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24 km south of Peace River on highway 740 (Shaftesbury Trail), then a free ferry ride across the Peace River. Full hook ups, kitchen shelter, group picnic area, group camping area, tenting area, horse watering stations, concession, showers, hiking trails, horseshoes, playground, fishing.

END OF STEEL MUSEUM

Bringing the homesteading history of Hines Creek to life.

The End of Steel Museum opened to the public in 1985 and has been growing and evolving ever since. The museum celebrates the history of the Hines Creek area which is unique because it was the end of the railway line. The tracks were built only to the point that freight rates would have increased and no further. This entailed the moving of the village, from its original site on the creek from which it takes its name, to the present day location. Hines Creek became a transportation hub with the arrival of the first train in December of 1930 and at one point there were five grain elevators along the tracks.

The museum has three historic houses: the Pohaboff House (1928) which is a good example of the sort of small hand-hewn log house built by arriving immigrant settlers; the Carter House (1938) is an unusually large and somewhat grand home, especially as it was built during the Great Depression as Art Carter (of Carter Camp) owned a sawmill; the French “Half-House” (1948-1949) is exactly that, only half the two story home was ever constructed due to financial problems, the staircase is incredibly narrow. These three homes are furnished with time appropriate artifacts to give visitors the feeling that the owners’ might return at any moment.

Hines Creek School #4430 is a one room log structure which allows one to imagine what it must have been like to ride to school three on a pony or try to learn when it was so cold out that the wood stove had to be stoked to the point that it was quite literally red hot. There are two historic churches, Christ Lutheran Church (1928-1932) preserved and restored by children of the original builders and St. James Anglican (1938) was erected through a donation from the Women’s Auxiliary of St. James Anglican Church in Stratford, Ontario, prior to that the congregation had to make due with meeting in schools and homes and with Miss Eva Hasell’s Sunday School Caravan.

The museum also has a Trapper’s log cabin which while not that old (1975) is no different from a much earlier trapper’s cabin. Although tiny and crude, the temporary shelters resorted to while out on the trapline made this a welcome home base. We also have a caboose, NAR 13021 which was built in Montreal in 1949, and served as bedroom, office, and kitchen for three railmen. In 1945 Morgan’s Confectionary began as John and Mary Morgan’s clothing store, later the couple also had a cafe, grocery, the bus depot and sold all manner of licenses in Hines Creek, after John’s passing in 1967 Mary returned and started the confectionary, running it until she was 91.

The Wildlife and Forestry exhibits are housing in a stunning contemporary log building. Inside it boasts an amazing display of local wildlife set in an autumn boreal forest and a comprehensive display of the sort of hand tools that were used to build settlers homes, as well as early chain saws. We also have a large collection of agricultural equipment and machinery, hand tools and early tractors and vehicles, including a Bombardier “Nodwell” the track vehicle that kept the Canadian north connected. Two projects we are currently working on are a Ukrainian Heritage building and a working blacksmith’s shop in our new Blacksmith building.

Lubeck Hall is a good example of the sort of community hall that dotted the area, built so that the scattered farm population could have a place to come together, to dance and play and get the news. Today is the location of our Saturday Farmers’ Market, which is a popular place to chat over a cinnamon bun hot out of the oven and a cup of coffee.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 – 11:00, Canada Day, July 1^st.

Adults $10:00, Children 6 – 12 $5.00, Children under 5 free.

Pancakes with fresh berries, whipped cream and syrup, ham and eggs make for a delicious breakfast and Morgan’s Confectionary is decorated to celebrate Canada Day!

Heritage Day, 8:30 – 6:00, Monday of the August long weekend.

Entry by Donation.

A pancake breakfast begins the day followed by demonstrations of pioneer crafts, log sawing, an antique tractor parade, horse drawn wagon rides, bannock baked over an open fire, blacksmithing demonstration, petting zoo, games for children, a country market, bread baked in our historic outdoor clay oven, live music, and of course, tours of the museum buildings. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade pie and ice cream, lemonade and iced tea for sale starting at noon.

INFORMATION

LOCATION

The museum is located at the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 685, the southern most of the two exits for Hines Creek.

Mailing Address: End of Steel Museum, Box 686, Hines Creek, AB, T0H 2A0

CONTACTS

Office: 780-494-3522 (Answering Machine)

Curator: 780-834-6538 Jean Young (Wed. – Sat.)

Bookings: 780- 835-7827 (Weddings, School Tours, Hall Rental)

Email: hinescreekmuseum@gmail.com

Website: endofsteelmuseum.weebly.com

HOURS

Open mid May to mid Sept.

Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 6:00

Sunday 1:00 – 6:00

Last tour of buildings 4:30

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.

Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Peace Valley, the Quality Inn & Conference Centre Hotel offers beautiful modern guest rooms as well as eclectic dining and entertainment options. This hotel is also fully equipped for events of all kind with its ample function space. From corporate meetings to retirement parties to weddings that will dazzle, the Quality Inn & Conference Centre Hotel  has got you covered. An on-site liquor store, fitness centre, 5 conference rooms and business station just add further convenience to your stay. As a pet friendly property, this Peace River gem is happy to welcome both you and your four legged companions.

SPECIAL WINTER TRAVEL OFFER

See the Winter 2024-25  Ski and Stay Package at the Fairview Ski Hill and save!

This recently renovated inn and suites is conveniently located on Highway 2 in Fairview.

Rooms include free wifi, and complimentary use of the local swimming  just a short walk away. Daily dry-cleaning and on-site laundry facilities will make your stay more comfortable. Try out breakfast or lunch at The Café (open  6 am to 9 pm) or maybe you want to try your luck at Fairview’s largest and most comfortable VLT room at the Aurora Sports Bar (11 am to 12 pm-kitchen service till 10 pm)!

Don’t need a bed to sleep? Dunvegan Inn & Suites is not just a place to stay – they accommodate meetings and conferences, as well as weddings and social events. Give them a call today!

Welcome to Nova Inn, Peace River. This hotel is located in the heart of Peace Country in scenic Northern Alberta. Not only does the Nova Inn have all the amenities that you may need during your stay, they also provide exceptional service and a sense of comfort that is undeniable.

Whatever your travel needs, Nova Inn will exceed your expectations and make your stay an experience to remember.

Services and amenities include:

• Complimentary continental breakfast
• Complimentary parking with plug-ins
• Pet friendly rooms
• Vending and ice machines
• Mail/copy/fax services
• Wheelchair accessible
• ATM in lobby
• Lobby internet kiosk
• Wake-up calls
• Non-smoking/smoking designated rooms
• Cardio workout facility (includes elliptical, bicycle, and treadmill machines)

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!

Cool off and have fun on warm summer days at the Fairview Splash Park!  Featuring several fun and exciting water features, kids of all ages will have hours of entertainment.  Located beside the Skate Park and across from the Bowling Alley, this is an awesome community area to be active and have fun with the whole family! There is also lots of wide open space for picnics and free play!

The Fairview Skate Park offers an outdoor community space for recreational activity.   This awesome space encourages youth to be outside and engage in physical activity. The park offers various features for skate and BMX play as well as lots of wide open space for picnics and free play!

Plan your next visit to the Mighty Peace and stay in the restored historic St. Augustine Mission!

The Third Mission Heritage Suites are conveniently located on the riverfront in the Town Centre of Peace River and offer all the services you expect in a luxury boutique hotel including a beautiful view.

All suites are apartment styled with 2 bedrooms, full kitchens, in suite laundry & a variety of complimentary snacks, tea & coffee

* Please note that this heritage building does not have an elevator or wheelchair accessibility.

* Booking upper levels is discouraged for seniors or those who may have challenges with stairs.

The Coast Hotel in Grimshaw offers premium accommodations and a warm, friendly atmosphere, located at Mile Zero point of the Mackenzie highway in Alberta. With an unbeatable array of amenities including a free cold continental breakfast & make your own waffles, fitness centre and fully equipped business facilities. Did we mention the fastest internet connection in town?

Stay in any one of our 62 sparkling rooms and suites and enjoy amenities like Hypnos Sleep System beds with premium Eden Indulgence linens, 42″ flat screen TVs, ergonomic workstations, free Wifi Internet, Keurig coffee station and more. Or enjoy the comforts of home in one of our spacious, full kitchen suites. Experience the freedom to cook your meals to your liking while staying with us.

At the The Coast hotel in Grimshaw, we go out of our way to ensure the best possible hotel experience for our guests. So give us a call today, or book your stay online. We’re looking forward to seeing you here in Grimshaw!

The pool is currently closed. 

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!

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.

Located just 1 km north of Fairview, the Fairview Pioneer Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and the pioneering spirit. This hidden gem is tucked away in the heart of Northern Alberta and is a unique representation of what life was like in rural Canada during the early 20th century.

As soon as visitors arrive, they are transported to a bygone era, as if stepping into a charming village frozen in time. The museum boasts an impressive collection of machinery displays, including a shed full of antique farm equipment, as well as a vintage fire truck and tow truck.

One of the main attractions at the museum is the collection of pioneer homes, including the Morrison home, a classic example of a pioneer house from the late 20s or 30s, which has been preserved and is open to visitors. Inside, the house has displays that depict what life was like during this period, complete with antique furniture and household items. The Hull House and Fitzpatrick House are two other pioneer homes on the property, each with its own unique story and displays. Visitors can step inside these homes and see how life was lived during the early days of settlement.

In addition to the homes, the museum also has farm, oilfield, sawmill and demonstration areas as well as a blacksmith shop. These exhibits provide a glimpse into the economic and commercial activities of the time.

Education was a vital part of pioneer life, and the Fairview Pioneer Museum pays tribute to this with the Woodlawn School and Scotswood School on display. Visitors can step inside these one-room schools and see how children were educated during this period.

The Marshall Rolling Exhibit Building is a two-story building with artifacts on both levels, showcasing an impressive collection of antique tractors, farm machinery, and signs from the region.

The Fairview Pioneer Museum is not just a collection of artifacts; it is a living museum that tells the story of Alberta’s pioneering heritage. The museum is open from May to the end of August, Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Fairview Pioneer Museum Committee, a subcommittee of the Agricultural Society, manages the museum and is always looking for new volunteers to help with the restoration and upkeep of the site.

With its collection of pioneer homes, machinery displays, businesses, and schools, the museum provides an immersive experience that is sure to delight history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. So, if you’re in the area, be sure to turn right at Cummings Lake Rec Sign and pay a visit to this remarkable museum.