All River Guide Stops

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

GPS Coordinates: N56° 06.192’ W117° 30.922’
Mackenzie Lookout is on the right side of the river and is a high grassy knob on the hills. It’s an obvious landmark to see and has a ton of history. This is where men from Fort Fork used to watch for Mackenzie’s return during the summer of 1793.

Paddle Time 

20 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 05.683’ W117° 33.417’

This beautiful camping and public use park is one of the most developed campgrounds along the river, and has access from the Secondary Highway 740, as well as access from the river, but it can be tricky depending on the water levels. If you can dock along the river, you will need to hike about a quarter mile to the trail that enters the campgrounds. The campground itself has RV and tent sites, power hookups, firepits and firewood, picnic tables, washrooms, tap water, telephone, playground, slow pitch ball diamond, hiking trails and an onsite caretaker.

Paddle Time 

7 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 05.709’ W117° 34.246’
The easily recognizable Shaftesbury Ferry is just downstream and operates when there is no ice cover on the river. There is paved access to the ferry on the left with Secondary Highway #684, and Secondary Highway #740 on the right side of the river. There are also areas on the left that can be used to dock your boat if needed. Built in 1951, this is one of six ferries still in operation in Alberta.

Paddle Time 

15 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 07.900’ W119° 54.683’
Directly across from Maxwell’s Landing is the Pouce Coupe River. There is no launch available here, and depending on the season, the river can be quite low. There is a lot of history surrounding this river, and it was previously known as the Bear River when Alexander Mackenzie passed it in 1793.

Paddle Time 

1 Hour, 20 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 10.218’ W119° 47.153’
A glimpse of civilization can be seen during this section. A pipeline crossing is noticeable here and offers a quick change in scenery. In drier conditions, a sandbar can be seen jutting out from the left side of the river immediately after the two islands, so it is recommended to read the river and choose the best course of action once again.

Paddle Time 

65 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 10.433’ W119° 42.467’
Clear River is an informal day use area that allows for visitors to swim, fish, and explore. With access from the river, you will be able to hike an undeveloped trail and enjoy this quiet and magical site. A small creek flows through the south side of this location and there are many lush trees. This place is definitely worth exploring!

Paddle Time 

1 Hour, 30 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 10.267’ W119° 42.900’
After exploring the Clear River area, you can catch a glimpse of the natural spring that flows out of the rocks nearby. This is a beautiful spot with a rock wall with spiral textures that is sure to grab your interest.

Paddle Time 

1 Hour, 30 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 09.933’ W119° 41.583’
Across from the Clear River is Cotillion Park. This recreational site is hard to see from the river, but you may be able to see a tin shed from the shore. There is a walking trail and access to the park directly from the river, making it easy to stop at. This area has serviced and unserviced RV and tent sites, firepits, firewood, picnic tables, washrooms, a shower house, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a playground. There is also vehicle access to the river if needed. You can enjoy incredible views of the river and valley from this park, and it also provides the opportunity to camp, whether it’s for one night or multiple.

Paddle Time 

7.5 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 09.983’ W119° 41.333’
Sneddon Creek splits the Cotillion Park area in half. You will be able to explore both sides of the creek and will get a great glimpse of the hoodoos across from the park here. This area holds a lot of interesting sights and things to do and is a spot worth stopping at.

Paddle Time 

7.5 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 10.117’ W119° 40.683’
A few minutes downstream from Cotillion Park on the north cliffs of the river are the unique rock formations commonly known as hoodoos. Formed by thousands of years of erosion, these interesting rock creations are always exciting to see. You will almost feel like you’ve gone back in time when you come across them – make sure you have your camera ready!

Paddle Time 

7.5 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 13.155′ W119° 29.424′
Located on the right-hand side is Silver Valley. Legislated as an Ecological Reserve by the Alberta Government, it represents a special natural landscape in the province and is protected as an example of a functioning ecosystem for research and education. Fires and camping are prohibited, and foot traffic is only permitted. There are lots of interesting sights to see here if you feel like stopping and exploring.

Paddle Time 

15 Minutes

GPS Coordinates: N56° 14.767’ W119° 20.933’
Beverly Island, or Deadman’s Island, is an island on the left side of the river that has thick brush, but also space for a quick stop if you need. There may still be remnants of a burnt cabin here, which was previously a privately owned building. Wildlife may be seen here, especially along the banks or soaring above. It’s not uncommon to see eagles, deer, or even bears in this area.

Paddle Time 

1 Hour, 30 Minutes

GPS Coordinates – N56° 18.953’ W119° 08.853’
This beautiful location can be accessed from the river, as there is a boat launch for campers to use during their stay. There is plenty of room to dock your boat, but it is important to note that the river can change frequently, and water levels can fluctuate. The Many Islands Recreation Area offers camping sites with fire pits, picnic tables, outhouses, hiking trails, a playground, and even horseshoe pits. This campground offers some stunning scenery of the river valley and plenty of opportunities to see the wildlife that call the area home. Always worth the stop, Many Islands will provide you with the chance to relax or play during your river trip.

Paddle Time 

2 Hours

GPS Coordinates: N56° 16.646’ W118° 59.043’
At this point in your travels, you will see a group of islands known as the Montagneuse Islands. Noted as a historical area, Alexander Mackenzie and his voyageurs camped at one of these islands during the Northwest Passage. This is another great area to spot wildlife and take in the views of the riverbanks on either side.

Paddle Time 

1 Hour, 30 Minutes