All Town of Peace River in Peace River

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.’

Make sure you check out The Hitching Post that is located inside Western Budget. Or try your luck at the Ironbridge Pub at one of their VLT machines.

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. 

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.

Athabasca Hall is home of the Peace Players Theatre Group, Athabasca Hall is a cultural centre in Peace River. This historic building hosts various performances and concerts throughout the year. Built in 1938 it is also a historical fixture. Peace Players host several productions every season from September to June, including a musical, a children’s production and the highly popular dinner theatre. Peace Players productions are held upstairs on the Don Weaver Stage, where there is fixed seating for 250 and a lounge and bar area for intermissions

Downstairs there is a sizeable Art Gallery and Dance Studio. The Athabasca Hall is ideal for musical productions, as well as small parties or special events. The capacity for the hall ranges from 114 people to 182 depending on the type of setup.