All Town of Peace River in Northern Lights No. 22

Welcome to Nova Inn, Peace River. This hotel is located in the heart of Peace Country in scenic Northern Alberta. Not only does the Nova Inn have all the amenities that you may need during your stay, they also provide exceptional service and a sense of comfort that is undeniable.

Whatever your travel needs, Nova Inn will exceed your expectations and make your stay an experience to remember.

Services and amenities include:

• Complimentary continental breakfast
• Complimentary parking with plug-ins
• Pet friendly rooms
• Vending and ice machines
• Mail/copy/fax services
• Wheelchair accessible
• Complimentary newspapers in the lobby
• Dry cleaning/laundry services
• ATM in lobby
• Lobby internet kiosk
• Wake-up calls
• Non-smoking/smoking designated rooms
• Cardio workout facility (includes elliptical, bicycle, and treadmill machines)

BMX racing is a popular sport in Peace River  and continues to grow. The Peace River BMX Track is a Town-owned facility that is open every day during daylight hours for the public to use. There is no charge to use the track; however, all users are encouraged  to wear appropriate safety gear, including a certified bicycle helmet. All users ride at their own risk. The BMX track offers jumps, turns and is well maintained. The track is used by beginners to experienced BMX riders.

Lots of trees, open space and fresh air are ready for visitors to enjoy at the Kinsmen Funland Playground. The Blue Imp play equipment was installed in 2013 on a protective surface of pea graveland offers a variety of play choices for kids ages 2 to 12 years.

Want to ollie a jump or show off your sweet tricks?

Try out the custom built Curtis Marshall Memorial Skate Park in the Town of Peace River. The park is located on the west side of 101 Street, between 101 Avenue and 102 Avenue in the Town of Peace River. The park features unique obstacles with lots of transition that gives this park a variety of features that is suitable for everyone’s skill level. The park is free and open to any skateboarders, BMX riders, push scooters and inline skaters. 

This welcoming playground nestled amongst some beautiful large trees offers a space to enjoy a day of play. Climb, slide and run in this playground. The Little Tikes play equipment was installed in 2005 on a protective surface of pea gravel and offers activities to kids that are 2 to 5 years of age.

The Peace River Museum & Archives is located in the beautiful Peace River Valley. The museum cares for many objects, photographs and archival records that celebrate Peace River’s stories and history. The museum is a fun and a entertaining place of learning through objects in the museum’s collection as an entry-point to inquiry, discussion and exploration about the region. The archives offers an extensive archives and library for family and regional history research. Drop by for personal research or call for an appointment for more in-depth research. 

The museum showcases temporary galleries throughout the year that enables a deeper look into many of the region’s more interesting and thought-provoking stories, individuals and objects. 

Looking for a special gift?

The museum has a wonderful gift shop full of hand-crafted gifts to choose from. You will find 12 Foot Davis magnets by a local glassworks artist, art cards by local photographers, fiber arts, jewelry, history books by local authors and much more!

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (open Sundays in July and August)

Closed only on December 24, 25, 26 and January 1.

Exhibits:

Peace of Mind – Historical and contemporary look at our mental health. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Centenaries – 100 years ago – the DA Thomas paddle boat was built in Peace River, the NAR Station was built; the Mt.Pleasant Cemetery was established, the MD of Peace was created; Our Lady of Peace Catholic church was consecrated 1916. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Taking it to the streets! Downtown Walking Tours – The museum offers walking tours exploring our town’s unique and colourful history. Staging points vary for each town walking tour so check our poster for specific start. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Mackenzie Cairn Interpretive Tours – The Mackenzie Cairn is located on the scenic and historic Shaftesbury Trail (Hwy 684) and commemorates the location of Fort Fork, a North West Company post established by Sir Alexander Mackenzie during his historic trans-continental voyage. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Admission:

Free

Kids bouncing off the walls, and you need to get them OUTSIDE?

The Riverview Playground is located in the Town of Peace River and is great for children 5 to 12 years of age. Pack a cooler and let the kids imaginations run wild at the Riverview Park. There is a large green space and picnic tables set up for you to create the ultimate picnic.

Pack up a picnic and head out to the Spruce Court Playground and plan on a fun and sunshine filled day of outdoor activity. The Little Tykes play equipment was installed in 2002 on a protective pea gravel surface, will appeal to children of 5 –12 years of age.

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.

There is nothing better than getting your basket in gear and heading out to a grassy escape for a feast!

The Twelve Foot Davis Events Park is a hidden gem tucked away downtown, along the shores of the Heart River. This is a great location to roast hot dogs with a river valley view, toss a ball, have a romantic dinner and watch the sunset or simply for a picturesque walk. This is one of the best outdoor concert venues in the Mighty Peace. The shape of the hill surrounding the park makes a natural amphitheater it has made this location a prime choice for large events such as Peacefest a iconic annual music festival. 

Race, leap, laugh and play at the Baldwin Court Playground. The Play World System installed in 2000 on a pea gravel base offers many appealing choices to kids of 5 to 12 years of age.

Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Peace Valley, the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Peace River offers beautiful modern guest rooms as well as eclectic dining and entertainment options. This hotel is also fully equipped for events of all kind with its ample function space. From corporate meetings to retirement parties to weddings that will dazzle, the Sawridge Inn has got you covered. An on-site liquor store, fitness centre and business station just add further convenience to your stay. As a pet friendly property, this Peace River gem is happy to welcome both you and your four legged companions.

Peace River’s central park, situated next to the idyllic Peace River and quaint downtown.

Riverfront Park offers a number of opportunities year-round. During the summer it is a busy place with events taking place, a large gazebo and access to power help to make this a great cornerstone of outdoor community events. There’s also a walking path, picnic tables, boat launch access, fishing and, a playground for children and each Canada Day the park hosts the Town’s celebrations and fireworks. In the winter the parks stays vibrant with over 1000 Christmas lights. Each year in November a celebration, Light Up the Park, is held to celebrate the lighting of the park, it features skating, hot chocolate, food, and fireworks. The Town of Peace River also maintains a rink in the park through the winter making for some great outdoor skating.

For booking info call 780-624-1000

The Town of Peace River offers 17km of paved walking trails and 80.9 hectares of nicely mowed green space just waiting to be enjoyed. Grab your bike, run, jog or walk and enjoy these scenic and well-maintained areas. Summer months offer five fastball/slo-pitch diamonds, two baseball diamonds, two soccer pitches, two football fields, two tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, 13 playgrounds, two larger parks (12 Foot Davis and Riverfront Park), as well as an off-leash dog park. The winter months offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy two sliding hills, five outdoor hockey rinks and two skating areas

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)

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.

Enjoy the winter season in the Peace Region. Grab some skates and head out to one of the six outdoor neighbourhood ice rinks that the Town of Peace River operates.

1. Shaftesbury Estates Rink –92 Street
2. Lower West Peace Rink – 92 Street
3. Saddleback Ridge Rink – 82 Street
4. Riverside OutdoorRink – 101 Street
5. Baytex Energy Centre Outdoor Rink – 73 Avenue

Additional Skating areas available.

1. Riverfront Park Skating Area –100 Avenue
2. Spruce Court Skating Area –98 Street

Check out the Town of Peace River’s website for guidelines for use and other information -https://peaceriver.ca/community-services/parks/or call 780-624-3204

From rubber boots to birthday suits, Mainstreet Menswear (Dad’s n Lad’s Clothing) is a boutique clothing and shoe store located on Mainstreet in the Town of Peace River. This boutique is a one stop shop for all mens, ladies and kids clothing. You’ll find brands such as Columbia, Sorel, Blundstone and SAXX as well as formal wear for those fancier occasions!

Whether you’re beginning or ending your river journey or just stopping in for a rest and a picnic, the Town of Peace River offers two handy boat launches. The Lower West Peace Launch is found on the west side of the Peace River just off of Shaftesbury Trail in the lower west region of the town.  The launch typically has porta potties and a floating dock installed by the Peace River Boating Association. The North End Launch is located in the north end of town, on the east side of the river, just off of 84th Avenue. Both boat launches are gravel with some parking on site. Boaters enjoy a stunning view of the bridges and the town of Peace River as they move along this historic waterway.