All Things To Do in 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.

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

Special Winter Travel Offer

See the Winter 2023-24 Ski and Stay Package with the Peace Regional Pool and save!

The Peace Regional Pool is one of the most popular facilities in the Peace Region among visitors and residents alike. Over 60,000 people visit the Pool on an annual basis! This fabulous facility was opened to the public on June 24 1989, and will be celebrating it’s 34^th birthday in 2023. The Pool has many attractions that cater to a wide range of visitors, from an Aqua Zumba program to a steam room for those that like to take it easy.

In addition to its physical attractions, the Pool is open throughout the year and hosts a full range of programming options. Our programs include (but are not limited to) private rentals, aqua aerobics, swimming lessons for ages 4 months to 99+, as well as lifeguarding and instructor courses. We offer everything you need so you can start your aquatic career at the Peace Regional Pool!

Make your next swimming experience at the Peace Regional Pool! We would love to see you!

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.

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.