All Things To Do in MD of Peace

Whispering Pines Ski Hill is Northern Alberta’s Best Kept Secret! 

Whispering Pines Ski Hill is considered one of Northern Alberta’s premier hills —for good reason.  A short, scenic 200-kilometre drive from Grande Prairie, this ski hill offers exceptional hospitality, impeccable maintained runs and dramatic scenery. There are 17 runs, 3 chair lifts, a terrain park, rental shop and ski school.  The wide variety of terrain provides excellent skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels. Take a break in-between riding and warm up in their day lodge and enjoy a delicious hot meal. Or sit in the upper chalet and and enjoy a picturesque view of the ski hill.  Whatever you do make sure you get your hands on one of their epic cinnamon buns. Visitors travel far and wide to get their hands on these cinnamon buns. Keep an eye out while on the hill for local wildlife friends crossing the coniferous tree-bordered runs. It’s not unusual to come across a deer, moose or even a fox. 

Are you a cross-country skier? 

Whispering Pines Ski Hill has an abundance of cross-country ski trails which are free for visitors to use, leading from the ski hill. 

Hours of Operation:

• Friday,  Saturday,  Sunday and holidays, including school holidays.

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:

May Long Weekend to July 1^st:

Thursday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm

July 3^rd to Sept 2^nd (Sept Long)^:

Monday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm

Sept 3^rd to Oct 7^th (Thanksgiving Sunday):

Thursday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm

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.

BMX racing is a popular sport in Peace River  and continues to grow. The Peace River BMX Track is a Town-owned facility that is open every day during daylight hours for the public to use. There is no charge to use the track; however, all users are encouraged  to wear appropriate safety gear, including a certified bicycle helmet. All users ride at their own risk. The BMX track offers jumps, turns and is well maintained. The track is used by beginners to experienced BMX riders.

Community Park and Campground, the bouncy pillow at Cecil Thompson Park has fast become a landmark in the community of Northern Sunrise County. In addition to the bouncy pillow the park features; challenging outdoor exercise equipment, a wonderful fishing pond, a beautiful gazebo and a walking bridge. A perfect location to spend the day or spend the night at one of the 5 unserviced lots, available first come first serve at no charge.

Kids bouncing off the walls, and you need to get them OUTSIDE?

The Riverview Playground is located in the Town of Peace River and is great for children 5 to 12 years of age. Pack a cooler and let the kids imaginations run wild at the Riverview Park. There is a large green space and picnic tables set up for you to create the ultimate picnic.

There is nothing better than getting your basket in gear and heading out to a grassy escape for a feast!

The Twelve Foot Davis Events Park is a hidden gem tucked away downtown, along the shores of the Heart River. This is a great location to roast hot dogs with a river valley view, toss a ball, have a romantic dinner and watch the sunset or simply for a picturesque walk. This is one of the best outdoor concert venues in the Mighty Peace. The shape of the hill surrounding the park makes a natural amphitheater it has made this location a prime choice for large events such as Peacefest a iconic annual music festival. 

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.

Sponsored Exhibits and Loaned Collections

Learn More About History of Oil and Gas in the Peace Region with Baytex Energy

The Nampa and District Museum is proud to house an interactive display on the legacy of the oil and gas industry in Northern Sunrise County. Sponsored by Baytex Energy, the exhibit guides you through the process of producing and distributing oil and gas in the Peace Region. View core samples extracted by Baytex Energy in Northern Sunrise County.

Learn All About North America’s First Nations through the Dr. David Welch Collection

Delve into North American’s First Nations cultures as you discover Dr. David Welch’s private artifact collection. Located in the second floor gallery, it presents items from the history and prehistory of First Nations across North America. An impressive array of items are on display for our patrons to enjoy —from the first arrowhead Dr. Welch collected on a beach on Vancouver Island at seven to intricately hand-beaded clothing and modern Aboriginal artwork.

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

Tours available in both French and English

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.

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.

Misery Mountain Ski Area is located in Peace River, Alberta. A short 486 km north-west of Edmonton and 195 km north-east of Grande Prairie. Visitors flock here to enjoy the best downhill sports and to experience one of Alberta’s sunniest regions. Misery Mountain Ski Area offers the most vertical descent in northern Alberta. With two t-bars, quad chairlift, 26 runs, snowshoe trails, a terrain park and the Mighty Peace’s most extensive snowmaking system. Misery Mountain Ski Area is the Mighty Peace’s playground, right here in your backyard. 

Misery Mountain Ski Area offers a picturesque view of the Peace River Valley. They offer a family friendly atmosphere with a cozy chalet with a concession. Make sure you try their iconic poutine, because it doesn’t get more Canadian than that! Located right in the town of Peace River – making it easy to enjoy the other amenities that Peace River has to offer when you are done riding for the day. Lessons are available along with full rental gear and snowshoe rentals. Keep an eye on their social media channels for upcoming events throughout the year. 

Hours of Operation: 

• Saturdays: 10am -4pm (half day rates start at 1pm)
• Sundays: 12pm -4pm (half day rates all day)

The Peace Regional Pool is one of the most popular facilities among visitors and residents alike.
Open throughout the year, the Peace Regional Pool offers a full range of programming from Aqua Aerobics, youth swim lessons, to Babysitting and Lifeguarding courses. Other programs include Inner Tube Water Polo, Aqua-tots, and Adult Swim Club and a Junior Lifeguard Club. Alongside the swimming pool, you will find an enclosed water slide as well as a steam room and hot tub.

Special Winter Travel Offer

See the Winter 2021-22 Ski & Stay Offer with the Fairview Regional Aquatic Centre and save!

Details

Dive right in and enjoy your day at the Fairview Regional Aquatic Centre!  This is an awesome facility offering a five lane, 25-metre lap pool and a zero-depth wading pool. The pools have multiple water features including river jets and fountain canes. All ages will enjoy the 150-foot water slide – the biggest in the Peace Country, the tarzan rope, the skywalker hanging monkey bar climber and the rock-climbing wall. Warm up and relax in the 20-person hot tub with wheelchair access ramp.

Aquatic programs are available for all levels of swimmer; from adult lane swim, to swim lessons for ages 3 months and up, to seniors aqua-size classes. The staff are professional and friendly and are ready to help you have a great experience!

Located on the GPRC campus, off highway #2. This facility is easy to access, has something to offer for everyone and is open year- round.

The Fairview Fine Arts Centre is a little gem in the Heart of the Peace. With art shows, classes (weaving, photography, painting, quilting, and more) and various events throughout the year, you will want to keep an eye on what’s happening at the Fairview Art’s Centre! They also offer an affordable meeting and event space. Check out their website for more details.

A Bit About Our History
The Fairview Fine Arts Centre started out as the “Craft Centre” in the mid-sixties. Ladies met at the old E.E. Oliver School to work on weaving, pottery, jewellery making, copper enameling and various crafts. Due to a fire in the building, the members had to relocate to the Provincial Building for a brief period. The group formed and registered as a society in 1979 and began planning to build their own centre. The Fine Arts Centre, at its present location, opened in the fall of 1981.