All Places To See in Clear Hills No. 21

Explore the history of Indigenous people, the fur trade and missionaries in the Peace Region by touring Historic Dunvegan!  This National Historic Site of Canada is located alongside the Peace River with a breathtaking view of Dunvegan Bridge.  This bridge is Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge. There is a visitors’ centre located near the entrance which offers information as well as guided tours of the historic buildings. Guided tours are available from mid May until Labor Day.  Four original authentically restored and furnished buildings are located in the same places they were over a century ago.   There are wide variety of cultural and nature-based activities available.

Day use camp areas with fire pits and horseshoe pitches are available to visitors.  A playground and extensive hiking/biking trails will entertain visitors of all ages.  Canada Day celebrations are held here annually as well as a fresh air market, children’s programs and amphitheatre presentations. Stroll down to the near by market gardens for ice cream, shopping and mini golf!  Dunvegan Provincial Park is located adjacent to this historic site for visitors wishing to stay overnight or longer.

Historic Dunvegan is open mid May through to the beginning of September, 10am-5pm Wednesday through Sunday. It  is located 26km south of Fairview on highway #2.

For information call – 780-835-7150

Judah Hill provides stunning views of the Land of the Mighty Peace and leads to one of Peace River’s most incredible and historical lookout points – Sagitawa Lookout.

Get There: Drive down Main Street (100 Street) to the bottom of Main, then turn left onto 102 Avenue. Follow this to 102 Avenue, turn right and cross the Heart River bridge. Turn left onto 104 Avenue and follow the Hwy 744 signs.

Explore the legendary Mighty Peace, from the fur trade to modern times, through the exhibits at our museum. Discover Nampa and Northern Sunrise County’s historic multicultural roots by following the steps of those who ventured to Canada’s northern-most homesteading area, across the Grouard Trail and onto the railways that took people from all over the world through muskeg to the Mighty Peace Country. Learn about local industries, about farming, about traditional ways as we guide you through the indoor and outdoor exhibits and buildings. With displays on two floors open year round and outdoor exhibits accessible from May to September, the Nampa and District Museum is more than worth a gander.

Major attractions include:

• The original water tank built by the Central Canada Railway to which Nampa owes its very own existence;
• Our old-time boardwalk of shops and businesses from the early to mid 1900’s;
• Our taxidermy exhibits, showing off local wildlife in the area
• The Rucka settlement house (circa 1937)
• Reno’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (circa 1946)

And so much more.

Hours of Operation

• June 1st to August 31st – 10 am to 5 pm / 7 days a week
• September 1st to May 31st – 10 am to 5 pm / Monday to Friday
• Admission: Family $12, Adults $5, Students  $2, Children under 6 Free

St. Isidore Museum & Cultural Centre – English

Situated in the quaint hamlet of St-Isidore, is a museum that depicts the storied heritage of the francophone community that left Quebec to establish itself in the Mighty Peace. In the museum, you’ll find costumes, pictures and artefacts that tell the story of hardships and victories. Also, theres a train car replica inside of the museum to help visualize the trek that the families had to make with their enormous families as well as with their livestock.

St. Isidore Museum & Cultural Centre – French

Situé dans le pittoresque hameau de St-Isidore, ce musée présente l’héritage historique de la communauté francophone qui a permis au gens du Québec de s’établir au sein de la région de Rivière-de-la-Paix. Dans le musée, vous trouverez des costumes, des images et des artefacts qui racontent l’histoire des épreuves et des victoires. De plus, il y a une réplique d’un wagon de train à l’intérieur du musée pour aider à visualiser le trek que les familles devaient faire avec leur famille et avec leur bétail. Nous accueillons tout le monde, même si vous ne parlez pas français.

Tisserandes De St. Isidore (St. Isidore Weavers)

Hours Of Operation:

• Monday – Thursday, 9:00am -4:30pm
• Fridays – Call  (780)624-8481

The Sagitawa Lookout is located just south of the Town of Peace River on Hwy 744 in Northern Sunrise County. Sagitawa is a Cree word meaning “Where the rivers meet”.  The Lookout has a spectacular view of the Town of Peace River and the confluence of the Peace, Smoky and Heart rivers. The Lookout is complete with picnic area and historical information.

Directions from Main Street Peace River:

Drive down Main Street ( 100 Street) to the bottom of Main, then turn left onto 102 Avenue. Follow this to 102 Avenue, turn right and cross the Heart River bridge. Turn left onto 104 Avenue and follow the Hwy 744 signs. The Lookout is located up the “Judah Hill”. Watch for lookout signage.

The historic Peace River NAR Station, last of its kind in northern Alberta.

The NAR Station was built in 1916, a Class C Station, it is the last of its kind in Northern Alberta. The station was restored in 1988, and declared a Provincial Historic Resource Site on April 29, 1988. It now serves as the Town of Peace River’s Visitor Information Centre. The ground floor has been furnished to the 1920s-1930s era, and upstairs features local art. Events are held at the station throughout the summer and autumn.

This is the place to make all of your Mighty Peace plans. Offering free information for sightseeing, attractions, accommodations, museums, tours and restaurants. The have a complete collection of current information on the Mighty Peace. 

The Visitor Information Centre is your one-stop shop for planning your time in the Mighty Peace. The professional, highly-trained staff can help you make the most of your Mighty Peace experience and plan your journeys into Mighty Peace and beyond. 

Hours of operation:

Open May long weekend until September long weekend. Friday to Monday 9am – 4:30pm.

Directions:

Please note the 98 Street exit to Downtown is presently CLOSED.

From Highway 2 (Edmonton or Fairview/Grimshaw):

Exit the highway at 100 Street (Hwy 744), and head south under the railway trestle. At the traffic circle, take the first exit (the first right); the street that leads between the Sawridge Hotel and the KFC. Follow this street until you see the NAR Station, which is a two-storey red wooden building. There is adequate parking on site.

From Highway 744 (north from Girouxville):

When you’ve made it to the bottom of Judah hill at the junction of 104^th Avenue and 101 Street turn right. Follow this street (101 Street) north until you reach the T junction (the Fire Hall with a tower will be facing you). Turn left, and at the set of lights turn right. Follow this street to the traffic circle. Enter the traffic circle and take the third exit; the street that leads between the Sawridge Hotel and the KFC. Follow this street until you see the NAR Station, which is a two-storey red wooden building. There is adequate parking on site.

Accessibility:

The NAR Station does have a ramp onto the station platform, however we do not have accessible washrooms. Because we are an historic building, our doorways may be too narrow for some wheel chairs.

Facilities:

• washrooms (not wheelchair accessible)
• picnic tables
• visitor information
• exhibits
• brochures and maps for the region

A breathtaking lookout over the Town of Peace River in honor of Henry Fuller Davis, a trader on the Peace River who literally struck gold on a 12 foot claim in the 1860s. The park features include pathways, landscaping, interpretive panels, picnic benches and parking. This is a great viewpoint and photography spot.

Getting There:

Once in the Town of Peace River take Highway 2 South  heading up the East Hill. Once at the top of the hill take a left onto Sunrise Road and immediately turn left on Fairgrounds Road. Travel for approximately 1 kilometre, look for signage and turn left on Twelve Foot Davis Road. This road will lead to the gravesite.

Where is the World’s Largest Railroad Spike?  In Hines Creek!!

When WWII broke out, construction on the railroad in northern Alberta came to a halt – in Hines Creek.  The line sat unfinished until well after the war was over, but has long since completed.  During the time after the war, the town become known as “the end of steel”, a moniker it has kept ever since.