KM 259.5 – Old Salty, County of Northern Sunrise

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

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° 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° 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° 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° 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