KM 237 – Lower West Peace Boat Launch, Town of Peace River

GPS Coordinates: N56° 11.194’ W117° 20.161’
This is where the Smoky River joins the Peace River. There are many gravel bars in this area, so it’s important to read the water as you pass through. You should be able to start to see the Peace River bridges from this point. This confluence was once one of the most important sites during the fur trade and acted as a major intersection for fur traders.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 12.167’ W117° 18.183’
Living up to its name, Deer Island is known to have a lot of deer grazing on it throughout the year. This island is almost in the middle of the river, and you will be able to travel on either side of it. Going to the right is recommended as the left side is quite narrow and can have many gravel bars showing.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 13.820’ W117° 17.634’
The mouth of the Heart River opens onto the Peace River on the right-hand side here. It flows through a beautiful valley southeast of the Town of Peace River and is frequented by locals in all seasons. There is also a small walking bridge that runs over the Heart River that is visible from the river.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 13.958′ W117° 17.772′
Named after Pat Wesley, a Métis man who lived in a cabin along the creek, Pat’s Creek used to flow right through the Town of Peace River. It often caused flooding and overall havoc, so in 1980 it was redirected through a culvert, which you can see if you look carefully along the right bank.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 14.066′ W117° 17.790′
Dock your boat and check out what Peace River has to offer here. There is a short walk up and a gravel vehicle turnaround here, making it easy access for getting to and from the river. River Front Park is usually bustling with activity and is a favourite place among locals. This beautiful spot has a gazebo, access to walking trails along the river, a park, plus many businesses, hotels, and restaurants nearby.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 14.369′ W117° 18.271′
Boating under Peace River’s well-known bridges is always exciting. First you will go under the rail bridge that was built by the Canadian Bridge Company of Walkervile, Ontario, by 250 men in 1918. It’s 529 meters long and was an essential key for the Peace region after completion. Next is the blue highway bridge which was built in 1968 and is known for it’s arches along each side. Previously, people had to share the rail bridge to cross the river, which often caused some havoc when they had to give train locomotives the right of way. Next is the latest, and newest highway bridge that is currently being used while construction takes place on the blue bridge. Eventually there will be bridge twinning in place that will allow traffic to flow west on the new bridge and east on the blue bridge once it is completed.