offers a picnic shelter, fire pits, and a playground. You can also stroll down to the neighbouring Dunvegan Market Gardens for ice cream, food, shopping, and mini golf!

Hive Hero’s, Valley Bee Café is a “sweet” place to visit; it boasts an observation window into the honey extraction room, an observation hive, a larger than life mural, bee facility tours, a community word search, handmade journals, and plenty of other goods created by local artisans. The community tables invite conversation and connection, giving visitors the opportunity to meet new people and also run into old friends.

People of all ages come to explore the world of bee year round!

WHAT MAKES THE HIVE HERO AND THE VALLEY BEE CAFÉ UNIQUE FROM ANY OTHER PLACE IN THE MIGHTY PEACE?

The way we’ve curated our education process allows people to entertain themselves and their families for hours. It’s a special experience to be able to see the inner workings of a beehive and watch the work of beekeepers being done first hand . The curious nature of our guests make this a place people can keep coming back to for a fresh experience each time. Like the inner workings of a hive we are always buzzing with something new!

Read More on Our Q&A >

Hemstock Park is found downtown on the corner of 110th Street and 103rd Avenue in the Town of Fairview. Families and kids can enjoy this easily accessible park as well as the free wifi and picnic tables all in a picturesque downtown setting.

This playground is found in the community of Deadwood. Featuring play equipment and plenty of space to enjoy a sunny Peace Country day. Located in the County of Northern Lights, East on Secondary Highway 690. For more information call 780-836-3348.

Condy Meadows playground is part of the Condy Meadows Golf Course and Campground. The entire family can enjoy a weekend here. A great selection of play equipment available at this serviced campground. Located in the County of Northern Lights on Township Road 932. For more information call –780-836-2176.

The Hotchkiss Playground can be found right beside the Hotchkiss Hall. This area’s play equipment is recently installed and will provide hours of fun for visitors. Un-serviced camping available. Located in the County of Northern Lights, East of Highway 35. For more information call 780-836-3348.

The Leddy Lake Playground has a beautiful lakeside location. The captivating selection of play equipment is complimented by the nearby sandy beach. Kids will enjoy the multitude of activities available. Located in the County of Northern Lights on Township Road 854. For more information call 780-836-3348

Enjoy a sunny Peace Country day with some active fun at the North Star Playground. Located in the County of Northern Lights at North Star For more information call 780-836-3348.