Discover Peace River

The Peace, Smoky, and Heart Rivers converge in Peace River. This river landscape connects with trails through the community, viewpoints on Misery Mountain, and a visible railway history. When choosing a vacation rental or holiday home, you can first consider whether you would rather spend your time outdoors, by the water, or exploring local culture.

Trails and Views

Peace River’s public trail network covers more than 17 km and is suitable for walking and cycling. It offers a way to include some exercise in your stay without committing to a single route. The network also includes a suspended pedestrian bridge beneath Highway 2. If you enjoy exploring on foot, you can also use the Peace River Bridge Pathway or go jogging. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the town, the river, and the surrounding valley.

Misery Mountain, on the west side of Peace River, offers a different perspective. Its nature trails are intended for hiking and mountain biking and lead to viewpoints overlooking the Peace River Valley and the west side of the community. In winter, the slopes of Misery Mountain can be used for skiing. The options therefore vary according to the season and the activity you have in mind: trails and viewpoints are balanced by winter activities. When choosing accommodation, your preferred combination of outdoor activity and season can help guide your stay in Peace River.

River and Seasonal Activities

At the Lower West Peace Boat Launch, you can swim, fish, or set off on your own river excursions. The water is therefore not just part of the scenery; it also offers different ways to include the river in your trip. In the wider region, Peace River Adventures offers guided jet boat tours on the Peace and Smoky Rivers in northwestern Alberta. It also offers paddle equipment rentals and guided canoe, kayak, and rafting trips.

For families, the Water Play Park is a specific destination for water fun, featuring a spray tunnel with four loops and water cannons. It is open each year from the Victoria Day long weekend through Labour Day. If your visit falls within this season, you can include the park as a separate activity; its stated opening dates provide the timeframe.

Railway and Local History

The historic NAR Station recalls Peace River’s railway history. Built in 1916 as a Class “C” station for the Central Canada Railway, later known as the Northern Alberta Railways (N.A.R.), it is the last surviving structure of its kind in northern Alberta. In summer, the station serves as the town’s visitor centre. It also hosts museum programs such as the popular Summer Teas.

The Peace River Museum Archives and Mackenzie Centre presents further exhibits on the region’s history. Topics include local history, early explorers, the fur trade, and First Nations history. Together, the station and the museum offer different ways to explore the past: the NAR Station combines a specific historic building with its present-day role as a visitor centre, while the museum covers several aspects of the region’s past.

Events and Other Local Ideas

Every summer, the Jet Boat Championships & River Days take place at Riverfront Park in Peace River. If you’re interested in what’s happening on the river, you can plan to attend this seasonal event during your stay. The summer event, trails, water activities, and historic sites complement one another, offering different interests to shape your trip around.

If you’d like to explore other places as well as Peace River, you’ll also find Hythe, Clairmont, Grande Prairie, Grimshaw and Beaverlodge here.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 19.