All Town of Peace River in North Star

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.