All Sights & Experiences in Northern Sunrise County

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sitting on over 100 acres of land which backs onto Pat’s Creek, at a dead end road, we are surrounded by quiet wilderness ready for you to come enjoy and explore!

The Peace River Agricultural Society grounds consist of 2 outdoor riding arenas (250′ x 250′ and 125′ x 225′), 3 indoor barns with a total of 40 stalls, 1 outdoor barn with 10 stalls, a Quonset with a stage for bands or dj’s, and a  200 person capacity hall with commercial kitchen, bathrooms and showers, 80 acres of field and trails, camping with 10amp power. It should be noted that horse boarding is only offered during events.

Take advantage of trails, on and off the property, as well as horse boarding services.

With multiple exciting events throughout the year the Peace River Agricultural Society is a staple organization in our region. Come visit us today!

Smith Mills Trail 

Officially opened March 11, 2017. The East End Staging Area is located to the north of Grimshaw and the West End Staging Area is located to the north of Hines Creek.  Runs 60 kilometers from north of Figure Eight Lake to just east of Stony Lake.  This trail includes a loop near the west end of the trail that has a magnificent view of the area.

Smith Mills Trail Map

Hines Creek Trail Map 

Cadotte River

As one of the original 3 trails identified by the Club and approved in principle in December of 2009 along with the Leddy Lake and Wesley Creek trails, further work has been delayed during the development of the Club’s other trails.  This proposed trail would be an extension to the Wesley Creek Trail and will potentially run north along the power line which is adjacent to the DMI east haul road.  Work could proceed once the Hines Creek Trail is complete if a Trail Sponsor to lead the project is identified.

Additional Trail Plans:

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.

The legendary 12 Foot Davis statue!

Henry Fuller Davis struck it rich in the mid-1800s on a 12 Foot gold claim in northern British Columbia, earning him around $12,000 as well as the “12 Foot Davis” nickname. Spending much of his life as a fur trader on the Peace River, he left his mark on many places in the region and was known for his good business sense and friendliness.

A wooden statue of 12 Foot Davis stands proudly in Riverfront Park,  located along the bank of the Peace River, downtown Peace River. The park is complimented by a children’s playground, gazebo, and a beautiful view of the Peace River. A paved walking trail connects the park to the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.