All River Guide Stops

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° 49.691′ W117° 31.030’

Here you will hit more white water.

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.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 52.817′ W117° 30.865’

Here you will encounter another set of rapids. Keep a close eye on the water, as numerous rocks are scattered throughout, making careful navigation essential.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 53.404′ W117° 30.632’

This is a fantastic spot to pause, explore, and take it all in. The name comes from a local story passed down over generations. Long ago, a small cabin once stood here until a powerful flood swept through and flipped it completely upside down. While no trace of the cabin remains today, the story lives on, and so does the name.
A beautiful sandy beach stretches along the river, framed by rocky outcrops on either side that invite climbing and exploration. Thoughtful locals have added an outhouse for visitors’ convenience. If you use it, please leave it as you found it, or even better.

Although ATV trails do lead down to this area, please note that they cross private land and access is restricted. Respecting these boundaries helps ensure this special place remains accessible and cared for in the years to come.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 54.080′ W117° 30.305’

Here you will encounter another stunning set of hoodoos rising dramatically on the west side of the river in Birch Hills County. These natural sandstone pillars, shaped over centuries by wind and water, create a striking, otherworldly landscape that’s a highlight of the river journey. On the east side, you will notice a creek in Northern Sunrise County that can be accessed from the river, offering a quiet spot to explore or take a break.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 54.906′ W117° 30.564’

Here you will reach your fourth set of rapids. Along this stretch, you will find another sandy beach, perfect for a rest stop or even an overnight camp. As with all rapids on the river, be mindful of the many rocks in the water, which require careful navigation.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 55.478′ W117° 30.527’

Here is where you will encounter another stretch of whitewater.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 55.938′ W117° 30.727’

Here you will encounter yet another set of rapids, known locally as the Escalator Rapids due to the elevation drop in this section of the river. The current picks up speed as the water navigates around numerous large rocks, creating a dynamic stretch of river to navigate. It should be noted that these rapids are not always on the river depending on river flow. As with all rapids on the river, be mindful of the many rocks in the water, which require careful navigation.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 56.095′ W117° 30.797’

Locals call this spot Hoodoo Beach, named for the beautiful hoodoos that rise across the river in the MD of Smoky River. The beach itself is pristine, stretching wide with soft sand and offering a perfect spot to relax or take a swim. The current near the shore is gentle, making it a safer spot to swim. Large rocks frame both ends of the beach, while a backdrop of trees provides natural shelter and shade, creating a peaceful spot along the river.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 56.499′ W117° 31.364’

Here is where you will hit your third set of rapids—an exciting stretch of the Smoky that also opens up to some of the river’s most stunning hoodoos. As with all rapids on the river, be mindful of the many rocks in the water, which require careful navigation. Towering above both sides of the valley, these ancient sandstone formations have been shaped by centuries of wind and water, creating a rugged, otherworldly skyline along the cliffs.
Keep an eye on the east side: perched proudly on top of one of the tallest hoodoos is a Canadian flag. It was placed there by a local helicopter company known for their search-and-rescue work and wildfire support in the region. It is a striking reminder of the incredible beauty and spirit of this country.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 57.058′ W117° 31.501’

This is where you will hit a stretch of whitewater.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 58.521′ W117° 31.791’

This is where you’ll encounter the second set of rapids on the Smoky River. Their difficulty can vary throughout the year, as water levels and seasonal conditions can change the classification of all rapids along the Smoky. Before heading out, it’s a good idea to check current conditions with local organizations such as the Peace River Boating Association or Peace River Adventures. As with all rapids on the river, be mindful of the many rocks in the water, which require careful navigation. ATV trails lead down to the river here, and there are beaches on both sides, making it a convenient spot to stop, explore, or prepare for the next stretch of paddling or boating.

GPS Coordinates: N55° 59.868′ W117° 31.310’

This site marks the first set of rapids as you move upstream on the Smoky River, with both sides of the river known as Crazy Rays, featuring nice beaches on each side. It is accessible via ATV trails and makes for a good spot for paddlers and boaters to stop and explore.

This stretch of river – named after a local boater who sank his jet boat here years ago—has a bit of a reputation. It also claimed a race boat from a Mexican team during the 2007 World Jet Boat Championships. Neither vessel was ever recovered.

That said, don’t let these stories discourage you. Many paddlers and boaters travel through this area safely every year. It simply serves as a reminder of the importance of being well-prepared and informed about the river conditions before you head out.

Just north of this site is a location of paleontological significance. Local paddlers discovered Plesiosaur fossils nearby, which were later recovered by the Royal Tyrrell Museum with assistance from Peace River Adventures for river transportation.

Plesiosaurs were marine reptiles that lived from roughly 125 million years ago and found in the Shaftsbury formation. Fossils found in the Peace and Smoky River area, including vertebrae, ribs, and other bones preserved in marine sedimentary rocks, reveal that much of northwestern Alberta was once covered by a shallow sea, part of the great inland seaway that stretched across North America. Today, the riverbanks and rock outcrops in this area are rich in geological layers formed in those ancient seas, making this a fascinating spot for both geology lovers and fossil enthusiasts.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 00.439′ W117° 30.812’

This beach is named for the incredibly large rocks across the beach, creating a dramatic and scenic landscape. It features a sandy beach with massive rock formations, making it a great spot to stop, explore, or camp while enjoying views of the iconic Three Sisters in the river.

The rocks in this area tell a fascinating geological story. Many are shale, siltstone, or sandstone from the Smoky Group, which, when more resistant or cemented, form large angular blocks and ledges. Others are ironstone concretions or ooidal ironstone from the Bad Heart Formation—dense, iron-rich, and often reddish, giving parts of the shoreline a striking “rusty” appearance.

This beach displays post glacial boulders that can sometimes include quartzite, chert, and sandstone, transported and deposited by ancient rivers or glaciers. Making it a fascinating spot for paddlers, boaters, and rock hounding enthusiasts alike.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 02.070′ W117° 29.394′

The Three Sisters are named for three large rocks that rise from the river. Depending on water levels, they may be partially hidden or stand out prominently. While they make a striking sight, boaters and paddlers should give them a wide berth, as the current can be very strong in this area and there are multiple other rocks surrounding them.

GPS Coordinates: N56° 04.390′ W117° 27.555’

Murphy Flats is a rare spot where docking your boat is possible, but it’s not recommended for jet boats. It’s an excellent starting point for a paddle adventure to the Town of Peace River, allowing you to bypass all the rapids from the outset. It’s also a great stopping point for those paddling the Smoky River. Depending on your pace and style, the paddle can take 4–7 hours. This day use recreation area in Northern Sunrise County offers trails, picnic tables, free firewood, and washrooms, with convenient road access for visitors.