All M.D. of Peace in Peace River

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.

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.  

Christ Church Mission was established in 1886, when Reverend John Gough Brick, an Anglican minister moved from Dunvegan to Shaftesbury Settlement. This mission was also known as the Shaftesbury Mission or simply the ‘English Mission’. It was slow to develop due to lack of manpower and funds. The Reverend Brick found that he could not establish both a working farm as well as preach and teach, and so it was some time before the Mission comprised of more than just the minister’s house. The building of Christ Church took place between 1898 and 1901, and was constructed largely of material salvaged from St. Saviours, the Anglican Mission at Dunvegan (Today’s site of ‘The Maples’ picnic area) 

In 1897, Mr. David Curry arrived from St. Peter’s Mission at Lesser Slave Lake to take over as schoolteacher of Christ Church Mission, Shaftesbury Settlement. By 1907, Miss Lillian Millen, School Mistress and Matron, and Miss E.M. Hall, Assistant Matron were residing with Reverend Robert Holmes and his family at the Shaftesbury Mission. The complex consisted of the church, student residence, school, and barns.  

Eventually the importance of Christ Church diminished as the village of Peace River Crossing continued to grow. Declining enrolment at the Shaftesbury school forced its closure in August 1914. The First Nations children were transferred to other boarding schools in the Diocese, in particular St. Peter’s Mission at Lesser Slave Lake. 

This site is found along Shaftsbury Trail near the Town of Peace River. 

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.

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 

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

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.

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. 

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 

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.