All Smoky River Guide

GPS Coordinates: N55° 40.543′ W117° 38.340’

Here you will see an impressive clay wall, a natural display of vibrant colors and textures. The wall showcases a variety of clay types, from reds, greens, greys, browns, yellows and whites, each formed over thousands of years. It’s a fascinating spot for anyone.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 40.356′ W117° 37.908’

Here you will find the confluence of the Little Smoky and the Smoky Rivers. This meeting area of the two waterways features a gravel beach, perfect for relaxing, skipping stones, or enjoying the view of the flowing rivers. A great spot for a stop.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 36.705′ W117° 39.875′

Here, you will discover holes in the riverbank where Bank Swallows have built their nests. These remarkable birds migrate all the way to South America each year, returning in the spring to raise their young and continue the cycle of life along the river.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 37.014′ W117° 42.481’

Here you will come across an impressive clay wall showcasing a stunning variety of colors and textures. From reds, browns, greens, yellows, greys and whites . A great spot to pause, take photos, and admire the unique patterns carved by time and nature.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 39.831′ W117° 37.719′

Here you will find a natural spring where water flows directly from the riverbank into the river.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 42.923′ W117° 37.309’

The Watino Boat Launch is located on the south side of the Smoky River, just across from the charming community of Watino and near the Smoky River Bridge on Highway 49. Here you can visit the Valley Bee Café a Francophone bee farm offering hands-on self-guided tours, an observation hive, honey extraction viewing, local artisan goods, and community tables for conversation. Fun for all ages, this unique experience lets visitors explore the fascinating world of bees while enjoying local food and drinks.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 42.957′ W117° 36.131’

Here you will see a striking ledge of sandstone erosion on the east side of the river. This natural landmark is impossible to miss, with layers of sandstone. Wind, water, and time have sculpted the cliff. It’s a remarkable feature of the Smoky River and a must-see for anyone navigating this section.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 43.388′ W117° 36.278’

Here you will see the Watino Train Trestle, the former railway bridge spanning the Smoky River in the hamlet of Watino, Alberta. Originally built in 1915, the wooden structure was part of the Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railway. It was later replaced with a steel span, but the line was eventually closed, and the bridge was demolished in the late 2000s.
While navigating this section of the river, stay beneath the portion of the bridge that still rises above the water. Be cautious, as part of the old structure lies just below the surface on the west side.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 44.415′ W117° 38.499’

Here you will encounter the Watino Rollers. A name that perfectly captures this section of the river. On the east side, the water churns and swells, creating a dramatic, rolling stretch of river.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 43.388′ W117° 36.278’

Km 67.6: Watino Train Tressel, Birch Hills County & MD of Smoky River

GPS Coordinates: N55° 44.415′ W117° 38.499’

Here you will encounter the Watino Rollers. A name that perfectly captures this section of the river. On the east side, the water churns and swells, creating a dramatic, rolling stretch of river.

Km 67.6: Watino Train Tressel, Birch Hills County & MD of Smoky River
GPS Coordinates: N55° 43.388′ W117° 36.278’

GPS Coordinates: N55° 46.154′ W117° 36.410’

Here you will encounter more whitewater before arriving at the Watino Flats. The area above the beach is private, with cabins and RVs on the property. You are welcome to stop and enjoy the sandy and rocky beach along the river, but please respect the private land above it.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 47.476′ W117° 34.755′

Here you will encounter more white water. On the west hill in Birch Hills County, you will notice a private cabin, mentioned here only as a point of reference.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 47.345′ W117° 34.073’

Here you will pass more white water.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 47.613′ W117° 33.493’

This section, known as the Rock Garden, truly lives up to its name. Here, the river is filled with large, jagged rocks—some rising prominently above the surface, while others lie hidden just below the water. Careful navigation and river reading are essential to safely pass through this stretch. Despite the obstacles, it’s a strikingly beautiful part of the river, with scenery unlike any other section you will encounter.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 51.570′ W117° 29.724’

The Peace and Smoky River region is home to a strong and vibrant Francophone community, with many families tracing their roots back to the early days of settlement in the area. Francophone culture and heritage continue to play an important role in shaping the region today. This location has been known locally as Frenchmen’s Corner, a name that reflects its long history as a gathering place where Francophone families have traditionally spent time along the river.

This is another excellent spot to pause and enjoy the surroundings. The shoreline here is more rocky, offering a different riverside landscape to explore and appreciate. While ATV trails do lead down to this area, they cross private land, and permission is required before using them.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 52.082′ W117° 30.167’

Here you will encounter the sharpest and fastest set of rapids on the river. The water flows with intensity, and numerous rocks make careful navigation a must. During the 2018 Peace River Gold Cup, race boat U204 Miss Ede—piloted by well-known Peace River racing team Darren Weaver and Felix Bergeron, sank here and still remains on the east side upstream of the rapids.