All M.D. of Peace in Peace River

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.