Tag: Fall-Photo

The Misery Mountain Trails offer natural trails to elevations that offer a wonderful view of the Peace River Valley and the west side of the community. To access the natural trail network, you can park at the trailhead just off 99^th Ave behind the Westridge Condominiums.

This area is amazing for hiking and mountain biking. The views are worth the elevation gain!

Download Misery Mountain Trail Map (PDF – 32 MB)

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 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.

Priding themselves on excellence and professionalism, Valley B Aviation are Remote Operation Specialists, an approved Robinson Helicopter Company Service Center. They get their clients safely and efficiently to places that usually do not have road access, and provide aircraft owners with the highest level of helicopter maintenance. Their clients include professionals in various industries such as forest management, oil and gas, and environmental. They also provide the bird’s eye view for aerial photography and thermal spotting. They also offer a hotshot service to get supplies to those hard-to-reach areas in northern Alberta, and private tours in the local area.

Aircraft Fleet


They have three aircraft that provide incredible views: the Robinson R66 Turbine (also has air conditioning and holds 4 passengers, the Robinson R44 II (holds 3 passengers), and the Airbus AS350 FX2 (holds 5 passengers).

Aircraft Maintenance


Whether you are looking for an oil change or your aircraft is due for a major inspection, Valley B Aviation strives to deliver the safest and highest level of helicopter maintenance. Their maintenance staff have extensive knowledge of Robinson Helicopters, and Valley B Aviation has a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization Certificate since 2001. They can work on aircraft at their facility in Manning, Alberta, or they are happy to hit the road and come to you.

The Municipal District of Smoky River is home to some of these fascinating and beautiful rock formations. Known as hoodoos, these formations tower high in the sky, and provide fantastic photo opportunities. The geological explanation for hoodoos is that they are the product of millions of years of erosion—in which a lower layer of soft rock wears away, leaving a top-heavy layer of harder rock protruding above the surrounding landscape. However, Alberta’s hoodoo legends are somewhat more entertaining, telling of ancient travellers witnessing the hoodoos reveal themselves to be wizards, offering a helping hand to lost explorers by pointing them in the right direction. These amazing wonders of nature are very remote and can be accessed only by helicopter or viewed from the Smoky River by river boat. Helicopter tours can be booked by contacting Valley B Aviation and river tours can be booked by contacting Peace River Adventures.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Peace Paragliding. Founded by seasoned  instructor, Glenn Bitterman, Peace Paraglidinghas been offering thrilling adventures in the skies since 2000. Glenn, who has paraglided on six continents and has been an instructor since 2003, brings extensive experience to his clients. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned thrill-seeker, Glenn offers a safe, unforgettable experience that will give you a lifetime of memories. Twenty plus jump locations throughout the Peace Country offer a truly unique and breathtaking perspective of this beautiful region. Discover the pure joy of flight with Peace Paragliding!

Located within the scenic Dunvegan Provincial Park, this trail offers a breathtaking 1.4 km out-and-back journey that rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of the iconic Dunvegan Bridge, the surrounding rolling hills, and the mighty Peace River below. As you make your way along this easy-to-navigate trail, the natural beauty of the landscape unfolds, making it a perfect spot for photography and moments of tranquility. Whether you’re looking for a short but memorable hike or a peaceful place to appreciate the region’s stunning scenery, the Dunvegan Overlook Trail provides an unforgettable experience.

Directions: As you enter the provincial park, stay right and drive under the Dunvegan bridge. There is a well marked parking lot 200 meters after the bridge. There are also washrooms at the parking lot. The trail starts as you walk north towards the bluff, the 1st 300 M are flat till you reach the bluff.