Tag: Circle Tour in Alberta

Paddling furiously along the Peace River to beat freeze up, Alexander Mackenzie and his crew must have been very glad to reach the area where Fort Fork was to be built and where they were able to find shelter from the coming winter weather.  Soon after his arrival Mackenzie observed “the river stopped” indicating freeze up had arrived!  Mackenzie, a Scottish born explorer and fur trader was to spend the winter of 1792 – 93 at Fort Fork before continuing on his famed journey to the Pacific Ocean.  Fort Fork was named for its close proximity to the convergence of the Smoky and Peace Rivers.  The fort provided shelter for Mackenzie and several years later the explorer – geographer David Thompson.  The fort was also the main North West Company post in the Peace Country until 1806 when its operations were moved to Fort Dunvegan.  Stones from an original chimney in the fort have been preserved and fashioned into a fireplace for the public to view at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.   

Mackenzie Cairn, a National Historic site since 1929, was built to commemorate Fort Fork and marks the spot where visitors can look across the river to the approximate area of Fort Fork which has long since been erased by the ravages of time and river erosion.  Mackenzie Cairn is found a short distance from the Town of Peace River, along the Shaftsbury Trail.  

Exploring Alberta’s North and beyond? 

Be sure to stop in at the Mile Zero Marker in Grimshaw and get a photo!  This monument which is part of the Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum and the Historic Mackenzie Highway Park, is easy to find, right off the main highway 2 going through the town of Grimshaw. The historic Northern Alberta Railway car beside the marker, offers another photo opportunity for visitors.  The monument marks mile zero of the Mackenzie Highway that will lead visitors north to Manning, High Level, Hay River, Yellowknife and beyond. 

A short 8km drive from Peace River, along the scenic Shaftsbury Trail will bring you to Strong Creek Park boat launch area. Start your river adventure here or come ashore and take a break -camping spots are free. There are outhouses, water and a sheltered kitchen to make your stop comfortable. The Town of Peace River is down stream from this launch and the Shaftesbury ferry launch site is up stream. The launch is a well-maintained gravel area perfect for launching river boats as well as canoes, kayaks and rafts. Opportunities are endless for adventure on the mighty Peace River.

For information call –780-338-3845.

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: Seniors 65+ $3, Family $15, Adults $7, Students/children attending school  $3, Children under 6 Free

Figure Eight Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located 40 kilometers northwest of Peace River on Highway 737 in the County of Northern Lights. Figure Eight Lake takes its name from the shape it had before 1970 when the water level was low, in these earlier days the lake had two basins and resembled a figure eight.

Get There: Figure 8 Lake is 45 km west of Peace River on Highway 737.

GPS Lat/Long:

56.3007800, -117.909248

Conveniently located off the main highway in Nampa, the Nampa Sunrise Café is a one stop shop for mouthwatering meals, tantalizing treats, tasty appetizers, and so much more. With a wide range of menu items to pick from, you can choose from things such as freshly made salads, loaded burgers, donairs, quesadillas, fish tacos, pierogi platters, and even poutine. Extremely family friendly, they even have a large table equipped with a scavenger hunt for kids to enjoy. This bright, welcoming café is ready to provide you with great customer service and a cozy atmosphere to enjoy your next meal away from home. Stop in today and experience what they have to offer! 

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.