All Mighty Peace Essentials in Northern Lights No. 22

Horse Trekking Adventures is the premier guided horse riding company in the Mighty Peace. They offer many different types of horseback adventures in the Mighty Peace area, all of which are completely customizable to give you the exact experience you are looking for. Guest can enjoy hourly horseback trips, full and half-day rides or multi-day trips into the wilderness areas of the Mighty Peace. They offer a range of horseback tours from beginners and families to experienced cowboys and cowgirls. They have rustic cabins available for “Cowboy & Cowgirl Camping”. 

Are you a Northern Lights Seeker? 

Horse Trekking Adventures offers epic Northern Lights adventures. Your best shot to see the aurora borealis is September through mid May in the Mighty Peace. Experience the Northern Lights firsthand on horseback with knowledgable guides. Horse Trekking Adventures offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It’s all about you and the horses! Book your adventure today. 

Enjoy the beauty of the Peace River and it’s valley by taking the short drive down the Shaftesbury Trail!

Running along side the Mighty Peace River for approximately 26km, the Shaftesbury Trail is one of the most scenic and interesting drives in the Peace region.  Originally used by First Nations and Metis fur traders it is the location of several important historic sites.  Start your tour on this paved and well maintained roadway either from Grimshaw going south on Highway 2, then taking secondary Highway 684 down into the valley or from Peace River, turn onto Highway 684, which can be accessed on the west side of the Peace River bridge.  A relaxing and interesting adventure awaits! Along the way visit Fort Fork, MacKenzie Cairn as well as St. Augustine’s Mission.  Stop for a picnic at Strong Creek Park and enjoy the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife!  Continue on and visit the market gardens to see what’s in season!  End your Shaftsbury Trail adventure with a ride on the Shaftesbury Ferry, the view of the river and surrounding hills is spectacular! 

Getting There

From Grimshaw: go south on Highway 2, then take secondary Highway 684 down into the valley. From Peace River: turn onto Highway 684, which can be accessed on the west side of the Peace River bridge.

Mackenzie Cairn

It was 1793 when Sir Alexander Mackenzie, famed North American explorer, overwintered at Fort Fork before starting his transcontinental journey to the Pacific. The Mackenzie Cairn, built in 1929, honours both the Fort Fork trading post and the place where Mackenzie’s important journey began. This National Historic Site also provides a wonderful view of the Peace River, and an information kiosk offers detailed maps, drawings of the fort and early photos. Historic tours are available during the summer months.

St. Augustine Mission Church

About 13 km southwest of the Town of Peace River, the St. Augustine Mission Church sits in a tranquil space in the valley. A Provincial Historic Site, St. Augustine Mission Church is the remains of the St. Augustine Mission, established in 1888. Tours of the church and grounds are available in the summer.

Bridgeview Gardens

U-Pick berries and other vegetables. Call them at 780-624-1335.

Fort McLeod

A historical site on the banks of the Peace River. Learn more about fur trade history with new interpretive signs, or visit the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre for a more in-depth history.

Strong Creek Park

Free camping, kitchen shelter, water, fishing, hiking trails and playground, including a backstop and field for baseball/softball.

Brick’s Hill

When driving from Hwy 2 near Grimshaw, take Brick’s Hill to take in the beauty of the valley floor. Named after original families owning river lots in the area, Brick’s Hill boasts an abundant landscape of agriculture and gardens. The hills are layered with history and evidence of the Cree and Beaver First Nations.

Shaftesbury Ferry

A unique experience awaits at the Shaftesbury Ferry! 

This is one of only 6 ferries operated by Alberta Transportation in the entire province!  The ferry is part of highway 740 and crosses the mighty Peace River linking the Shaftesbury Trail with the Tangent Park area.  The length of the crossing is 325 metres and takes about 5 minutes. Enjoy spectacular river valley scenery during the crossing and keep your eyes open for the abundant wildlife that frequent this area.   This experience is available May through the end of October, 7am to 11pm daily.  The ferry is free of charge and can accommodate everything from foot traffic to large RV’s and motorcycles.  Visit 511 Alberta for the most recent information about ferry operations. 

Tangent Park

Tangent Park campground is located on the east bank of the river, just a ferry ride across from the Shaftesbury Trail. It offers full service sites, showers, group camping and horseback riding/hiking trails.

Misery Mountain Ski Area is located in Peace River, Alberta. A short 486 km north-west of Edmonton and 195 km north-east of Grande Prairie. Visitors flock here to enjoy the best downhill sports and to experience one of Alberta’s sunniest regions. Misery Mountain Ski Area offers the most vertical descent in northern Alberta. With two t-bars, quad chairlift, 26 runs, snowshoe trails, a terrain park and the Mighty Peace’s most extensive snowmaking system. Misery Mountain Ski Area is the Mighty Peace’s playground, right here in your backyard. 

Misery Mountain Ski Area offers a picturesque view of the Peace River Valley. They offer a family friendly atmosphere with a cozy chalet with a concession. Make sure you try their iconic poutine, because it doesn’t get more Canadian than that! Located right in the town of Peace River – making it easy to enjoy the other amenities that Peace River has to offer when you are done riding for the day. Lessons are available along with full rental gear and snowshoe rentals. Keep an eye on their social media channels for upcoming events throughout the year. 

Hours of Operation: 

• Saturdays: 10am -4pm (half day rates start at 1pm)
• Sundays: 12pm -4pm (half day rates all day)

Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park

The visitor centre and historic buildings are open Wednesdays-Sundays (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) from 10am-5pm until the Labour Day Long Weekend. However you can take a self-guided tour through the provincial park while it is closed. 

Journey through time and discover a piece of the fur trade, missionary and First Nations history at this National Historic Site of Canada.  Visit four original buildings from the fur trade era which have been authentically restored, furnished and are sitting in the same place they were more than 100 years ago.

1. Feel the furs that were used to make fashionable clothing and see the goods that were traded in the Revillon Frères trading store. You might recognize a few brand names still popular today and barter yourself a piece of peppermint or licorice candy!
2. At the St. Charles Catholic mission rectory, discover the hardships and devotion of the Oblate. In the church, witness the splendour of the paintings by Father Emile Grouard.
3. Stand in the living room of the Hudson’s Bay Company Factor’s House and imagine the stamping of feet and melody of fiddle music as the man in charge of Fort Dunvegan and his wife entertained guests during an evening dance. Were the children sleeping snugly in their bed or secretly making their own entertainment with the toys in their rooms?  Gaze out at teepees in the distant field, set up by the local Dunne-za people coming to trade and celebrate.
4. Bake bannock over the fire (on designated days: please call for details).

Tours may be customized to your personal interests and time available.

Stay Awhile!

Dunvegan Provincial Park also features a 65-stall campground with water, power and firewood.

Right next to the park, you’ll find a couple more gems:

Dunvegan Gardens:

Get some fresh U-Pick produce and a sweet snack from this locally owned and operated market garden and ice cream shop.

Maples Day Use Area:

An Anglican mission in the 1880s, this beautiful spot is now a picnic area operated by the Municipal District of Fairview.