All River Guide Stops

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

GPS Coordinates: N56° 19.097’ W117° 16.036’
This sand mine is mostly used as a landmark while traveling on the river.

Paddle Time 

1 Hour

GPS Coordinates: N56° 15.007’ W117° 18.202’
Just across from Bewley Island is the North End Boat Launch. Just off 84th Avenue, it’s made up of gravel and has some parking on site. This launch is maintained by the Peace River Boating Association.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 15.567’ W117° 18.367’
After passing under the bridges in Peace River, you will come to Bewley Island. Although it’s unknown who the island was named after, it’s a prominent part of the landscape within the town. You can travel on either side of this island, but the deeper channel is to the left. There are many gravel bars in this section of the river, so it’s important to be mindful while you travel downstream. You’ll also be able to see some incredible cliffs with vertical sandstone to the left of the island, plus, Cliff Swallow nests all along the side, which are always fascinating to see.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

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.

Paddle Time 

3 Minutes

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.

Paddle Time 

3 Minutes

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.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

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.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 13.619’ W117° 17.721’
With access to Shaftesbury Trail (Secondary Highway #684), this boat launch typically has porta potties, a large floating dock with benches and ample room to dock your boat and park vehicles. It’s common for many locals to be visiting this area throughout the summer and enjoying the scenery that comes with it. This boat launch is maintained by the Peace River Boating Association.

Paddle Time 

20 Minutes

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.

Paddle Time 

20 Minutes

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.

Paddle Time 

50 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 09.569’ W117° 25.198’
With a sign at the river, you’ll know exactly where Strong Creek Park is located. About 40m downstream from the sign is a trail that will lead you up top if you wish to stop. Situated on the left shore, this awesome spot has camping stalls for RV’s and tents, a new playground, direct access from Secondary Highway #684, picnic facilities, firewood and firepits, outhouses, a water pump, baseball diamonds, and hiking trails. It’s a favourite among locals and has some of the best scenery in the Peace Region.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 09.500’ W117° 26.683’
Used as a landmark only, the top of the left shore is where the Peace River Correctional Centre sits.

Paddle Time 

20 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 08.158’ W117° 28.220’
On the left side of the river is the Mackenzie Cairn, which has direct highway access from Secondary Highway #684. The Mackenzie Cairn was erected at the site directly across the river from the original site of Fort Fork. Although you can no longer see Fort Fork, it still holds a lot of history. Built in 1792 as winter quarters for Alexander Mackenzie, it was later abandoned in 1805 and pieces from the site are now kept in the Peace River Museum.

Paddle Time 

30 Minutes