All M.D. of Peace in Northern Lights No. 22

Located on the Shaftesbury Trail near Peace River, Alberta, Peace River Cabins and Outdoors is dedicated to helping others experience the natural wonders of the mighty and majestic Peace River.

Looking for an excellent spot to explore the Peace River Valley? 

Visit Elk Island camping area, this site is along side the Peace River downstream from Historic Dunvegan and upstream from the Shaftsbury Ferry. Twelve campsites with fire pits are ready for campers to settle in and relax or get active!  Canoe, kayak, fish, hike or relax around a crackling campfire! Lots of space and a playground are available for kids to enjoy.  Watch for abundant wildlife in this area! 

Located approximately 6.5km west and 24km south of the Hamlet of Brownvale. 

For information call  (780) 338-3845 

This playground has a beautiful setting beside Figure 8 Lake, near the sandy beach and campground. Great selection of play equipment and amenities of the campground available. Located at Figure Eight Lake Provincial Recreation Area, 25 km west of Peace River off Highway 35. For information call 780-624-6486.

This guest house provides luxurious accommodations on the banks of the Mighty Peace River. A stunning view of the Peace River, hills and valley, will captivate you as you relax on the deck or in the hot tub. Rentals of rooms only, or the whole house! Perfect for small meetings, vacationers, private parties and small weddings.

Lots of great play equipment in this playground that is conveniently found near rodeo grounds, Lac Cardinal Pioneer Museum and of course Lac Cardinal Lake.  

Located adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park on the eastern shore of Lac cardinal, approximately 8 km northwest of the Town of Grimshaw on Township Road 833A off Highway 35. 

For information call – 780-338-3845 

Lake views can be enjoyed by all visitors to this campground tucked into the tree line along the shore of Lac Cardinal. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, windsurfing, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. Boaters can use the boat launch to gain access to the lake, so water skiing, tubing and sailing are fun options!

Visitors can play some beach volleyball, horseshoes or just relax on the beach. Over 140 species of birds and other wildlife have been spotted here so keep your eyes open while hiking and mountain biking on the shore line and forest trails! After a day of enjoying all these activities, kick back and relax in one of 56 camp sites available. 42 of these sites offer power and all offer fire pits and picnic tables. To make your stay more convenient potable water, washrooms and a dump station are available on site.

Don’t forget! There’s no better way to enjoy a sparkling winter day than snowshoeing or cross country skiing the 4.5km of ungroomed trails in the park!

This park has a very convenient location only 5 km north west of Grimshaw on Township Road 834/833A. The Lac Cardinal Rodeo Grounds and Pioneer Village Museum are adjacent to the park and within walking distance.

Contact 780-624-6487

Bring a picnic and enjoy a day of activity on the play equipment as well as the beautiful views of the Peace River Valley. Camp shelters, water and outhouses are available. To find Strong Creek Park, enjoy a short 8km drive from Peace River, along the scenic Shaftsbury Trail in the MD Peace. For information call -780-338-3845

Searching for a back to nature experience?  Head out to the Wilderness Park located approximately 11km west of Peace River; the path into the area is as beautiful as the park itself! This day use area has picnic tables, fire pits, outhouses and man-made ponds to enjoy! Swimming is not allowed but fishing enthusiasts bring your fishing rods as the ponds are stocked with rainbow trout and grayling!  There are docks to fish from and to launch your canoe, kayak or paddle board.  Hiking trails abound in the area, part of which include the Trans Canada Trail!  Bring your binoculars and enjoy some bird watching, this area is abundant with wildlife.  A crackling campfire is the perfect end to a day of fun at Wilderness Park!  Please reduce visitor’s impact on the park by taking your garbage home with you. Park closes at 11pm.

The Shaftesbury boat launch is located at the Shaftesbury ferry crossing approximately 29km southwest of the town of Peace River. Boaters can access the beautiful Peace River at this location on the well -maintained gravel launch. The Strong Creek Park boat launch and the Town of Peace River can be found down stream from this location. Head up the river and you will find the Peace Valley Guest Ranch and Peace River Cabins and Outdoors who welcome guests to stay at their riverside resorts. Explore a bit further up the river and you will see the Elk Island camping area, continue on to experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Dunvegan Bridge. Camping is available in the Shaftsbury area just across the river at Tangent Park.

For information call –780-338-3845.

Everything is better around a campfire! 

Strong Creek Park has a little something for everyone. Strong Creek Park is a municipal park located on the Peace River mouth of Strong Creek, 8 km south of the Town of Peace River, Alberta on Shaftesbury Trail. Set up camp or spend the day out at the park. Camping spots are rustic and free to the public. There are washrooms, water and a sheltered kitchen for campers. The park is a short stroll to the Peace River. Where you can spend the day sunbathing, paddling or fishing. There are picnic tables set up for day use, a fantastic park for the kiddos and scenic hiking trails throughout the park. This is the perfect place to unwind and escape reality.

A short 8km drive from Peace River, along the scenic Shaftsbury Trail will bring you to Strong Creek Park boat launch area. Start your river adventure here or come ashore and take a break -camping spots are free. There are outhouses, water and a sheltered kitchen to make your stop comfortable. The Town of Peace River is down stream from this launch and the Shaftesbury ferry launch site is up stream. The launch is a well-maintained gravel area perfect for launching river boats as well as canoes, kayaks and rafts. Opportunities are endless for adventure on the mighty Peace River.

For information call –780-338-3845.

24 km south of Peace River on highway 740 (Shaftesbury Trail), then a free ferry ride across the Peace River. Full hook ups, kitchen shelter, group picnic area, group camping area, tenting area, horse watering stations, concession, showers, hiking trails, horseshoes, playground, fishing.

The Lac Cardinal boat launch gives water lovers access to this calm and inviting northern lake.The launch is a well-maintained paved launch. The lake offers endless hours of activity –paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking to name a few. Tubing, water skiing and wake boarding area is a great way to spend a sunny Peace Country day at this lake. Stay awhile at the camping area and check out the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum and the North Peace Rodeo grounds which are a short walk away. Located 8km northwest of the Town of Grimshaw on Township Road 833A off Highway 35.

For information contact -780-338-3845.

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.

Looking for the perfect getaway?

This cozy four bedroom home away from home offers solitude in a country setting. Discover meandering nature trails, an abundance of bird watching and a visit to the log cabin in the woods. This home will surely make you want to spend all your time outdoors breathing in the fresh air and taking time to relax.

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) 11am – 5pm. 

Admission by donation. 

Contact – 780-332-2030 

Originally established in 1888 just west of Strong Creek by Father Auguste Husson O.M.I. (Oblates of Mary Immaculate), the St. Augustine Mission School opened its doors for the 1891-1892 school year. Father LeTreste O.M.I. being the first teacher at the mission school.  With the help of Brothers Milsens and Teillet from Dunvegan, a residence with a public chapel, a shop, a warehouse and a garden were erected at this site.   

In the summer of 1892, the Roman Catholic Church having exchanged land with Francois Le Pretre, moved the Mission and School to the present site on River Lots 21, 22, and 23. The buildings from the Mission’s previous location were moved to the new site, and by the spring of 1893, a new and larger residence with a chapel was built. The old residence that was hauled from Strong Creek was repurposed into a school house. The white church that still stands on its original site was constructed in 1894 and completed in 1896, just in time for the Priests and Brothers to welcome The Sisters of Providence in 1898. The Sisters assumed operation of the school at this time.  

In September of 1900, the Federal Government (Department of Indian Affairs) paid the board for 15 children at $72.00 each per year. However, in 1907, the Federal Government transferred their financial support from St. Augustine’s to Sturgeon Lake Mission. St. Augustine Mission School continued as a church funded facility.  

The Mission continued to grow with the erection of a new school, convent and priest’s residence. In 1945, the Mission school served 80 boarders, 12 day students, with two Fathers, three Brothers, ten Sisters and five lay employees. On December 28th, 1950, Father Tetreault sent a letter to parents of the students, announcing that the Mission was closing as a boarding school. The Sisters went to Hay Lakes where a new Indian Residential School was being opened at Chateh (Assumption Indian Residential School). 

Recognizing its historical significance, the St. Augustine church, cemetery and barn were designated as Provincial Historic Resources in 1977. This site can be found along Shaftsbury Trail near the Town of Peace River. 

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.