All County of Northern Lights in Peace River

GPS Coordinates: N56° 34.552’ W117° 06.997’
Used as a reference point, the 30 Mile Well shows where a blow out happen at the well site which can be seen from the river.

Paddle Time 

40 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 32.067’ W117° 05.900’
Home to some private cabins, Encampment Island used to be a historical location during the fur trade days. Located on the left side of the river, this large island is nestled among some of the most jaw dropping scenery. All along the river you will see high cliffs with sandstone and rocks – it’s worth getting your camera out for.

Paddle Time 

1 Hour

GPS Coordinates: N56° 28.250’ W117° 06.200’
Just after Graham’s Flats is Graham Creek. This small creek runs into the Peace River from the right and was named after Liza Graham. This area is absolutely gorgeous and has many large cliffs and interesting erosion patterns to gaze up at as you pass by.

Paddle Time 

3 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 27.633’ W117° 06.567’

Paddle Time 

3 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 27.267’ W117° 06.800’
Carmon Creek runs into the Peace River on the right-hand side and this area is quite rocky. This area has some wonderful scenery and plenty of wildlife to see along the shores.

Paddle Time 

20 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 25.733’ W117° 09.450’
This is a private cabin that you can see along the river and should only be used as a landmark.

Paddle Time 

15 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 24.033’ W117° 09.900’
On the right is Tar Island, a nice spot for stopping if needed. This island is where tar was first found by geologist, R.G McConnell in 1893. The tar here was used by settlers in the early 1900’s on many roofs in Peace River. There is a private cabin across from the island which can be used as a landmark as you venture downstream.

Paddle Time 

26 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 23.464’ W117° 09.953’
“Old Salty”, or “The Well from Hell”, was one of the most notorious wells drilled along the river. Drilled in 1916, it blew out as it was being drilled and for 87 years it burned a huge torch, belched sour gas, and salty-hydrogen water. In 2003 it was finally capped, but you can still see where it burned all those years. Look for a large clearing with dead trees on the left to see its destruction, and if you feel like exploring, you’ll be able to bushwack and follow deer trails up to it.

Paddle Time 

22 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 23.167’ W117° 09.867’
This intake water pump station will be on the right, and it draws water from the river to supply other operations – it’s important to not get too close to the intake.

Paddle Time 

22 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 22.350’ W117° 11.100’
The Mercer pulp mill can be seen on the left just after the bridge and Wesley Creek. This mill began its operations in 1990 and produces both softwood and hardwood pulp.

Paddle Time 

3 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 21.6192’ W117° 11.1474’

The DMI Bridge was completed in 1991. The bridge spans 734 metres (2,408 feet) in length. Take note of the four concrete abutments. They aren’t directly perpendicular to the bridge deck above; instead, they’re angled to minimize the river’s current cross-section.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 21.383’ W117° 11.217’
As you make your way downstream, you will pass under the Mercer (DMI) bridge, which is the longest rural bridge in Alberta at 734 meters long. Underneath, there can be some waves, so it’s advised to stay in the middle or go to the right. Just after the bridge you will see Wesley Creek on the right side entering the Peace River. Named after Pat Wesley, this creek is quite obvious and hard to miss.

Paddle Time 

10 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 20.933’ W117° 13.350’
As you paddle around the right bend, you will first see Birch Island on the left, and then Brady’s Island directly after it. Birch Island got its name from the many birch trees on it, and as you come towards Brady’s Island you will see a lot of interesting cliffs and the train tracks to Mercer Peace River (previously known as the DMI Pulp Mill).

Paddle Time 

25 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 20.350’ W117° 15.483’
Here you will see a capped oil well, originally drilled by the Peace River Oil Company, on the left shore.

Paddle Time 

15 Minutes