Top things to see and do in Mighty Peace
Explore terrific landscapes in this beautiful area
The Peace River, one of Canada’s mightiest, is named for a treaty between two First Nations. But these days this silver ribbon flowing through northern Alberta represents a peaceful place to visit for travellers who want to explore its stunning landscapes.
There’s plenty to see and do in Mighty Peace, a region of the province that has some of Alberta’s oldest communities. Here are just a few of the highlights. For more information, check www.mightypeace.com
1) Park your rig alongside the Peace River
There are several campgrounds in the Mighty Peace region where you can stay right on the banks of the river. Perhaps one of the most interesting is at Dunvegan Provincial Park, where a suspension bridge provides one of the few highway river crossings. There is a living history museum on site and campers can also walk to the nearby market gardens.
2) Drive the Mackenzie Highway
Mile zero of this legendary stretch of road is at Grimshaw, Alberta. Check with the visitor’s centre for information about this northern route which links Alberta and the Northwest Territories and is named after famed explorer Alexander Mackenzie. Take a photo at the mile zero marker and then stroll the adjacent park and arboretum.
3) Visit Twelve-Foot Davis’s hometown
The town of Peace River virtually grew up around the trading post of this legendary man. After striking it rich on a gold claim just 12 feet wide, Henry Fuller Davis spent the rest of his life in the Mighty Peace district. He is laid to rest atop a hill in the town of Peace River, where you can learn more about him and enjoy the view.
4) Cross the Peace River by ferry
During the summer months there are two different free ferries capable of moving an RV across the Peace River in the Mighty Peace region. One is at the end of the Shaftesbury Trail, otherwise known as Section Highway 684. It transports traffic to Tangent, which has a full service campground on the east side of the river. The other is at on Highway 697 just south of the village of La Crete.
5) Take advantage of long northern days
When the sun doesn’t sleep until after 10 o’clock at night, it’s easy to enjoy the opportunities for golfing, canoeing, power boating, fishing and cycling available in the Mighty Peace region. The local tourism association thoughtfully provides a waterproof map and guide for those who’d like to explore every inch of the upper Peace River valley; check www.mightypeace.com for more information on ordering the guide. They also print a full vacation planner with information on over 30 campgrounds, 12 museums, 12 golf courses and local events including rodeos and old-time music festivals.
