Official 2009 Visitor Guide
Grande Prairie & REGION
www.gptourism.ca
www.gptourism.ca
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
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Welcome WELCOME!
Whether you are a visitor, a new resident, or considering relocating to our area, we would like to welcome you to the Grande Prairie region!
T
his guide will help you to plan your visit to the many and varied attractions and events within this vibrant region. There is so much to experience . . . endless opportunities for year-round adventure and discovery, in a diverse landscape filled with Northern hospitality! Make one of your first stops the City of Grande Prairie Visitor Information Centre, located in Centre 2000 on the Highway 43 bypass and 106 Street. You will find our friendly and experienced travel counselors will go out of their way to help plan your stay! While you are in our region, we want to extend a special invitation below to “Get a Taste of the Grande Prairie Region!” We trust that your visit will be unforgettable and that you will experience memories of a life time!
TASTE A T E G “ O T D E IT YOU ARE INV N!” IO G E R IE IR A R P E OF THE GRAND
O’Brien Park / Barry Petrie
by taking Get a taste of our region with all the in a free Bison Barbeque held every fixings! Barbeques are gh August Wednesday June throu the Visitor from 4 pm to 6 pm. at 11330 106 Information Centre, at 43 in Grande Street, just off Highway Prairie.
Bison BBQ
Tours
irie Rotary Take in the Grande Pra half (1 ½) a Club’s FREE one and County and y hour bus tour of the Cit esday Tu ay, nd that runs every Mo ough thr e Jun g, and Thursday evenin tour ing nn wi August. This award itor Vis the m fro leaves at 7 pm sharp 00, 20 re ent (C Information Centre 11330-106 Street).
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www.gptourism.ca
Bison Barbeques!
lub’s Bus Grande Prairie Rotary C
We’re Committed To Your Comfort Every Day
Holiday Inn
Contact hotel directly for special packages and offers!
9816 - 107th Street 780.402.6886
Best Western Hotel 10745 - 117th Avenue 780.402.2378
Proudly Managed By
www.pacrimhospitality.com
Large rooms and suites Convenient locations Free airport shuttle service Free high-speed internet
Super 8 10050 - 116 Avenue 780.532.8288
Pomeroy Inn & Suites 11710 - 102nd Street 780.831.2999
Friendly staff Guest laundry Pool and fitness facilities Pet friendly rooms
See you in Grande Prairie...
Mark Your Calendars... 2009 is the 100th Anniversary of the first survey of the County of Grande Prairie No. 1. This milestone anniversary celebrates the survey and original settlers. Their efforts sparked the beginning of growth and development, which has continued for 100, years to make the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 what it is today. Events are scheduled throughout the summer of 2009 to celebrate this landmark occasion...
From Survey to Today... celebrating 100 years of growth
• Sexsmith June 6, 2009 • Grande Prairie Museum June 18, 2009
www.gptourism.ca
• South Peace Centennial Museum July 18 & 19, 2009 • Wembley August 8, 2009 • Beaverlodge August 14 & 15, 2009 • Hythe August 16, 2009 • County Fair at Evergreen Park August 29, 2009 For further information on any of the celebrations please call Carla or Walter at the County office at 780.538.9722
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Come share the experience of 100 years of growth and success with us… photo: Survey crew returning from the Saskatoon Lake Survey camp ca. 1910
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2009 Official Grande Prairie & Region Visitor Guide Published by: Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association (GPRTA) #114, 11330-106 Street, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada T8V 7X9 Executive Director: Emilia Hovorka For more information: Call: (780) 539-7688 Toll Free: 1-866-202-2202 Fax: (780) 539-0905 Email: info@gptourism.ca Web: www.gptourism.ca Editor and Writer: Emilia Hovorka, Executive Director, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Editorial Contributions: Margot Hervieux; Collen Holler; County of Grande Prairie No. 1; Town of Wembley; Town of Beaverlodge; Town of Sexsmith; Village of Hythe; Graphic Design: imageDESIGN Cover: Michael Carter Photography- 2008 Teepee Creek Stampede - Chuckwagon Racing Advertising Executives: Louise Côté & Emilia Hovorka, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Special Thanks for Contributions to Research: City of Grande Prairie; Traci Richards, Town of Beaverlodge; Christine Livingstone, Village of Hythe; Ron Dallaire, Tackle Shack; Dr. Bert Hunt, Grande Prairie Regional College; Alex Lojczyc, Beaverlodge Motor Inn; Walter Paszkowski, County of Grande Prairie No.1; Margot Hervieux, Alberta Parks and Protected Areas; Carolyn Gaunt; Town of Sexsmith; Colleen Holler; Town of Wembley; Michael Carter Photography.
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Visitor Information Essential Travel Services Relocation Guide
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The City of Grande Prairie
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The County of Grande Prairie No. 1
32 33 34 35 36 38 42 44 46
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Kleskun Hill and Bezanson LaGlace and Valhalla West of the City South of the City Teepee Creek and Area Town of Wembley Village of Hythe Town of Sexsmith Town of Beaverlodge
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M.D. of Greenview No. 16
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Winter
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Hunting and Fishing the Grande Praire Region
Contributing Photographers: Emilia Hovorka, GPRTA; Brian Calkins, Calkins Photography; Trina Irons, Irons Design; imageDESIGN; Alberta Economic Development; Alberta Tourism Parks & Recreation; iStock; Doreen Altman; Brian Calkins; Michael Carter; Ron Davis; Rob Ganzeveld; Sheldon Graber; Annie Jackson; Cindy Kilani; Alex Lojczyc; Barry Petrie; Sam Zarei.
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Events
58
Golfing
60
Dining
62
County Map and Tours
Any reproduction of contents in whole or in part is prohibited. All rights reserved.
63 ● 64 ●
Printed in Alberta, Canada, December 2008
More Tours Breeden’s Downtown Trails
66
The City of Grande Prairie Map
68
Accommodations
70 ●
Accommodations Listings
72
Provincial Parks and Recreational Areas
74
County Parks
75 ● 76 ●
www.gptourism.ca
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the listings and information shown. The GPRTA regrets any errors or omissions. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information. The listing of any company or product in this guide does not reflect an endorsement of that company or product. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. O’Brien Park / Sam Zarei
Welcome! Get a taste of the Grande Prairie Region!
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Regional Campgrounds Campgrounds Listings
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
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www.gptourism.ca
A LBERTA NORTH Working the daily grind can be tough enough – it’s time to treat you and yours to the reality of northern Alberta. A reality that is a dream for most, Alberta’s north offers one of the last frontiers of an environment that still offers glimpses of wildlife most only see in books.The ultra-long summer days, the calls of the loon and the opportunity to share boreal experiences with your loved ones that will provide a lifetime of cherished memories.
For more information, please call 1-800-756-4351 or consult our website for a wealth of northern realities at TravelAlbertaNorth.com
Need a different reality? Try ours!
T
he Visitor Information Centre and the Heritage Discovery Centre are located in Centre 2000 at 11330 106 Street, off Highway 43 (bypass). Visitor information is provided by The Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association (GPRTA) year round.
GPRTA provides regional information for accommodations, attractions, activities, events, campgrounds and an extensive inventory of free local, regional and provincial travel publications. From May to September, knowledgeable counsellors from Travel Alberta compliment the GPRTA staff to operate the most northerly point of entry Visitor Information Centre in Alberta. Amenities within the Visitor Information Centre include washrooms, travel displays, a look-out tower, snack machines, pay telephone, gift shop, RV parking and rest areas. A computer terminal and wireless internet services are also provided free of charge for those tourists wishing to either search information or contact friends or relatives back home via high speed internet access.
The Heritage Discovery Centre, located in the lower level of the Visitor Information Centre is a focal point for any visitor touring the Peace Country. This family friendly, hands on museum is a popular attraction for visitors wishing to learn more about Northwestern Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia.
View the region’s millenium project and time capsules outside Centre 2000.
Must See:
North America’s largest sundial
One of the most popular displays of particular interest for young and old is Piper the “Pachyrhinosaurus” an animatronic dinosaur. The fossilized remains of this and other dinosaurs and ancient marine life were discovered at Pipestone Creek in the County just minutes west of the city.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Visitor Inform Visitor Information Centre
Other interactive displays, using the latest technologies and minitheatres showcase the region’s history throughout the years. This museum is a centre for travelling expositions and displays that feature geology, marine fossils, prehistoric mega fauna, local natural history, the pioneers of the region up to the early twentieth century, Treaty 8, aboriginal culture and the development of the petroleum, forestry and agricultural industries in the Peace Region. Doreen Altman
GP Museum & Heritage Village Muskoseepi Park 102 Avenue and 102 Street
www.gptourism.ca
Centre 2000 / Barry Petrie
Phone: (780) 532-5482
Grande Prairie Museum, located in the picturesque Muskoseepi Park provides visitors with an exciting glimpse into the past. The Heritage Village is home to many of Grande Prairie and district’s historic buildings. Visitors will want to browse its newly renovated gift shop and tour the exciting gallery, which is home to a great collection of pioneer artifacts. The museum also houses South Peace Regional Archives.
Heritage Discovery Centre Centre 2000 11330 106 Street
Phone: (780) 532-5790
The Heritage Discovery Centre located in the lower level of Centre 2000, this family friendly, hands on museum depicts the history of the Peace River country from the Ice age until the present day. Discover Peace Country history through interactive displays, survivor games, hands on programming and a dynamic gallery. Come discover the Spirit of the Peace!
Please phone for admission and hours
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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL SERVICES
Essential Trav Essential Travel Services AIRPORT
The Grande Prairie Airport is the air gateway to the region and the rest of Northern Canada. Connecting flights to major provincial cities such as Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver are available with three major airline carriers on a daily basis. For more information or questions please call the Grande Prairie Airport at (780) 539-5270.
CAMPING
Camping is available throughout the region in municipal, provincial and private campgrounds. Camping rates vary. Call Travel Alberta for campground locations at 1-800-661-8888 or the Grande Prairie Visitor Information Centre at (780) 539-7688.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
The average winter season temperature is -12°C (10.4°F), about 116 frost free days per year, and the average summer season temperature is 12.8°C (55°F). However, temperatures as low as -52°C (-52°F) and as high as 35°C (89.6°F) have been recorded. Grande Prairie gets 295 mm (11.6”) of rain and 179 cm (70.66”) of snow per year on average. Snowfall amounts, however, vary greatly from year to year. Being fairly close to the Alberta foothills, it can get quite windy in Grande Prairie, especially in
the spring and fall. Summers can bring thunderstorms, although they are not as frequent nor as severe as those in southern Alberta.
BANKING & CURRENCY
Traveller’s cheques and credit cards are accepted at most commercial establishments, banks and currency exchange offices. Banking hours range from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday; some banks are open Saturdays. Most automated teller machines (ATMs) accept one or more of the following networks: Interac, Cirrus, or Plus. They are located at all banks and in retail areas.
CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
Visitors from all countries but the U.S.A. need a valid passport. Photo ID, proof of citizenship and residence are mandatory for U.S. citizens (though a passport is preferred.) Visitors from all other countries must possess a passport and should contact the nearest Canadian Consulate or Embassy for more information. For Visa information, visit www.cic.gc.ca.
CHURCHES
There are over 30 churches in the Grande Prairie region. Contact the Visitor Information Centre at Centre 2000 (780) 539-7688 for the church
information, denomination, and service times.
EMERGENCIES
Royal Canadian Mounted Police General Line: (780) 538-5701 24 Hour Dispatch: (780) 538-5700 Emergency: 911 QEII Hospital: (780) 538-7100 Poison Centre: 1-800-332-1414
FISHING & HUNTING REGULATIONS
Fishing licenses outside the national parks can be purchased from select sporting goods stores, convenience stores and some gas stations. Call 1-888944-5494 for the nearest license issuer. Website: www3.gov.ab.ca/srd. Hunting regulations and special licensing requirements vary depending on the type of hunting. Hunting is absolutely prohibited in national parks. For more information on hunting and fishing contact the Grande Prairie Fish & Wildlife office (780) 538-5265 or visit: www.albertaoutdoorsmen.org
HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Alberta has an excellent health-care system; however, the health-care plan does not cover out-of-province visitors.
Your Peace Country Connection... www.gptourism.ca
to the World!
Daily Flights to Edmonton and Calgary Serviced by Air Canada, West Jet and Airco Aircraft Charters Ltd.
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www.grandeprairieairport.com
METRIC CONVERSION
Canada uses the metric system. All highway and traffic indicators are in kilometres (km) and kilometres per hour (km/h), gas is sold by the litre, temperature is measured in Celsius, and the electrical current is 110 volts. • 1 kilometre = 0.62 miles • 100 km/h = 62 m.p.h. • 3.8 litres = 1 gallon • Temperature 25ºC = 77ºF Celsius readings are oriented from the temperature at which water freezes which is set as zero in Celsius; this is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
MOTORCOACH TRAVEL
Special tours and services are available throughout Alberta. Drivers and guides offer historical information and insight to the area. For more information visit Travel Alberta at www.travelalberta.com
PETS
Owners must accompany their pets when entering Canada. Owners of dogs and cats must bring a certificate issued by a veterinarian clearly identifying the pet and certifying that it has been vaccinated against rabies in the preceding 36 months. There are exceptions made for seeingeye dogs and puppies or kittens that are younger than 3 months old. For details contact: Canada Customs Regional Office Bay 32, 3033-34 Ave N.E. Calgary, AB T1Y 6X2. Within Canada, call toll free: 1-800-461-9999. Outside of Canada, call: (403) 292-4613 or (204) 983-3500 or visit: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
All car rental companies have a strong network of outlets in Alberta. To rent a car you must be 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license and major credit card. (a small surcharge under 25 years of age.)
RENTING A MOTOR HOME
Renting a motor home is a convenient way to explore Alberta. You may purchase insurance at the time of rental.
ROAD REPORTS
For local road condition reports call (780) 532-0148 or visit www.ama.ab.ca
TAXES
Alberta is the only province in Canada with no Provincial Sales Tax (PST). The Canadian Government charges a five (5) per cent Goods & Services Tax (GST) on most purchases. GST rebates on some accommodations and purchases taken out of the country can be claimed by nonresidents of Canada. For more information in Canada, call 1-800-66-visit; outside Canada, call (902) 432-5608, or visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax
TIPPING
The average tip in Canada is 15 per cent, however, depending on the level and the nature of the service, tipping may range from 10 percent to more than 20 percent. Tips are given for good service by food and beverage servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, tour guides and hotel bellman. It is not necessary to tip other service staff.
U.S. PORTS OF ENTRY
International visitors driving to Canada can use any of the following ports of entry: • Aden, Alberta / Whitlash, Montana • Carway, Alberta / Peigan, Montana • Del Bonita, Alberta / Del Bonita, Montana; • Coutts, Alberta / Sweetgrass Montana • Chief Mountain, Alberta / Chief Mountain, Montana
RV SANI DUMP SITES
RV Sani Dump Sites are located in some campgrounds (refer to Regional Campground Listings) and at Muskoseepi Park, (780) 538-0451.
SPEED LIMITS & DISTANCES
Speed limits and distances in Alberta and the rest of Canada are in the metric system. To convert from kilometres (km) to miles, multiply km by 0.6 = miles. Common highway speed limits are 100 km/hour = 60 mph; urban areas are 50 km/hour = 30 mph; school zones are 30km/hour = 20 mph.
TRANSPORTATION
• Air Canada Jazz 1-888-247-2262 • Airco Aircraft Charters 1-800-724-7261 • Grande Prairie Airport (780) 539-5270 • Grande Prairie Transit Service (780) 538-0377 • Greyhound Bus Lines (780) 539-1111 • Swanberg Air (780) 513-8977 • WestJet 1-800-538-5696
WEAPONS
Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms, other weapons and selfdefense sprays (e.g. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (e.g. hunting rifles, shotguns) must be declared. To obtain information on firearms legislation, please call the Canadian Firearms Centre inquiry line at 1-800-731-4000.
MORE INFORMATION
If you have any questions, concerns or need more information do not hesitate to call the Visitor Information Centre at 1-866-202-2202 in Grande Prairie.
• Competitive Rates • Insurance Replacement Program • Rental Vehicles for Sale
www.gptourism.ca
RENTING A CAR
For lower rates, it is recommended that bookings be made three or four months in advance. For more information, visit www.travelalberta.com.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL SERVICES
vel Services Clarify your coverage before entering Alberta through your personal insurance carrier.
Don’t forget to visit our CAR WASH for the best wash in town!
Ph: 780-532-3761 1-888-532-3761 9904 - 121 Ave Grande Prairie, AB
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Relocation Gu RELOCATION GUIDE
Relocation Guide
Moving to the Grande Prairie Region? Everything you need to know when you get here. TOURISM/WELCOME SERVICES Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Travel Alberta Welcome Wagon
(780) 539-7688
1-800-ALBERTA (780) 832-0081
BANKS Beaverlodge CIBC
LICENCE & REGISTRY SERVICES
Grande Prairie
Including Abstracts & Traffic Fine Payments
Operator & Motor Vehicle Licences
ALL CORPORATE REGISTRY SERVICES Including Ltd. Company Packages, Annual Returns & Trade Names
SEARCHES Land, Vehicle, Personal Property & Corporate
www.gptourism.ca
(780) 354-2136
Central Peace Health Complex
(780) 864-3993
Fox Creek Health Care Centre
(780) 622-3545
GP Community Cancer Clinic QEII
(780)538-7588
QEII Hospital
(780) 538-7100
Valleyview Health Centre
(780) 524-3356
Canadian western Bank
(780) 831-1888
CIBC
(780) 538-8300
Royal Bank
(780) 538-6500
Scotiabank
(780) 513-3505
Scotiamcleod
(780) 513-3505
Common Wealth Credit Union
(780) 532-3710
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
TD Canada Trust
(780) 538-3100
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(780) 432-8700
Grande Prairie Real Estate Board
(780) 532-5408
Grande Prairie Home Builder’s Association
(780) 532-4548
Family & Community Support Services
(780) 538-0380
Hythe ATB Financial
(780) 356-3823
Caisse Horizon Credit Union
(780) 568-2409
Royal Bank
(780) 568-3852
HEALTHLink Alberta
(780) 766-2511
Air Transportation
ATB Financial
(780) 524-3965
Bus Service
Scotiabank
(780) 524-3395
ATB Financial
1-866-408-LINK
When you need immediate health advice or information call Health Link Alberta, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to connect to a Registered Nurse who can answer your questions and give you sound advice. ALBERTA WELLNET-online network of health care links and resources. http://www.albertawellnet.org
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Valleyview
SCHOOL BOARDS
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(780) 538-5387
Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital
(780) 538-8150
Wembley
F: (780) 539-5033
Peace Country Health
BMO Bank of Montreal
BIRTH & DEATH CERTIFICATES
P:(780) 539-5009
(780) 539-7127
(780) 539-7450
MARRIAGE LICENCES & CERTIFICATES
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION! Unit 106 8716 108th Street Grande Prairie
(780) 532-3505
Canadian Red Cross
ATB Financial
Sexsmith
& SO MUCH MORE!
(780) 354-2235
Alberta Blue Cross
Grande Prairie Public School Board District
(780) 532-4491
Grande Prairie Catholic School District
(780) 532-3013
Peace Wapiti School Division
(780) 532-8133
Grande Prairie Airport
(780) 539-5270
Metobe Transport (Greyhound Service)
(780) 539-1111
City Transit
(780) 538-0337
Grande Prairie transit has an exact fare system and offers routes that operate daily throughout the City. This means that drivers do not sell passes or tickets, make change or handle money. Fares may be paid by cash, ticket or monthly pass. www.gptransit.ab.ca
TAXI CABS
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
Co-op Taxi
(780) 402-8181
Grande Prairie Regional College
1-888-539-4772
Comet Taxi Inc.
(780) 402-2111
NAIT Grande Prairie Campus
(780) 539-2075
Dial-A Cab
(780) 532-1111
Dinah’s
(780) 536-4880
HEALTH CARE RESOURCES
George’s Driver Service
(780) 814-5866
Health Care/Hospitals Alberta Alcohol & Drug Abuse Comission(AADAC)
Golden Cabs
(780) 539-9949
GP Cabs Inc.
(780) 814-6880
Keys Plez
(780) 814-5866
(780) 538-5210
Prairie Cabs
(780) 532-1060
Border Moving & Storage
(780) 538-1444
Country Estates Trailer Park
(780) 539-7131
Prestige Cabs (Beaverlodge)
(780) 814-2492
Borstad Cartage
(780) 532-7755
Emerald Apartment Inc.
(780) 538-2410
Royal Cabs
(780) 831-0244
Canadian Stor-All
(780) 539-5250
E R J O Holding
(780) 539-4233
Swan Taxi
(780) 539-4000
County Stor-All
(780) 538-9988
(780) 402-7440
Valley Taxi (Valleyview)
(780) 524-3318
Five Mile Lumber 1989
(780) 532-6699
Haywood Courts Condominium Assoc
GP Self Storage Inc.
(780) 538-1400
Landsman Properties
(780) 402-8854
Yellow Cab
(780) 539-3366
Sexsmith Mini Storage & RV Ltd.(Sexsmith)
(780) 831-8909
Metis Urban Housing
(780) 539-1910
Mountview Business Park
(780) 532-6614
MOVING SERVICES
Stellar Group Soultions Inc.
(780) 814-5940
Northgate Apartments
(780) 539-0039
Car and Truck Rentals
Storage Pro Inc.
(780) 513-0068
Pomeroy Enterprise Ltd.
(780) 814-5295
Superior Wash & Storage Inc. (Clairmont)
(780) 567-4041
Prairie Sunrise Towers Ltd.
(780) 539-4560
Wald R & Sons Moving & Storage Ltd.
(780) 539-4351
Prime Property Management
(780) 538-2980
Quality Property Management
(780) 539-7131
RMS Properties
(780) 538-2419
Richer Realty Ltd.
(780) 539-5465
Strata Completions
(780) 882-6588
Affordable Used Car Rentals
(780) 532-9229
Airways Rentals Leasing & Sales
(780) 532-9288
Avis Car & Truck Rental
(780) 539-4101
Budget Rent A Car
(780) 538-3526
UTILITIES
Discount Car & Truck Rentals
(780) 539-0945
Amazing Personna (Cable)
1-866-737-7662
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
(780) 538-8444
Aquaterra
(780) 538-0340
Hertz Truck & Car Rentals
(780) 539-3045
ATCO Electric
1-800-668-2248
National Car & Truck Rental
(780) 532-3761
ATCO Gas
(780) 539-2400
Rent-A-Wreck
(780) 538-1880
Direct Energy
1-866-374-6299
Super Value Leasing
(780) 532-9229
Telus
Thrifty Car Rental
(780) 835-4600
U-Haul Co.(Canada) Ltd.
(780) 539-9576
Visa Truck Rentals (1991) Ltd.
(780) 532-0636
STORAGE AREAS
310-3100
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Bradick & Company
(780) 524-4250
Capistrano Holdings Ltd.
(780) 538-2644
Carrington Place Townhouses
(780) 539-9514
Car Ver Property
(780) 539-3414
AAIMS Superior Self Storage (Clairmont)
(780) 567-4041
Advantage Relocation Systems Ltd.
(780) 532-2662
Center 100 (Amalgamated)
(780) 532-2110
Affordable Mini Storage & Trailer Rentals
(780) 538-1000
Concept Properties
(780) 402-0044
RELOCATION GUIDE
uide
This directory and the information supplied with it is a compendium of services, supplies and resources for people who intend to relocate their household and/or business to the Grande Prairie Region. The listings do include members of the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association. The information here is presented as a guide to the range of services and resources available; details were correct at press time but are subject to change. Please call to confirm information with supplier.
GOLD = SOLD
Carrie Waldner, Realtor
®
BUYING ... SELLING...RELOCATING D e d i c a t e d C o m p r e h e n s i v e , P r o f e s s i o n a l G O L D S TA N D A R D S e r v i c e Thinking of selling or buying... know someone who is... Ask me about Airmiles Rewards Programs - more ways to earn Airmiles Email: carrie.waldner@century21.ca Web: www.carriewaldner.com
Centurion Producer 2006 & 2007
Yo u r A w a r d Winning Realtor®
Century 21, Grande Prairie Realty Inc.
Not intended to solicit properties listed with other Realtors or Brokerages. No guarantees, implied or otherwise as to days on market or final sale price. Each office is independently owned and operated. ®™ Registered trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate L.L.C. Used under license. ®™ Trademarks of Airmiles International Trading B.V. used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc. and Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership.
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www.gptourism.ca
(780) 933-7355 (933-SELL)
Call CARRIE WALDNER Today
for your FREE Market Analysis and PERSONALIZED Marketing Plan When you work with ME, SERIOUS buyers will be viewing your home.
Barry Petrie
www.gptourism.ca
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
City of Grand City of Grande Prairie
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T
he City of Grande Prairie is a thriving regional centre located in Northwestern Alberta, in the heart of the Peace Country. The City began as a Hudson’s Bay trading post in the late 1800s and is among the fastest growing municipalities in Canada! Grande Prairie has a population of 50,227 and serves a market area of more than 250,000 people within a two-hour drive. It is a prosperous modern community with an exciting future, making the city a centre for new business and opportunities. For visitors, it is a hot spot for services that include a wide range of dining, attractions, RV repairs and service, gas, hotel and campground opportunities before embarking on to the Alaska, Deh Cho, Mackenzie or Bighorn Highway (40) routes.
ACCOMMODATIONS
When visiting Grande Prairie, tourists have many hotels and motels to choose from (refer to the Accommodations Section within the Guide on page 68). Within the city, over 28 fixed-roof accommodations offer more than 2800 rooms with prices to suit everyone’s pocketbook. A number of the larger hotels provide space for small business meetings and conventions. On the perimeter of the City, within a ten minute drive, there are half a dozen bed and breakfasts situated in the rural beauty of the region. Wherever you stay, it is recommended you call ahead to make your reservations.
with connections at destinations to the rest of Canada and the United States. Air Canada, Airco Aircraft Charts and West-Jet, provide nonstop flights. Swanberg Air also offers salmon fishing charter packages to the Queen Charlotte Islands in the Pacific northwest. Airport services also include flight seeing tours, aircraft/ helicopter charters, commercial flights, rental cars, taxis and limousine service, restaurant and lounge.
ARTS, CULTURE and ENTERTAINMENT
Grande Prairie is a playground offering unlimited choices in arts, culture and entertainment. The Crystal Centre hosts world-class entertainers and is one of the prime locations for conventions, trade shows, and public skating. Located in the City’s downtown, the newly expanded
Crystal Centre is the home of the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club, a member of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Enjoy great entertainment provided by one of Alberta’s largest and most successful community theatre companies. You will definitely not want to miss any of the Grande Prairie Live Theatre productions. Now in its 45th season, the theatre operates the 190 seat Second Street Theatre in the downtown area. The Grande Prairie Live Theatre produces plays with local talent that appeal to everyone, guaranteeing a phenomenal night out! Also, you can see many other productions at the newly renovated 506 seat DJ Cardinal Performing Arts Centre in the Grande Prairie Regional College, or maybe choose a night out at the Ovations Dinner Theatre located just outside the city at Evergreen
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
de Prairie
Black Eyed Peas Concert / Rob Ganzeveld
AIR TRANSPORTATION
www.gptourism.ca
The Grande Prairie Regional Airport has been newly renovated and is a full service facility offering a modern air terminal, aviation fuels and ground transportation to all of the extensive facilities and services that Northern Alberta has to offer. The Grande Prairie airport is serviced by five air carriers offering scheduled service to Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and beyond,
Centre for Creative Arts
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The Prairie Art Gallery is moving to it’s new location in 2009.
Cultural
MONTROSE
CENTRE
www.prairieartgallery.com
We look forward to seeing you at the newly built
Montrose Cultural Centre, 9839 103 Avenue.
W W W. M A K E I T G R A N D. C A
Grande Prairie Museum Heritage Village
Park. At the Ovations Dinner Theatre, you can see many different types of productions throughout the year, featuring local semi-professional actors and playwrights. Another seasonal production is Broadway Live Broadway which offers its audience a compilation of Broadway hits in their annual event. The Centre for Creative Arts is a facility located downtown, which promotes a variety of arts programming to the community. Many of the courses offered are co-ordinated by local artists and may include photography, weaving, oil and water color painting, pottery and stained glass. It features gift shops and more! Open through the week, visitors are invited to view
the artists at work and purchase their goods as you tour new exhibits each month. The Prairie Art Gallery is a Category A Alberta Art Gallery, one of only seven in the province. Located in a temporary location due to the tragic collapse of the historic Central Park School building, (The Gallery will be moving to a new public facility located on 98 Street at 103rd Avenue this spring.)The Prairie Art Gallery offers many art courses throughout the year and is currently showing works from its permanent collection. For several days and nights in July, downtown Grande Prairie laughs at the madcap street performances of
Grande Prairie’s history and culture is brought back to life within the Grande Prairie Pioneer Museum. Located in Muskoseepi Park off 102 Street, the museum captures some of the best historical memorabilia of Northwestern Alberta. The museum includes an outdoor heritage village with a restored post office, school, church, fire hall, and barn. In the summertime you can follow the wooden pathways, decorated with gorgeous flowers and gardens, making it the perfect facility for a wedding ceremony that can be held in the pioneer church. At the north end of the park, the Heritage Discovery Centre is also owned and operated by the Museum. Located in Centre 2000, the museum features state-of-the-art technologies to interactively portray the natural and cultural history of the Peace region of Northwestern Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia. The centre also has the Kin gallery, which features travelling art and museum exhibitions of art and displays.
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
clowns, comedians, jugglers, mime artists, magicians and more. The eighth annual Street Performers Festival is a major event that you do not want to miss. Don’t forget your pocket change; the only cost you incur is after the street performance, when you are asked to show your appreciation to the performer. Street performers are from around the world, making it a great family experience you’ll never forget!
The Grande Prairie Public Library, located at 9910 - 99 Avenue (The
We're Moving!
something for everyone Hours
www.gptourism.ca
An exciting new public facility, housing the Grande Prairie Public Library and Prairie Art Gallery, will open in the spring of 2009. The Montrose Cultural Centre, located on 98 Street at 103 Avenue, will be the destination for discovery, enrichment, inspiration and education.
@ your library Contact
Mon-Thu 10 am - 9 pm Ph: 780-532-3580 Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm Fax: 780-538-4983 Sun 2 pm - 5 pm Web: www.gppl.ab.ca Email: gplib@gppl.ab.ca Closed statutory holidays 9910-99 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0R5
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CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
• FM 100.9: CKUA-FM-4 (public broadcasting) • FM 102.5: CBXP (CBC Radio One) • FM 104.7: CFRI, “Free FM” (new) (active rock) • FM 90.5: CHFA-FM-5 (La Première Chaîne)
Library will be moving to a new public facility located on 98 Street at 103rd Avenue this spring.) The Library welcomes out of town guests to its downtown location! Check your home email, make a campground reservation online, or access the daily supply of world newspapers, the Grande Public Library makes things simple with free public Internet access. Drop in and use a computer – you don’t even have to be a member. Throughout the year, the library holds monthly programs for all age groups.
Television newscasts are provided by CFRN and CBC Edmonton, and Persona Cablevision, Grande Prairie.
For your listening enjoyment there are eight radio stations in the city. • FM 88.9: CKYL-FM-5, “YL Country” (country) • FM 93.1: CJXX, “Big Country XX” (country) • FM 96.3: (new) “Shine FM” (contemporary Christian) • FM 97.7: CFGP “Rock 97.7” (active rock) • FM 98.9: CIKT “Q99 FM” (rock) AD_GPRC_VG09.doc 10/20/08 6:16 PM
G R A N D E
in one of their show rooms. If Bingo is one of your pastimes a new facility, The Grand Bingo Hall in the Gateway plaza has opened. It is conveniently located across from the casino.
Grande Prairie has three movie cinemas for your viewing pleasure – the Jan Cinema, located in the downtown core, the Cineplex Odeon in the west end Gateway plaza, and the Lyric Theatre located in the Prairie Mall. The Great Northern Casino in the Gateway Power Centre will provide you with hours of entertainment at the slot machines or games tables. Or enjoy some great food, a variety musical and/or comic entertainment Page 1
P R A I R I E
R E G I O N A L
Muskoseepi Park Lawn Bowling
If a little exercise is more your style, then try bowling! We have one ten pin and two five pin bowling facilities; Family Affair and HJ’s Bowling Centre and Bowling Stones Ten Pin Bowling. If you like the outdoors then lawn bowling at Muskoseepi Park may be another option for you! The city also offers visitors a wide variety of pubs and dance clubs for your enjoyment.
C O L L E G E
www.gptourism.ca
Your portal to opportunities in post-secondary education
Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees designed to meet the workforce needs of our community. Individual Contact with Instructors Friendly Atmosphere
Grande Prairie Regional College 10726 - 106 Avenue Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada T8V 4C4 780.539.2911 1.888.539.GPRC (4772)
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Academic Upgrading Administrative Technology Arts Business and Commerce Computing Drama Education Engineering Fine Arts Fitness Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Nursing Physical Education Science Unit Clerk Workforce Training - Day, Evening and Weekend Courses
www.gprc.ab.ca
Metobe Transportation, authorized agents for Greyhound Canada Charter buses, provide regularly scheduled passenger and courier service between Grande Prairie, Peace River, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Edmonton. For more destinations & information, call (780) 539-1111.
Across from the Visitor Information Centre, campers are invited to stay at the Rotary Park Campground and more camping sites are available at the south end of the Muskoseepi Park system at the Wee Links Campground. See page 76 and 77 for the detailed regional campground list.
CITY TRANSIT
Grande Prairie transit has an exact fare system, drivers do not sell passes or tickets, make change or handle money. Fares may be paid by cash, ticket or monthly pass. Children under 12 years old, accompanied by a paying adult customer ride free, to a maximum of four children. Five transit routes operate daily throughout the city. Cash fares are a maximum $2.00 per adult.
CAMPING
DINING
Rotary Park
Grande Prairie offers a variety of dining choices in private restaurants and city hotels. Choose from western Canadian fare to Greek, East Indian,
Fine Dining / A.E.D.
Italian, French, Vietnamese, Japanese or Chinese. Many of the restaurant menus include elk, bison and of course Alberta beef! Watch for our bi-annual Dining Guide for complete regional restaurant information.
HIGHWAY CONNECTIONS
Grande Prairie is on the CANAMEX trade route linking Canada, the United States and Mexico. The city is connected to its other major Northern trading partner, Edmonton, about 4.5 hours southeast via a new mostly divided Highway 43 corridor, and to the national parks system via the Bighorn Highway 40. These two highway routes join with Highway 16 (Yellowhead
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
BUS SERVICE
Al’s NEWS
g n i l Bow
Little shop, lots of gifts.
Fun for the whole family!
(780) 538-1133 1-877-538-1133
HJ’s Family Bowling Centre 9650 - 94 Ave (780) 538-2695
Family Affair Bowling Lanes 11005 - 100 Street (780) 532-4616
Newspapers * Magazines Unique Gifts * Souvenirs Cigars * Pipes * Tobacco 10028 100 Ave, 780-532-3088
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www.gptourism.ca
(780) 538-9970 1-877-538-9970
12, 5 pin lanes Computerized scoring Youth and adult leagues Great for Birthday’s and company functions Licensed and smoke free Public welcome Please call for available times
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
c i t yof gp . co m
Explore Grande Prairie – We’re At Your Service!
www.gptourism.ca
Grande Prairie is a growing, dynamic city with something for people of all ages to do throughout the year. The Crystal Centre is your venue for big-name entertainment and sport. Check out The Leisure Centre for a swim, workout, or to play indoor soccer. Get out the blades and take in the Coca-Cola Centre. Experience our twin ice and meeting facility. Muskoseepi Park provides 20 kilometres of pedestrian trails
tlc.cityofgp.com (780) 538-0455
crystalcentre.com (780) 538-0387
as well as meeting space and programming for all ages. It also incorporates the Grande Prairie Museum and Heritage Village and the Heritage Discovery Centre at Centre 2000. The Dave Barr Community Centre is a multi-use recreation facility that offers playschool programming. GP Transit will efficiently handle all your urban travel needs. Our consistent high standing in the
musko.cityofgp.com (780) 538-0451
grandeprairiemuseum.org (780) 532-5482
transit.cityofgp.com (780) 538-0337
Communities in Bloom program demonstrates the care residents and businesses have for their city. You will find Grande Prairie to be a city of innovation. For example, Aquatera Utilities Inc. is the first regional utility in Alberta comprised of a city, town and county. Welcome to Grande Prairie – a great place to live, work and play!
ccc.cityofgp.com (780) 513-5252
db.cityofgp.com (780) 538-0469
aquatera.ca (780) 538-0348
Travelling north via Highway 2 from Grande Prairie, travelers can visit Grimshaw, which is the start of the Mackenzie Highway to the Northwest Territories. You can then continue on west and then south on the Deh Cho Travel Connection circular highway route. More information on these routes can be found at the Visitor Information Centre in Grande Prairie.
Grande Prairie Regional College. The college, which serves more than 10,000 students annually, is located in the City of Grande Prairie. • Offers a wide variety of programs including university studies, options for degree completion, an applied degree in Natural Resource Management, and academic upgrading, as a program or as part of a blended program.
• Instruction is based in the main campus in the City of Grande Prairie and through off-campus facilities in Grande Cache, Hinton, Slave Lake and several Peace Region communities. • The campus attracts students from a wide geographic area due to its low tuition, small classes, personal contact and extensive awards program.
Drive west via Highway 43 from Grande Prairie for approximately 1.5 hours to reach Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway.
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Route) running west from Edmonton to form the circle route known as the Grande Alberta Trail.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
Grande Prairie Regional College The Grande Prairie region is fortunate to have access to high-quality career programs and instruction through the
Towne Centre Laundry Under New Ownership
GPRC / Doreen Altman
Hours of Operation (All Year) Fridays: 4 - 8pm Saturdays: 10am - 2pm
Open 7 days a week 8 am - 10 pm
Wash & Fold Service
28 Coin-less Washers and 24 Coin-less Dryers Free Pick-up and Delivery in City Limits Always Staffed Largest, Friendliest Laundromat in Grande Prairie
Lowest Prices in Town
...Fresh, Friendly & Fun! www.gptourism.ca
Come Experience the uniqueness of the Peace Country: Fresh Veggies, Meats & Poultry Donuts, Preserves, Baking Crafts, Jewelry, Iron Work Art, Clothing, Woodwork and so much more! Corner of 101st Street & 101st Avenue Downtown Grande Prairie
9606 100 St.,
Grande Prairie, AB Phone: 780-539-7868 Fax: 780-539-7870
Contact Us: Ph: 780.814.8224 Fax: 780.814.8254 Email: gpfarmersmarket@telus.net gpfarmersmarket.ca
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Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Fairview Campus NAIT offers a wide selection of preemployment and technical programs at its beautiful Fairview campus. Some of the more recognized programs include Turf Grass Management Technology, the Harley Davidson Technician Program and pre-employment carpenter, millwright and welder programs. The campus includes a state-of-the-art fitness facility, indoor aquatics centre, theatre, 3-hole golf course and pond stocked with trout. It is a must see in the summer months and offers regional residents another quality option for post-secondary education.
Storm Hockey
Street Performers Festival / Sheila Mellon
Muskoseepi Park
www.gptourism.ca
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
The Grande Prairie Regional College was designed by renowned aboriginal architect Douglas J. Cardinal. Visitors are invited to view this facility of rounded structural lines blending with the beauty of the Bear Creek valley and reservoir.
Hot air balloons launch from Muskoseepi Park
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RECREATION
The city encompasses over 62 square km and offers visitors campground and RV parks and a variety of world class attractions and events.
Recreational facilities within the urban area include two golf courses and an extensive network of parks offering over 18 km of hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, fishing, mini-golf and golf, swimming, ball diamonds and lawn bowling. Muskoseepi Park, adjacent to Centre 2000, runs through the entire city, from north to south. Visitors can walk paved trails from Centre 2000 and the Heritage Discovery Centre to the Muskoseepi Park pavilion and the main museum. An indoor pool is located at the Leisure Centre, close to Centre 2000; an outdoor pool is located off 100 Avenue in Muskoseepi Park. There is also a waterfowl refuge
located at Crystal Lake in the city’s northeast, where visitors may catch a glimpse of a family of trumpeter swans and cygnets. The trumpeter swan is the symbol of Grande Prairie; the city is often referred to as the Swan City. Sports excellence has always been a major pursuit of the residents of Grande Prairie. On the City’s south side, the Community Knowledge Campus, a partnership between the city and the Public and Catholic school boards has a twin ice arena complex with plans for an $100 million aquatics and wellness multiplex. It will feature a 54-metre pool, water park, a ‘Flow Rider’ surfing attraction, four squash courts and much more. In addition to the two 1200-student schools, there are plans for the completion of football fields, four soccer pitches, three ball diamonds, basketball and beach volleyball courts.
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
NAIT recognizes that with Grande Prairie’s flourishing economy comes the need for all kinds of skills; everything from carpentry and instrumentation to welding. NAIT is working with regional employers to expand its customized training for businesses and organizations in the region. This commitment from NAIT will mean a continuously replenished and skilled workforce.
RETAIL SERVICES
Shopping downtown / imageDESIGN
Grande Prairie offers an array of choices in clothing, international foods, dining, pharmaceutical, home and hardware, sports, arts, souvenir, entertainment, banking, fuel, RV sales and service outlets. Businesses are concentrated in the user-friendly downtown core along 100 Avenue and along 100 Street north to the indoor Prairie Mall Shopping Centre.
Experience Jasper... AMETHYST
LOBSTICK
POCAHONTAS CABINS
MARMOT
CHATEAU JASPER
1-888-8JASPER • www.mpljasper.com (1-888-852-7737)
LOBSTICK
AMETHYST
• Relax in our indoor pools, • hot tubs & saunas • Kitchenettes and designer suites available
POCAHONTAS
MARMOT
CHATEAU JASPER
Enjoy award-winning cuisine • Conference and meeting at any of our restaurants then facilities with high-speed cozy up to one of our lounge Internet fireplaces
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www.gptourism.ca
Four Seasons of the Year
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Part of YOUR Community & Proud Sponsors of
www.gptourism.ca
• 11311 99 Street, Grande Prairie, AB • 780-539-9292
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QEII Festival of Trees QEII Dream Home QEII Black Tie Bingo GPRC Presidents Ball GPRC Golf Classic Ryan Blais Come Fly with Me Foundation Grande Prairie Heart and Stroke PARDS Ronald MacDonald House GPREMS STARS Swan City Rotary Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie Street Performers Festival Broadway off Broadway Sunrise House Odyssey house The Canadian Tire Luge Track Big Brothers and Big Sisters World Mission SPCA United Way The Prairie Art Gallery Home and Garden Tour Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce South Peace Historical Society Ducks Unlimited Grande Prairie Fly Fishing Society
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Gateway Power Center, located in the west end of the city, is comprised of large chain stores. Costco, Wal-Mart and Home Depot department stores are of particular interest to American and out-ofprovince visitors. The Grande Prairie Farmer’s Market is also a popular shopping choice for visitors. Locally produced fresh vegetables, meats, pastries, jam and jelly preserves and handicrafts are offered for sale to people interested in groceries and arts and crafts mementos. Located at the corner of 101 Avenue and 101 Street, the market is held every Friday evening and Saturday year round, plus Wednesday evenings during the summer months.
RELOCATION
Are you thinking of making Grande Prairie your home? Make sure to visit the “new” City Hall located at 10205 - 98 Street, phone (780) 538-0300. There is a growing demand for single and multi-family home construction and newer subdivisions are being developed in areas such as Cobblestone, Mission Park, Pinnacle Ridge and O’Brien Lake, just to name a few. To get more information on the demographics of the City be sure to check out the website: www.cityofgp.com.
VISITOR HEALTH CARE / EMERGENCY SERVICES
The College and Community Health Centre is a new walk-in
OVER 1100 MEMBERS! Alberta’s 3rd Largest Chamber
Exceeding Expectations Going above and beyond the expected. That’s just our usual approach in the Grande Prairie region. We’re one of Canada’s fastest growing regions, with a thriving, diverse economy.
www.gptourism.ca
The Queen Elizabeth II Hospital located at 98 Street and 105 Avenue, is a fully accredited, modern regional facility providing a wide range of services including an emergency room, specialized surgery, coronary and cancer care, respiratory therapy, pediatrics, obstetrics, and rehabilitation. The QEII Hospital provides MRI services on location.
Queen Elizabeth II Hospital / Brian Calkins
Our edge in the global market is powered by people. An entrepreneurial spirit, bolstered by urban-rural talent is the driving force behind opportunity. Fuse that with our friendly, pro-business attitude and it just makes for a great place to live, shop and do business.
Find out how we can exceed your expectations! #217, 11330-106 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9 Phone: (780) 532-5340 Fax: (780) 532-2926 www.grandeprairiechamber.com www.on2careers.com Email: info@gpchamber.com
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www.gptourism.ca
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE Centre 2000 / Barry Petrie
medical clinic located on the eastern edge of the Grande Prairie Regional College campus. Up to seven doctors are on-call daily and there are plans for an on-site pharmacy. The clinic is accessible off Richmond Road at 106 Street and 104 Avenue. In addition to regular ambulance services, Grande Prairie is serviced by the Northern Life Flight program which ensures rapid evacuation of patients in need of specialized treatment. The City as well as the County and the surrounding region are policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on a 24 hour basis. Police,
ambulance and fire services offer a 911 emergency communications system.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Year-round visitor information services are provided by travel counselors in the state-of-the-art Centre 2000 located on the Highway 43 bypass at 106 Street. Pick up local, provincial and regional information. If you are in the area, this impressive cedar and pine building with its views of Muskoseepi Park and the Bear Creek reservoir is a must see!
homes and recreational vehicles have free access to sewage pump-out and fresh water courtesy of the City of Grande Prairie. Visitors can also enjoy picnic sites, fire pits, and walking trails. Grande Prairie . . . modern, exciting, entertaining, educating, safe, friendly . . . truly, the greatest place to be . . . visit us and stay awhile, and you’ll understand why so many people keep returning year after year!
Also located just south of Centre 2000 on 106 Street is the old visitor information log cabin where motor
Community Futures of Grande Prairie and Region Formerly SMEDA Business Development Corporation
For more information, contact:
Business Counselling Business Financing up to $150,000 Community Economic Development
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 0X6 Phone: (780) 814-5340 Toll Free: 1-877-402-3198 www.cfofgp.com
Growing Communities One Idea at a Time.
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www.gptourism.ca
Youth Initiatives
#104 Viktoria Place, 9817-101 Avenue
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Oaks
Large selection of plush and specialty baskets and home decore ph: 780-532-9500
Great Seafood, Chicken & Fish! Open for breakfast at 6am full breakfast menu
ph: 780-538-2722
Under New Management
• 220 Varieties of wine on display • Wine Tasting Cellar
Fresh Food. We cater and deliver.
ph: 780-882-6500
At Marble Slab, we love ice cream.
www.gptourism.ca
ph: 780-532-4140
Come Visit us in the Royal Oaks Plaza
“Located on the bypass” 10420 116 Ave Grande Prairie
ph: 780-513-2003
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE Summerslam in July
Attractions
February 23 GPREMS 6th Annual Wine Fair & Auction
For more info visit:
www.gptourism.ca
February 6-8 Peace Cup April 20-26 Reel Shorts Film Festival May 1 Regional Historical Heritage Fair June 17 - 20 Iskoteo Arts Festival
n o i t n e t At ners RV Ow
June 20 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Gala June 30 Under the Stars Outdoor Movie
Power Generation
ins
mm
July 1 Canada Day Celebrations/Parade July 17-19 Street Performers Festival
Cu
®
Let GPR take care of your RV generator needs quickly and get you back on the road!
November 20 Vegas Night November Festival of Trees November 29 Santa Parade
11115-100 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3J9 Ph: (780) 532-5900 Fax: (780) 532-5904 Toll Free: 1-888-532-5900 www.gprindustries.com
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www.gptourism.ca
• Crystal Lake - Waterfowl refuge, nesting grounds of Trumpeter swans • Grande Prairie Farmer’s Market - Located in the City Centre • Grande Prairie Live Theatre Featuring Local Talent • Grande Prairie Museum Located in Muskoseepi Park • Grande Prairie Regional College - Designed by the renowned architect Douglas Cardinal • Golfing - Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club & Wee Links • Heritage Discovery Centre Located within the lower level of Centre 2000 building • Major Shopping - Includes malls, theatres, box stores and more! • Millennium Sundial - Located at Centre 2000 • Muskoseepi Park - Featuring paved pathways through out the city • Prairie Art Gallery “Category A” Art Gallery
Feature Events
County of Gr Located approximately four hundred and sixty (460) kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
T
Rustic Farmhouse
www.gptourism.ca
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
County of Grande Prairie No. 1
he County of Grande Prairie No. 1 is Alberta’s first county. It was established in 1951 and encompasses 5,570 square kms with a population of approximately 20,000 residents. This year the County is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the survey and settlement of the region!
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Pioneer settlement in the County area began around Cutbank Lake, west of the present day City. Thomas Kerr of the Hudson Bay Company established a fur trading post there in 1881 and in 1898, Alexander Monkman, fur trader, explorer and road builder, built another post at Lake Saskatoon. Homesteaders began to follow to the buffalo prairie
or ‘la grande prairie’ in the early 1900s as agriculture became the mainstay of the region. Today, the County of Grande Prairie stretches east from the British Columbia border to the Smoky River, and south from the Saddle Hills to the Wapiti River. Because of its location,
Surveyor with marking pole, ca. 1910 South Peace Regional Archives
the County has a gentle mix of rolling hills and prairie providing breathtaking vistas in this land of endless sky and days filled with sunshine that makes farming a suitable fit here. Consisting of around 40 percent farmland, it is one of the most northerly and most fertile agricultural areas in the world! To get a breathtaking view of the region, visit an outstanding central feature within the County. Located west of the City of Grande Prairie or six (6) miles east and five (5) miles north of Beaverlodge, Saskatoon Mountain rises to about 3100 feet or 945 metres, making it the highest point in the
Located within the County of Grande Prairie are the communities of Sexsmith and Clairmont to the north, Wembley, Beaverlodge and Hythe to the west, Valhalla Center and La Glace to the northwest, Teepee Creek to the northeast, Bezanson to the east and Wedgewood to the south. Within its borders also lies the City of Grande Prairie, a vibrant regional service centre for Northwestern Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. You can enjoy the quiet lifestyle of the County, making it a wonderful place to live and visit! Visitors can expect to tour for one to two days travelling throughout the County. The County offers a traveller endless opportunities for recreation and first class events: small town living with big town amenities. Take the opportunity to create your own day trip tour inhaling the breathtaking scenery, sunshine and warm summer nights. Whatever you desire you can pick the perfect combination for that special vacation.
100th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Preparations are underway for the 100th anniversary celebrations of the survey and settlement of the region, which is now the County of Grande Prairie No. 1. Celebrations are scheduled from early June to late August 2009 and will feature ‘in part’ the re-creation of the times during the original settlement of this part of Alberta, which has made such significant contributions to the growth and development of this part of the province and the Country.
100th Anniversary Activities scheduled: June 6 Sexsmith June 18 Heritage Picnic Grande Prairie Museum August 8 Wembley August 14-15 Beaverlodge
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
rande
County. Evidence has been found of human occupation dating back 9,000 – 10,000 years. Other landscapes in the County include the mixed-wood boreal forests of the Saddle Hills to the north, mixed-wood forests of the lower foothills of the Rockies to the west, the boreal highland forests to the south and the aspen and balsam poplar parklands to the east.
August 16 Hythe August 29 Evergreen Park Grande Prairie
www.gptourism.ca Survey crew returning from the Saskatoon Lake survey camp, ca. 1910 / South Peace Regional Archives
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE www.gptourism.ca
The Country you Love! The Information you Need.
Contests & Requests 538-4840 30
Newsroom 538-0841
Plans are proceeding to recognize this important event in our history with all types of entertainment, memorabilia, displays, demonstrations, and activities which will be of interest to all members of the family!
A BIT OF HISTORY
In the 1920s, an American homesteader named John Bickell moved his family from Washington, USA to a farm in the DeBolt area, east of what was then the town of Grande Prairie. There he began a bush mill which eventually grew and expanded to become the Northern Planing Mill in Grande Prairie in the
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
The survey of 1909 created the last great agricultural land rush in North America, as it made available for ownership, new fertile land to prospective settlers. Until the survey was complete the land could only be squatted upon. This was the beginning of successful agricultural operations in the Peace Country. The development of churches, schools, community halls, roads, railways, and eventually a city, several towns, a village, and hamlets followed. The celebrations will include recognition of the families who are still in possession of the original piece of property that was settled upon by their ancestors in 1909 -1910 and to record some of the recollections of the families from the past 100 years.
Feature Events February 27 - March 1 Pond Hockey Clairmont Evergreen Park
late 1940’s. Bickell’s operation grew into Northern Plywoods, Alberta’s first plywood mill in 1953, and later Canadian Forest Products (Canfor) in 1955. Today, the Northern boreal forests, composed of white and black spruce, pine and poplar, continue to support the Canfor sawmill in Grande Prairie, the Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. pulp and sawmill located southeast of Grande Prairie and Ainsworth Lumber’s oriented strand board mill in the M.D. of Greenview No. 16.
DID YOU KNOW
In the 1970’s, oil was discovered in the Elmworth Deep Basin in the southwestern end of the County. The gas processing plant at Elmworth is estimated to contain one billion barrels of recoverable petroleum liquid and is one of the largest known natural gas reservoirs in western Canada. There are 1500 energy resource sites within the County of Grande Prairie in operation. Oil and gas exploration and production have now become one of the region’s most important economic drivers.
March 12-14 Peace Country Classic Agri-Show Evergreen Park April 3-5 Sports Expo Evergreen Park April 25-26 Swan Festival Saskatoon Island Provincial Park May 7-8 Northern Alberta Forestry Show Evergreen Park May 13-14 Petroleum Show Evergreen Park June - August Live Horseracing Evergreen Park July 10-12 Teepee Creek Stampede Teepee Creek June 30 - July 1 Rio Grande Old Timer’s Rodeo Red Willow River
Attractions • • • • • • •
Grain field / Don Reid
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www.gptourism.ca
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Bad Heart Straw Church Kleskun Hill Natural Area Melsness Mercantile Old Bezanson Town Site Pipestone Creek Park Saskatoon Mountain Viewpoint Corn Maze at Country Roads RV Park South Peace Centennial Museum Wapiti Nordic Ski Trails Bear Lake Evergreen Park Albright Farmer’s Market Red Willow Park Valhalla Park Saskatoon Island Provincial Park Spring Lake Resort The Dunes Golf Course Hommy Park Demmitt Park
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Kleskun Hill S Kleskun Hill and Bezanson
Located twenty (20) kilometres east of Highway 43 interchange, turn north on Township Road 724 and follow the signs.
T
ravelling east on the newly twinned Highway 43, the surrounding prime agricultural farmland produces plentiful fields of barley, canola, wheat, and oats. Fields turn bright yellow in July as the County is one of the largest growing areas of canola Canada Oil. The fields seem endless - alfalfa, timothy, clover, fescue (top-notch grass) and seed forage crops providing hay for the dairy and beef farms. Game farms such as elk, bison, llamas and alpacas are also gaining popularity in the region.
Kleskun Hill Park is part of a provincial natural area and is managed by the County of Grande Prairie and a private museum society. Once part of a prehistoric river delta, the natural area protects some of the last remaining native grassland in the Grande Prairie region. Here cactus grows in the
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desert-like conditions where remains of prehistoric lakes and seas are visible in the exposed hills. Kleskun Hill boasts more than 160 flowering plants, as well as a number of birds that are usually found in the prairies of the south; its soils contain fossils from the marine sea and dinosaur eras.
Going back in time, pioneers would sometimes use the white mud from the hills to chink the gaps in their log homes. A clue to early settlement also lies in the original wagon ruts from the early pioneers who traveled along the Edson Trail. Today within this natural area there are walking trails, and nine (9) unserviced camping sites for visitors to enjoy. The Kleskun Hill Museum Society has preserved the original east Kleskun school, teacherage, barn, outbuildings, the first area post office, and a Catholic church, Our Lady of
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Perpetual Help. Visitors may also view a native burial ground; evidence of the days of the last territorial disputes between the Beaver and Cree people.
From Kleskun Hills, proceed south to Highway 43 and follow the signs east towards the Old Bezanson town site. Along the banks of the Smoky River, just twelve (12) km southeast of Bezanson are the remains of A.M. Bezanson’s dreams. In the early 1900s, he started to build a town site in anticipation of a rail link. The line passed through Grande Prairie instead and all that survives are the imprints of the foundations of the original buildings, marked with signs. Today the Old Bezanson historic site is a picnic area, and has walking trails and a rustic campground.
Page 1 Kleskun Hill
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Make it a ritual... lunch in the Tea House or browse the Old Barnstore’s collection of fashion accessories, antiques and unique giftware. Gift Cards available for year round shopping.
w w w. d u n v e g a n g p . c a Tea House hours • 532-3212 • Mon-Sat 10-5 Year Round Garden Centre • 532-8280 • Extended Hours (Apr-Sept) Mon-Sat 8:30-9 • Sun 11-5 • South Grande Prairie on Hwy 40
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THE WAPITI NORDIC CENTRE
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ocated six (6) km south on Wapiti Road (Bighorn Highway 40) was home to the Nordic events of the 1995 Canada Games. Besides a magnificent chalet, there are the trails that range from challenging to easy. Four and a half kms of lit ski trails also wind through a forest of spruce, poplar and tamarack. In the summer, visitors can stop to hike the Weyerhaeuser Forest Interpretive Trail, where the forest trails are a haven for mountain bikers and hikers. Day passes and memberships are available for sale through the chalet.
Travellers also have the choice of staying at Camp Tamarack, a Good Sam RV Park, which has all the amenities you could wish for (87 fully serviced sites, satellite and cable TV, laundry, store, indoor TV room and camper wash) or continue on to A River Road Bed, Breakfast and Bales.
EVERGREEN PARK
Further east via the Correction Line Road, Evergreen Park campground
offers 77 sites, comfort stations, fire pits, electrical hook-ups, and picnic tables. Built in the sand dunes south of the city, Evergreen Park hosts summer events such as the annual Stompede (world class chuckwagon racing and pro rodeo), Expert Mobile Extreme Country Fever (world class country and western musicians) and the Whispering Pines Rodeo. The new R.E.C. Centre offers simulcast racing from around the world and off track betting 364 days a year.
THE DUNES
Located across Highway 40, is an 18 hole championship golf course and driving range (2.5 kms/1.5 miles).
Evergreen Park / Barry Petrie
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
South
South of the City of Grande Prairie
•Reserved grandstand seating for rodeo and chuckwagons •GIANT Midway •TOP Country Music Performers
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Purchase tickets at: Crystal Centre Box Office 10017-99 Avenue 538-0387
For more information call the Stompede Hotline 532-4646 Advanced tickets on sale NOW!
MAY 27 - 31, 2009 • www.gpstompede.com
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SASKATOON ISLAND PROVINCIAL PARK
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ocated twenty five (25) km west of Grande Prairie and north off Highway 43. This park is operated by the province and offers 96 forested campsites, seasonal interpretive programs, a beach with change houses, boating, picnicking, walking trails, bird-watching, fire pits and berry picking. In late April, the park hosts the annual Swan Festival. Visitors get a chance to see Trumpeter Swans and participate in a wide variety of activities celebrating the return of this important local resident. A lot has changed since Saskatoon Island and four other provincial parks were dedicated in 1932. Saskatoon
Island is now one of over 500 protected areas across the province providing recreation, protecting habitats, preserving history, extending our cultural identity and contributing to a quality of life that embraces healthy environments and lifestyles. There is a park or protected area within an hour’s drive of every household in Alberta. As the community of Lake Saskatoon grew on the lakeshore between 1910 and 1925, Saskatoon Island became a focal point for picnics and berry picking. By the 1930s the park was home to the annual Old-Timer’s picnic that attracted over 1000 visitors on a Sunday afternoon. Two church camps had their home on the island in the 1940s and 50s and a band shell was added to celebrate the Province’s Jubilee in 1955. Today’s campground
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
West
West of the City of Grande Prairie
Fishing off the dock / Margot Hervieux
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and day use facilities were constructed in 1983.
Camping / Margot Hervieux
Evergreen Park - Home of: - Extreme Country Fever - Peace Region Petroleum Show - Grande Prairie Stompede - Whispering Pines Rodeo - Peace Country Classic Agri-Show - STARS Benefit Gala - Northern Alberta Forestry and Construction Show
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LaGlace F
ollow Highway 2 north from Sexsmith for three (3) km Turn left on Highway 59 and travel west and north for thirty (30) km towards the quaint agricultural hamlet of LaGlace.
The Hamlet of LaGlace traces is roots back to the early 1900s. Folklore has it that it was named after Chief LaGlace who drowned in 1909 in nearby Valhalla Lake while trapping muskrats. Within the Hamlet is LaGlace Heritage Park, which has beautiful brick-pathed gardens and a Cairn in memory of the well-respected native leader and many pioneers of the area. The Cairn explains the local history, names of pioneers and has a time capsule filled with memorabilia with predictions from local children.
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
LaGlace and Valhalla
once rundown, abandoned building is now a coffee shop serving scrumptious homemade food, a museum and a studio for local artists. Valhalla Park is a picnic area that preserves plants indigenous to the region and where three-foot, hand-carved wooden trolls greet visitors in tribute to the area’s Scandinavian heritage.
Attractions
• La Glace Heritage Park • Melsness Mercantile • Valhalla Troll Park
Valhalla
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rom LaGlace, continue west for fifteen (15) km to reach the Hamlet of Valhalla.
Daily Drink Specials Happy Hour Every Day 4 pm - 7 pm
Valhalla is home to many Norwegian descendants including Halvar Ronning, a Lutheran minister and missionary who facilitated a significant Scandinavian settlement. His son Chester, who was born in China, also lived in Valhalla Centre becoming a teacher and diplomat. Chester was an important link between China and North America, advocating recognition of the Peoples Republic of China and its admission into the United Nations. The Ronning Homestead in Valhalla became a Provincial Historic Resource in 2001.
Live Entertainment Seven Nights Teams and group discounts
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Make sure to stop and visit the restored Melsness Mercantile, a provincial historic site in Valhalla Centre. Originally a general store and post office, it was decided in 1994 by the local residents to restore and save it as a local landmark. Thanks to the efforts of the Valhalla Heritage Society, the
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Valhalla Troll Statue / A.E.D.
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Teepee Creek Located approximately thirty (30) km northeast of Grande Prairie (sixteen (16) km east of Sexsmith), near the junction of Highway 674 and Highway 733.
Teepee Creek Rodeo / Michael Carter
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Teepee Creek and Area
July 10-12, 2009 Wagons at 7 pm all 3 days Rodeo at 1 pm on Sat & Sun
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he Teepee Creek Stampede is one of the oldest running rodeos in Canada. 2009 will be the 93rd year and the 91st anniversary celebration of going PRO!
For anyone who has been to a professional rodeo performance, you know that you can expect an outstanding show, and for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of taking in a pro rodeo, its a must see for the summer! Professional Rodeo is an extraordinary show, and along with the professional events, there are a number of local crowd pleasers that even YOU could participate in! These events include; “Wild” Cow Milking, The Cow Hide Race, and everyone’s favorite, the Wild Horse Race! Unlike many associations, Teepee Creek allows the professional cowboys to participate in these events and this makes the rodeo one of the most fun events of the summer on every cowboy’s calendar! Also, it is a thrill for the local cowboys to get the chance to compete against the best in the business! The Teepee Creek Stampede’s signature event will always be the TEEPEE CREEK TERROR! This is an opportunity for one lucky cowboy to make a little extra cash (if he can ride “the terror”) and for the crowd to enjoy the spectacle of the rankest horse in the pen!
The Teepee Creek Stampede also has three nights of exciting chuck wagon racing. We have thoroughbred wagons from the “Taste the Dust” GMC Tour, along with pony wagons and chariots. Teepee Creek also has a legendary dance that takes place after the rodeo on Saturday night after the last wagons cross the finish line. It is located in the hall on the rodeo grounds and people come from near and far to dance the night away to live music. There is free camping and a delicious home cooked pancake breakfast served with all the fixings starting at 7:00 am every morning of the rodeo. And don’t forget about the homemade pie for a little later in the day! The Teepee Creek Stampede is a must see for the summer, it is full of excitement and good old country charm. Make sure you don’t miss it this July!
Saddle Hills
Built with 400 bales of rye straw, the tiny church at Bad Heart is northeast of Sexsmith. The Bad Heart straw church is the only historic straw building in Canada. In 1954, Father Francis Dales, a penniless Catholic priest, built the tiny church with his parish. The estimated cost of the structure was approximately $605. The straw bale walls, some four bales thick, were bolted together using
pipes, covered by stucco on the outside and plywood veneer on the inside and are still in excellent condition; no windows were installed in the walls, only in the gables. The original altar, pews and kneeling rail are still intact. The steeple is now gone and the bell was moved to a Presbyterian church in Wanham. The Wanham church bell eventually ended up at the new Pete Eagar fire station in Grande Prairie on Resources Road. Directions to get to the Bad Heart Church from Bezanson are as follows: visitors should follow Highway 43 east to Secondary Highway 733. Take Highway 733 north and travel twentysix (26) km north to Range Road 250. Turn right and head east on Township Road 750 and north again on Range Road 30 to the hamlet of Bad Heart, near the upper reaches of the Bad Heart River. From Bad Heart, retrace your drive to Township Road 750 and head west towards Highway 2. As you travel this road, you will enter the Saddle Hills area, the Northern most boundary of the County. You can look forward to enjoying southern views of the magnificent valley and some of the richest farmland in Alberta lying between the Kleskun Hills and Saddle Hills. In 1916, the original Kleskun Hill Ranch was established when Kleskun Lake was drained. The ranch marks the first effort to raise horses and cattle in Northern Alberta.
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Doreen Altman
Bad Heart Straw Church
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
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Town of Wem Located approximately twenty (20) kilometres west of Grande Prairie off of Highway 43.
Wapiti river just south of Wembley / imageDESIGN
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Town of Wembley
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amed after Wembley England, the Town of Wembley has traditionally served the agricultural sector. As it pays tribute to its rural nature, this neighborly community gets together to celebrate annual events that you do not want to miss. Each August, Wembley hosts ‘Day in the Park’ on the Recplex grounds. This event includes a parade, barbeque, family activities and more. Sunset Lake Park features a board walk, upgraded play area, campground and is also a bird sanctuary. Wembley currently has a population of over 1500, and has amenities
such as a curling rink, skating rink, soccer and football fields as well as a campground. Wembley is the ‘Gateway to the Dinosaurs!’ As you travel east along Highway 43 and then south through the Town of Wembley, visitors can access Pipestone Creek Park. The park overlooks the Wapiti River and has 99 campsites. Facilities also include, picnic sites, fire pits, washrooms, group camping, a shower house and walking trails where visitors can view the remains of the Pipestone Ferry that used to cross the Wapiti River to the Grovedale area.
Dr. Hunt discusses fossils with bus tour
The Pipestone Creek area has received international attention due to the discovery of the world’s largest pachyrhinosaurus (“thick nosed” horned dinosaur) bone bed. The Pipestone Creek site contains hundreds of dinosaur skeletons, and is one of the best horned dinosaur bone beds found in North America. Under development is ‘The River of Death & Discovery Dinosaur Centre’ a major tourism destination adventure site for Northwestern Alberta, which will include a museum over the actual burial site that will preserve the skeletons and be educating and fun for all!
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
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Infant Pachyrhinosaurus skull / Sheldon Graber
Lone tree near Wembley / Cindy Kilani
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Feature Events
February 19 Family Day outdoor fun activities August 8 Day In The Park
Attractions
• Sunset Lake Park • Pipestone Golf Club
Sunset Lake Park / Annie Jackson
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marquee hotel labels such as Best Western, Ramada, Holiday Inn Express, including our very own hotel brand, Pomeroy Inn & Suites. Pomeroy Inn & Suites the flagship hotel of Pomeroy Group features larger-than-standard suites, deluxe continental breakfast, indoor pool, waterslide, fitness and business centres and complimentary high-speed Internet access in every room making it the premier hotel brand. Smaller market development has been the specialty of Pomeroy Group with northern Alberta locations in Grande Prairie, Grimshaw, and High Prairie and northern British Columbia locations in Fort St. John, Chetwynd, Prince George and Dawson Creek. *Pomeroy Group Hotels may vary in product and services
Village of Hy Located approximately fifty eight (58) kilometres west of Grande Prairie off of Highway 43.
Hythe Motor Speedway / Tammy Diesel
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Village of Hythe
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ythe, the ‘Town of Flowing Wells’ economy is based on services to the agricultural, forestry and oil and gas industries which thrive in the local area. This proud community of 821 has a long history of strong volunteerdriven initiatives which have resulted in the building of much of their present day infrastructure. Hythe has a curling rink, campground, outdoor swimming pool and other amenities. The Hythe Municipal Campground provides visitors with kitchen shelters, water taps, an RV dumping station and washroom facilities including hot showers within vintage Northern Alberta Railway cabooses. When touring Hythe, one of your first stops should be the restored building immediately adjacent to Highway 43 which serve as a summer Tourist Information Booth. Much of the community’s history is portrayed through a pictorial representation featured in the
log tack shop which belonged to early pioneer, Kelly Sunderman. Beside the tack shop is a museum which was originally a home built for a mail order bride. Unfortunately, the groom missed the intended bride and the home was never lived in. To celebrate the local history, Hythe boasts many first class events that include an old fashioned down-home Agricultural Fair, held annually in August that is hosted by the Hythe Agricultural Society. Home-made foods, arts and crafts, light and heavy horses and family events are the highlights of this annual event. (Take note of the colorful wooden grain terminal which is used to store the grain and oil seed crops.) Love the sounds of engines roaring? Just outside of Hythe from May to September, racing enthusiasts flock to the Hythe Motor Speedway. It is a 3/8 oval, paved racetrack and features
modified, street stock, starter stock, sportsman and sprint competitions. These high powered speedway races include cars from Northeastern British Columbia and Alberta. Half an hour north of Hythe, the Spring Lake Campground, developed years ago by Weyerhaeuser, is a popular area for camping and picnicking. It offers a boat launch, dock, swimming, hiking trails, kitchen shelter, and horseshoe pits. Spring Lake ski hill offers downhill and cross country skiing in winter months. southeast of Hythe on Highway 43, Hommy Park has 23 unserviced sites, washrooms, playgrounds and a kitchen shelter. Immediately southeast of Hommy Park on Highway 43, visitors will find the Albright Community Hall, where every Thursday you can find locally produced goods at the Albright Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market is celebrating over 25 years of operation.
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
ythe
Feature Events May - September 30 Stock Car Races Hythe Motor Speedway May – August 31 Swimming Pool Open Hythe Church
November 10 Christmas Craft Sale
Sunderman Tack Shop / A.E.D.
Quadding in the bush
Attractions • Hythe Motor Speedway • Sunderman Tack Shop • Spring Lake Summer and Winter Resort • Albright Farmer’s Market
Hythe Mural / A.E.D.
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November 28 Annual Christmas Dine & Dance
Town of Sexs Located approximately twenty three (23) kilometres north on Highway 2 from Grande Prairie.
Old fashioned main street
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Town of Sexsmith
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n the late 1940s, the Town of Sexsmith was known as the Grain Capital of the British Empire, shipping more grain than any other port in the Empire. To this day, the surrounding area has some of the most fertile soil, making it one of the largest grain producers in the world. Sexsmith has grown and is a friendly, progressive community with over 2255 people. The community offers excellent education, religious, recreational and cultural facilities, including a municipal campground called Heritage Park that includes a fish pond. These facilities continue to make Sexsmith a great place to live, raise a family and visit. Sexsmith is located minutes north of the City of Grande Prairie on Highway 2; it’s a stop you don’t want to miss.
Sexsmith has transformed its downtown core to showcase the 1920s and 30s. Vintage street lighting, a gazebo, large old fashioned clock, and a livery barn create a setting that allows you to step back into another era. An important attraction is the 1916 Sexsmith Blacksmith Shop, a provincial historical site that was built in 1916. It is one of the country’s most completely equipped operating museum sites of its type in existence, and one of the best examples in Canada of an early smithy. The resident smithy will leave visitors with a smile on their face along with educating the visitors about the beginnings of settlement in the region. Across from the blacksmith shop is the Paszkowski Farm House which has been restored to the original
condition. The latest acquisitions of the Museum Society are the original Lumber Yard building opposite the Blacksmith Shop and one of the first Roman Catholic Churches of the area, built in 1916. Further expanding on the old time theme is the old Sexsmith Railway Station and caboose, built in 1928; it is one of the focal points of the downtown. Each year the Town of Sexsmith holds many annual events including Chautauqua Days in June. This event has been held for over 75 years, and is an old fashioned community celebration inspired by the travelling entertainers who first came to the prairies.
Old train station
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
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Sexsmith pond
Feature Events May 9 Town Garage Sale June 6 Chautauqua Day
November 11 Remembrance Day Services December 4 Downtown Christmas Lightup December 5 Reverse Santa Parade Sexsmith blacksmith shop
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September 20 Terry Fox Run
Attractions • • • •
Blacksmith’s Shop Museum Paszkowski House Sexsmith Rail Station Heritage Park & Campground
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Town of Beav Located forty three (43) kilometres west of Grande Prairie on Highway 43.
Beaver sculpture and Cultural Centre / Alex Lojczyc
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TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Town of Beaverlodge
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estled in a picturesque valley is the Town of Beaverlodge. With a community of over 2,300 people, Beaverlodge has experienced steady growth over the past decade. The agricultural, forestry, oil and gas sectors have all contributed to the town’s prosperity. Today, Beaverlodge is the largest town in the County and is the service and medical centre for the entire west side of the County with a full complement of doctors and dentists plus a hospital and pharmacy. Beaverlodge is a little town with a lot to offer. One of its most popular attractions is the South Peace Centennial Museum, the largest and only working steam powered farm equipment museum in Alberta. The Museum is open daily throughout the summer months and offers free music for everyone from the bandstand and free overnight un-serviced camping for tents and RV’s. The museum hosts their annual Pioneer Days the third Sunday in July featuring all the working steampowered equipment, antique cars and trucks and musical entertainment all in keeping with the agricultural theme.
Feature Events June 30 - July 1 Rio Grande Rodeo
Visitors are also encouraged to stop at the Beaverlodge Area Cultural Centre, inspired by local, well known painter Euphemia McNaught who dreamed of preserving the art and culture of the area. The Art Gallery is open daily (except Mondays) and also features a pink tea room and gift shop. Artisans at the centre work in stained glass, pottery, weaving, bookbinding, silversmithing, film making, drawing and painting. Admission is free, donations are accepted, and new shows, including the art of other exceptional Peace country painters such as Robert Guest, are presented monthly. Opposite the Cultural Centre, visitors can view the magnificent cultural roadside attraction — Canada’s national animal — the beaver. The sculpture stands seventeen feet tall by twenty eight feet long and weighs 3000 pounds. The town manages and operates the Pioneer Campground and Tourist Information Centre. Once the original Lower Beaverlodge School, one of the first schools of the area, the building was relocated and restored. It is open from mid-May to mid-September. The adjacent campground has 19 sites, 10 of which are fully serviced sites with 30 amp service, picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms, showers and an RV dumping station.
July 10 - 12 Jones Country Jamboree
Saskatoon Mountain Natural Area, accessed north at Huallen off Highway 43, offers one of the most spectacular views of the south and the west portions of the County. Visitors can explore over 2,200 acres of land, bird watching, hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing. To view the Elmworth gas basin area, turn right onto Secondary Highway 722 south from Beaverlodge and then Highway 667 to take in some spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. At Red Willow River crossing be sure to visit the lovely Red Willow Market Gardens with its excellent produce, local craft sales and tea room. Nearby, Red Willow Park is a day use picnic site with washrooms and kitchen shelter.
Attractions
July 18 & 19 Museum Pioneer Days and Peace Country Opry
South Peace Centennial Museum Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Red Willow Gardens Saskatoon Mountain Viewpoint Beaverlodge Research Station Euphemia Mcnaught Homestead Elmworth Deep Basin Riverbend Golf & Country Club Spring Lake Summer and Winter Resort • Hommy Park
August 21 - 22 Agricultural Fair & Trade Show
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August 14 - 16 100 Years of Settlement Celebration
November 11 Remembrance Day Services
Tourists may also visit the Pacific Regeneration Technologies tree nursery. This is the only PRT facility in Alberta; the greenhouses cover seven acres and produce eleven million seedlings of pine and spruce. The Agriculture Canada Research Farm (started in 1916 by farmer William Albright) is now the Canadian centre for the management and production of bees and honey (apiculture). It is also the most northerly agricultural research station in North America and is open to the public for tours (appointments only) phone (780) 354-2212.
TOURING IN THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
verlodge
Pioneer Days, South Peace Centennial Museum
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MD of Green M.D. OF GREENVIEW NO. 16
M.D. of Greenview No. 16
Wapiti River / Sam Zarei
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raveling south and east from the County of Grande Prairie No.1 is an area of fertile farmland which gradually transforms into aspen mixed-wood forests. This vast territory known as the Municipal District (M.D.) of Greenview No. 16 covers 32,000 square kms and in its extreme southwest location includes the majestic Rockies. Within the Grande Prairie Regional Tourist Destination Region, the M.D. encompasses the communities of Grovedale, DeBolt, Crooked Creek, Valleyview and Little Smoky.
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Minutes south of Grande Prairie, motorists cross the Wapiti River and can access Secondary Highway 666 heading west. O’Brien Provincial Park on the banks of the Wapiti River is a favorite day use picnic area. Just down the road from O’Brien, the Nitehawk Ski Area offers a summer aerial water ramp for the training of aerial snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts, along with a brand new campground! Go to www.gonitehawk.com for more information.
Of particular interest to outdoor enthusiasts are Two Lakes Provincial Park and Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park. Two Lakes consists of three campgrounds and 87 campsites. The lakes are popular for sport fishing. About 15 kms south of Two Lakes via a rugged, fair-weather forest company gravel road is the remote Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park. Within the park, the Kakwa River cascades 30 metres over Kakwa Falls, rushes through a 4 km canyon and then plunges over a second set of falls. Access to the falls is via a 20 km unimproved trail
Two Lakes / imageDESIGN
suitable only for hikers, horseback or ATV. The Wildland also boasts a 100 km remote trail system used by pack teams from the early 1900s. The trail runs through alpine meadows and old growth forests with specimens of Engelmann spruce up to 300 years old. Forests and meadows offer visitors the opportunity to catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, bald eagles, golden eagles, moose, coyotes, black bear and grizzlies. To exit the park, visitors must retrace their drive via 666 to Highway 40 and turn south to follow the spectacular scenery of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Forty-five (45) km south of Grande Prairie and just east off Highway 40 is the Musreau Lake Provincial Recreation Area. This spring-fed lake and camping area is a popular locale offering camping, boating and swimming plus access to ATV and equestrian trails.
Williamson Provincial Park on the south shore of Sturgeon Lake, and Young’s Point Provincial Park on the northwest shore, offer services including a combined total of almost 200 camping sites with playground areas, picnic sites with good drinking water, firewood, comfort stations with showers, electrical hook-ups, RV pump outs, hiking trails and boat launches. A little east of Williamson Provincial Park lays the historic Edson Trail. Settlers travelled the trail from Edson in the south to Grande Prairie between 1911 and 1916. The junction of the Edson Trail and Grouard Trail are located near this location on Highway 43. The early pioneers had several stopovers including MacArthurs Landing at Sturgeon Lake.
TOWN of DEBOLT
Debolt is located approximately fifty seven (57) kms, east of Grande Prairie on Highway 43, across the Smoky River. DeBolt is home to the DeBolt and District Pioneer Museum. The museum offers a collection of heritage buildings. Log buildings include a barn, church manse, cabin, homestead, ice house and more. All buildings are in Hubert Memorial Park in Debolt, except the Legion hall which is on Alberta Avenue. Debolt holds an
TOWN of VALLEYVIEW
Valleyview is located approximately three hundred forty five (345) kms from Edmonton, strategically located at the crossroads of Highway 43 leading to the Alaska Highway and Highway 49 leading to the Mackenzie Highway and the Northwest Territories. This community of 2000 is a flourishing service centre for the resource industries in the surrounding region. Because of its location at the junctions of Highway 43 to Grande Prairie and Highway 49 to Peace River, Valleyview has been nicknamed as the Portal to the Peace. Valleyview offers a full range of services and recreational activities. Services include hotels and motels, restaurants, gas stations, sporting good stores and more. All seasons offer fun and adventure! Within the immediate area it is easy to find excellent camping, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, boating and for the naturalist, an abundance of birds, flowers and wildlife. The region is a sportsmens paradise, with winter recreation, summer events and
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Ten minutes further east and running south off Highway 43 is the Forestry Trunk Road. This gravel road is used by forestry and oil and gas industry workers in the region. It is also a favorite for those campers wishing to experience a more rugged but peaceful vacation. There are numerous small camp areas holding no more than five or ten sites which are operated and maintained by Canfor, Grande Prairie. For more information on the campground locations, contact the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association or see page 76 in this guide. Motorists can complete a circle loop on the gravel roads and access Highway 40 about 30 minutes south
of Grande Prairie or head back to Highway 43 and head further east to the Valleyview area.
Approximately 15 km east is Crooked Creek, which offers an excellent ice cream stand at the general store. A few kms south of the Crooked Creek store is the hamlet of RidgeValley which offers a reputable bed and breakfast Country Cottage B & B, call 1-866-462-8025.
M.D. OF GREENVIEW NO. 16
nview
annual Heritage festival each August featuring a parade, fair, and activities for all.
Valleyview Information Centre
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M.D. OF GREENVIEW NO. 16
several parks and campgrounds to choose from. Make sure to stop by the Valleyview Tourist Information Centre operated by the local Chamber of Commerce. It is a popular rest stop along the highway with gift shop, friendly staff and picnic areas. For a list of local outfitters, hunters, guides and wilderness tour operators, contact the Valleyview and District Chamber of Commerce at (780) 524-4535, or (780) 524-2410.
await. In the winter snowmobiling and fishing are excellent. Community members host events like the Country Music Jamboree that you will not want to miss. Be sure to stop and check out the local sites, you’ll see good things do come in small packages.
LITTLE SMOKY
In Fox Creek there are over 2,300 young and active residents. The community supports a variety of clubs, restaurants, hotels and service organizations. Whether you have chosen to stop to refuel, stretch your legs, rest the night or as a destination you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality. Make the tourist information centre your first stop when visiting Fox Creek, the facility provides a welcome stop for visitors. The centre includes a gift shop, fitness centre, childrens playground and covered picnic tables located in a peaceful, park-like atmosphere.
Little Smoky is located halfway between Fox Creek and Valleyview off of Highway 43. The active hamlet of Little Smoky is your next accommodation, camping or service stop. It is located near the confluence of the Iosegun, Little Smoky and Waskahigan rivers, with unserviced camping at the Iosegun River Campground in the Waskahigan Provincial Recreation Area and serviced camping spots available at the Little Smoky Motel. In the summer boating, fishing, and hiking adventures
TOWN of FOX CREEK
Fox Creek is located approximately one hundred fifty three (153) km from Edmonton on Highway 43.
If you enjoy the outdoors you can also enjoy the Loop to Loop Don Nicholson walking trail; the 1.5 mile (0.8 km) partially groomed trail begins at the tourist information centre and winds through the natural Boreal habitat and connects to the campground. If you enjoy fishing, the Fox Creek Trout pond, located nine km north on highway 43 is a great catch and release area and it may be the area’s best keep secret. This rustic, family friendly recreation area supports a naturalized pond stocked with trout fingerlings every summer. There are so many great things to do and see while in Fox Creek whether you want to golf at the Silver Birch Golf course or take in the Fox Creek museum that features local history and displays. For more information about the region call (780) 622-3896 or (780) 622-2670.
Host of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games RECREATION AREA
www.gptourism.ca
Year-Round Recreation Area
1-888-754-6778 gonitehawk.com
RECREATION AREA
Skiing 50
Snowboarding
Mountain Biking
Luge
Campground
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Winter
hether it is cold with sunny skies, or mild and snowy, the region of Grande Prairie offers outdoor wintertime hotspots and events that will warm your winter season. If you want a real Northern winter adventure watch in awe as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern lights, dance across the skies. The Northern lights have different meaning to different cultures. To the Inuit natives, the jumping lights of yellows, greens, whites, and reds were the spirits of their friends and parents playing a game of ball in the sky. To other people, the lights are simply the clashing of electrons drawn along magnetic lines of force at the North Pole. Other wondrous winter time activities include ice skating, shinny, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and downhill
or cross country skiing. It’s all here in the Grande Prairie region!
DOWNHILL/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Along the southern banks of the Wapiti River, just fifteen minutes south of Grande Prairie, the Nitehawk Ski Area provides downhill skiing and snowboarding. Ten minutes closer to Grande Prairie is the Wapiti Nordic Centre which offers close to thirty five (35) kms of groomed cross-country ski trails. Within the City of Grande Prairie, skiers can traverse over eighteen (18) kms of parkland trails. Snowboarding areas are available within Muskoseepi Park and other County and municipal parks which lie on river or stream
valley hills. Cross-country ski trails are also set at Saskatoon Island, Moonshine Lake and Young’s Point Provincial Parks.
NATURAL LUGE
It is called natural because the natural terrain and elements are used to form an ice track. The sport originated in the Alps where a sled was one of the main forms of transportation during the winter. The modern natural luge track resembles a switch back mountain road. National championships have been held in 15 countries and international events include an annual World Cup circuit and a World Championship which are held every other year. The accessibility of natural luge, the appeal to television audiences, the challenge
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www.gptourism.ca
Winter wonderland
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WINTER
Winter
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for the athlete and the dynamic visual images make the sport the ‘natural’ for those demanding new winter sports. This dynamic track is at the Nitehawk facility which is located just south of the City of Grande Prairie, lessons for all ages are offered.
SKATING
Muskoseepi Park skating
Awarded Silver from the magazine ‘Snowriders west’ as Riders Choice, Northwestern Alberta is the perfect place for winter enthusiasts interested in the adventure of snowmobiling. With approximately sixty (60) km of groomed trails in the Big Mountain area south of Grande Prairie (off Highway 40) or in the Kakwa Wildland to the southwest, the region has forests, rolling hills, and meadows providing first class mountain snowmobile riding for all ages and skill levels. Crown land south of the City of Grande Prairie features frozen rivers and cut lines to make sledding as popular as ever.
Within the City, free skating is available at the Muskoseepi fish pond at 102 Street and 102 Avenue. Other city and county rinks provide public skating on most weekends. Other great places for skating outside of the City are at Evergreen Park, Moonshine Lake and Saskatoon Island Provincial Parks.
WEATHER
Canada Games Arena
Bezanson, (780) 831-4315
Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) (780) 538-0334
Cross Country Skiing Wapiti Nordic Centre County of Grande Prairie No. 1 (780) 539-9050 Muskoseepi Park Grande Prairie, (780) 538-0451 Saskatoon Mountain County of Grande Prairie No. 1 (780) 532-9722
www.gptourism.ca
SNOWMOBILING
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park (780) 538-5350
Curling
Grande Prairie Curling Club Grande Prairie, (780) 532-7221 Beaverlodge Curling Club Beaverlodge, (780) 354-2514 Bezanson Curling Club
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WINTER EVENTS
‘Cabane á Sucre’ or the Maple Sugar Festival is an annual winter event held in February celebrating our French Culture within the Grande Prairie region. Featuring ice sculpting, family activities, maple sugar candy and more, it’s a great family event.
The Grande Prairie region on average, receives 176 cm (32 inches) of snow with daytime winter temperatures averaging -14 degrees Celsius (7 degrees Fahrenheit). Night temperatures may drop to an average of -20 Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm Chinook
Clairmont Curling Club Clairmont, (780) 567-4040
air masses which bypass the Rocky Mountains may also submerge the region with mild temperatures and moist Pacific air.
La Glace Curling Club La Glace, (780) 766-2266
Winter trails
Hythe Arena Hythe, (780) 356-3888
Natural Luge
Highway 666, (780) 532-6637
Peace Curling Association Grande Prairie, (780) 532-4782
Outdoor Skating
Downhill Skiing
Greg Walker Memorial Beaverlodge, (780) 354-2201
Nitehawk Ski Area Highway 666, (780) 532-6637
Indoor Skating
Crystal Centre Grande Prairie, (780) 538-0334 Coca-Cola Centre Grande Prairie, (780) 513-5252 Dave Barr Arena Grande Prairie, (780) 538-0469 Beaverlodge Arena Beaverlodge, (780) 354-2201
Muskoseepi Fish Pond Grande Prairie, (780) 538-0451
Millennium Park Sexsmith, (780) 568-3681
Snowboarding
Nitehawk Ski Area Highway 666, (780) 532-6637 Muskoseepi Park Grande Prairie, (780) 538-0451
Snowshoeing
Muskoseepi Park Grande Prairie, (780) 538-0451
The Arctic Winter Games are unique in that they not only include sports like skiing, hockey, curling and gymnastics. They also host Inuit games, Dene games and dog mushing — sporting events unique to Northern cultures. As well, Northern artists and performers share their cultures and artistic talents through a dynamic cultural program. 2008 Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife
From March 6-13, 2010, Grande Prairie will host the 21st Arctic Winter Games. This event — a showcase for young athletes, artists and performers — is simply one you won’t want to miss! The 2010 Arctic Winter Games plans a celebration of diversity and circumpolar friendship that will surely be remembered as a once-in-a lifetime experience.
Every two years, participants from across the world’s Northern circumpolar regions gather for an exciting week of sport competition and the cultural kaleidoscope showcased each day. Today’s games include about 2000 athletes, coaches, mission staff, officials and cultural artists and performers. They come from Alaska, Northern Alberta, Yukon, Nunavik, Nunavut,
WINTER
Northwest Territories, Russia, Greenland and more recently Finland and Norway.
Some 2500 volunteers will donate their time and energy to bring this massive event to life. These volunteers will share in providing our Northern youth with a tremendous development opportunity. The thousands of spectators who will come to Grande Prairie to view the Games will experience first-hand the generous spirit of Peace Region hospitality.
2010 Arctic Winter Games March 6 - 13, 2010 An International Celebration of Sport and Culture www.gptourism.ca
Find your way to the Games! Visit www.awg2010.org 53
HUNTING & FISHING
Hunting and F
Hunting and Fishing the Grande Prairie Hunting
D
oes the call of the wild, call out to you? Well, then the region around Grande Prairie would be the one “a� calling you! The Grande Prairie region is the perfect place if you love the wilderness and big game hunting. Whether you are a conventional hunter using a rifle, or enjoy the traditional use of a bow, Grande Prairie offers exceptional scenery with all the excitement and adventure anyone can dream about. In the spring, the region is a hunters paradise for trophy black bear. During the fall, bow and rifle hunters try for trophy elk, white tail deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep and moose. Regional sporting goods stores also sponsor the annual Great Northern Whitetail Buck and Bull Elk Hunt and Awards Dinner every autumn. Call the Tackle Shack, (780) 539-6354 for more information.
www.gptourism.ca
As hunting seasons, licensing costs and regulations may change from year to year, go on-line to www.albertaoutdoorsmen.org/ huntingregs or Alberta Sustainable Resource Development www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/ for more up-to-date hunting information.
Mountain Goat hunting
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Fishing the Gr Fishing
W
hether you just love to fish, or are looking for that once in a lifetime experience, fishing in Alberta waters offers opportunities for all anglers. Whatever species of fish you’re after, the Grande Prairie region will meet your expectations. The Grande Prairie area offers some great fishing, whether you’re looking for trout, pike (jackfish), walleye, perch or grayling. Many of the lakes are stocked with rainbow, brown or brook trout, while many rivers have some of these same species as well as bull trout, cutthroat trout or even grayling. If walleye, pike or perch is what you are after, there are plenty of sources for these as well, both lakes and rivers, with camping available. Take the guesswork out of planning your next fishing adventure. Once you get started here are a few important things you need to know before you drop your line. Fishing with barbed hooks is prohibited. One line may be used when fishing in open water, two lines when ice-fishing. Three lines is a no-no. For that matter, it is also illegal to possess live fish bait, and live game fish, unless the fish have been caught and are in the immediate vicinity of the waters from which they
were taken. Snares, spring-loaded gaff hooks or devices used to attract and stun fish are also prohibited. Bull Trout is the provincial fish of Alberta and because it is still listed as a threatened species, it remains as catch and release fishing only. For a listing of specific catch limits and other lake and stream listings and licensing costs, please consult a copy of the current Alberta Guide to Sport Fishing Regulations available on-line or in hard copy.
Fishing licenses outside the national parks can be purchased from select sporting good stores, convenience stores and some gas stations. Call 1-888944-5494 for the nearest license issuer. All persons sport fishing in Alberta need a Sport Fishing License except youths under 16 years of age, Alberta residents 65 years of age and older and native Indian people. License fees are either Resident or non-Resident based on where you reside, and your age. They can range anywhere from $21 to $60 plus GST per year. In addition, license holders must hold a valid WIN, Wildlife Identification Number that costs an additional $8 but is valid for 5 years.
HUNTING & FISHING
e Region
Outfitters in the Grande Prairie Region Aurora Outfitters 780-831-9049
Bredeson Guilding & Outfitting 780-538-4251 Caribou River Hunting Co. 780-864-3049 Diamond T Outfitters 780-356-2361 Maverick Waterflowers 780-356-2515 Mike’s Oufitting Ltd 780-864-3770 Red Willow Outfitters 780-524-4574 Wild Alberta High Country Outfitters Inc. 780-882-6664 Wild Kakwa Outfitters Ltd. 780-513-1338 12 Gauge Outfitters 780-539-9067
Ph. (780) 539-6354 Fax (780) 532-0859 Email tacklshk@telusplanet.net
Sponsor to the 2007 National Fly Fishing Championship
Fly fishing derby on Spring Lake
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www.gptourism.ca
11109-100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2N2
EVENTS
Events Events
For updates to event schedule please visit us at www.gptourism.ca. Heritage Discovery Centre
532-5790
Bedside Manners ~ Ovations Dinner Theatre
897-9200
Future Artists of the Peace
Feb 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Evergreen Park
Dec 15 to Jan 23
Feb 12
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Jan 1 to Feb 2
Here Now or Nowhere Exhibition
Downtown
538-1909
Feb 13
G.P. Storm Vs. Drayton Valley
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Jan 2
G.P. Storm Vs. Calgary Royals
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Feb 15-16
G.P. Storm Vs. Sherwood Park
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Jan 3
G.P. Wheelers Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Feb 16
Family Day Celebrations
Museum
532-5482
Jan 3
G.P. Storm Vs. Calgary Canucks
Crystal Centre
538-0387
My Fair Lady Production
Live Theatre
538- 1616
Jan 4
G.P Storm Vs. Drayton Valley
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Feb 19-21, 26 to Mar 1
Jan 9
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Feb 20
Peace Country Wine Fair
Rock City
831-7320
Jan 9-10, 16-17
Shirley Valentine ~ Ovations Dinner Theatre
Evergreen Park
897-9200
Feb 26
Cobblestone, Creek Side & Meadow View Conversation Café
TBA
882-7813
Jan 9-11
Men’s Zones
Grande Prairie Curling Club
532-7221
Feb 27- Mar 1
Pond Hockey
Clairmont
532-7473
Feb 28
Curl for a Cure
532-7221
Jan 10
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Grande Prairie Curling Club
Jan 14
G.P. Storm Vs. Lloydminster
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Jan 15
G.P. Wheelers Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Jan 15-18, 24-31
The Jungle Book Production
Live Theatre
538-1616
Mar 1
John Wort Hannam (trio)
Live Theatre
538-1616
Jan 16
Big Brothers and Big Sisters Deal or No Deal
Rock City
831-7320
Mar 5-8, 12-14
My Fair Lady Production
Live Theatre
538-1616
Mar 6-8
Grande Prairie Home Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Jan 20
G.P. Storm Vs. Spruce Grove
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Mar 12-14
Peace Country Classic Agri-Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Jan 22
Mountview & Summit Neighbourhood Conversation Café
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Mar 13-15
Ladies Bonspiel
Grande Prairie Curling Club
Jan 22
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
897-9200
G.P. Storm Vs. Fort McMurray
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Mar 13-14, 20-21, The Foursome ~ 27-28 Ovations Dinner Theatre
Evergreen Park
Jan 23-24 Jan 23-24, 30-31
Bedside Manners ~ Ovations Dinner Theatre
Evergreen Park
897-9200
Mar 26
TBA
882-7813
Jan 24
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Westpointe, Pinnacle & O’Brien Lake Neighborhood Conversation Café
Jan 25
G.P. Wheelers Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Mar 27-29
Truckers Bonspiel
532-7221
Jan 29
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Grande Prairie Curling Club
Jan 30
G.P Wheelers Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Jan 31
G.P Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Apr 1-4
Oilmen’s Bonspiel
Grande Prairie Curling Club
532-7221
Heritage Discover Centre
532-5790
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production
538-1616
Annie Patoogook
Apr 2-4, 9, 11, 16-18
Live Theatre
Feb 1 to Mar 31
Apr 3-4, 10-11
897-9200
G.P Storm Vs. Drayton Valley
Crystal Centre
538-0387
The Foursome ~ Ovations Dinner Theatre
Evergreen Park
Feb 3 Feb 5
G.P. Wheelers Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Apr 3-5
Grande Prairie Sports Expo
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Feb 6
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Apr 7-8
Northern Alberta Forestry Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Feb 6-8
Peace Challenge Cup (Junior Bonspiel)
Grande Prairie Curling Club
532-7221
Apr 13-14
Petroleum Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Apr 14-19
Crystal Centre
538-0387
Feb 7
G.P. Wheelers Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Grey Power Players Championships
Feb 8
G.P. Athletics Game
Coca-Cola Centre
513-5252
Apr 13 to Jun 30
UFA Traveling Exhibit and “Trees”
Heritage Discovery Centre
532-5790
JANUARY
APRIL
www.gptourism.ca
FEBRUARY
MARCH
South Peace Centennial Museum
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Street Performers / Sheila Mellon
Hythe Race Car / Tammy Diesel
Reel Short Film Festival
Live Theatre
538-1616
Apr 25-26
Swan Festival
Saskatoon Island
538-5350
Apr 25
4th Annual Black Tie Bingo
Apr 29
Annual Community Pancake Supper
Marking their Mark
Heritage Discovery Centre
532-5790
Aug 8
County of G.P 100th Anniversary
Wembley
532-9722
Aug 14-15
County of G.P 100th Anniversary
Beaverlodge
532-9722
Aug 16
County of G.P 100th Anniversary
Hythe
532-9722
532-5790
Aug 21-22
Agricultural Fair & Trade Show
Beaverlodge
354-2201
County of G.P 100th Anniversary
Evergreen Park
532-9722
Newcomers and Customer Appreciation Barbeque
Beaverlodge
354-2201
Oct 20 to Nov 30
Remembrance Day Display
Heritage Discovery Centre
532-5790
Oct 31
Foot Parade and Halloween Party
Downtown
538-1909
Nov 11
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Beaverlodge
354-2201
Nov 14
Christmas Craft Sale
Hythe
356-3888
Nov 20
Vegas Night
Downtown
539-1909
Nov 28
Annual Dine and Dance
Hythe
356-3888
Nov 29
Santa Parade
Downtown
568-3681
Reverse Santa Parade
Sexsmith
568-3681
830-7000 Hythe
356-3888
MAY
Jul 10 to Sept 30
AUGUST
May 1
Regional Historical Heritage Fair
May 1-2
WORTHY Ideas 4 Kids & Parents Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Aug 29
May 1-2, 8-9, 1516, 22-23, 29-30
Doo-Wop Reunion ~ Ovations Dinner Theatre
Evergreen Park
897-9200
SEPTEMBER
May 7-8
Northern Alberta Forestry Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
May 9
Town Garage Sale
Sexsmith
568-3681
May 13-14
Petroleum Show
Evergreen Park
532-3279
May 29-31
G.P. Stompede
Evergreen Park
532-3279
May to Sept
Hythe Motor Speedway
Hythe
356-3888
May to Aug 31
Swimming pool open
Hythe
356-3888
Jun – Aug
Live Horse Racing
Evergreen
532-3279
Jun 6
County of G.P 100th Anniversary
Sexsmith
568-3681
Jun 6
Chatauqua Days
Sexsmith
568-3681
Jun 13-14
ATV & Truck Show
Evergreen Park
403-3478630
JUNE
EVENTS
Apr 20-26
Sept 10
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Jun 17-20
Iskoteo Arts Festival
Jun 20
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta GPRC Arts Awards Gala
Jun 18
County of G.P 100th Anniversary Heritage Picnic
Grande Prairie Musuem
Jun 20
Sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale
Downtown
Jun 30
Under the Stars Movie Theatre
Centre 2000
539-7688
Jun 30 to Jul 1
Rio Grande Rodeo
Beaverlodge
354-2201
Jul 1
Canada Day Parade
Downtown
538-1909
Jul 1
Canada Day Celebrations
Centre 2000
539-7688
Jul 3-5
Expert Mobile Extreme Country Fever
Evergreen Park
532-3279
Jul10-12
Teepee Creek stampede
Teepee Creek
568-4361
Jul 17-19
Street Performers Festival
Downtown
538-1909
Jul 18-19
Jones Country Jamboree
Beaverlodge
354-2201
DECEMBER 532-5790
JULY
Dec 5
YEAR ROUND
Grande Prairie • Grande Prairie Farmer’s Market - every Fri. (4pm - 8pm) & Sat (10am - 2pm), call 814-8224 • Prairie Art Gallery - ongoing Art Exhibits, see schedule details at www.prairiegallery.com or call 532-8111 • Grande Prairie Museum - ongoing exhibits call 532-5482 • Heritage Discovery Centre - ongoing exhibits call 532-5790 Beaverlodge • Farmer’s Market - held May to Dec, every Tues (6pm - 8pm) & Wed (Noon - 3pm), call 354-2207 • Beaverlodge Cultural Centre - open Tues through Fri from 1pm - 5pm & weekends from 1pm - 4pm, call 354-3600 • South Peace Centennial Museum - open daily 10am - 6pm May through Sept Albright • Farmer’s Market - held every Thurs (Noon-3pm), call 354-2207 • Cultural Centre Art Gallery & Gift Shop - open Tues through Fri 1pm - 5pm & weekends from 1pm - 4pm, call 354-3600
SEASONAL
Rycroft • Farmer’s Market - runs from May to Dec
Please not that all numbers are preceeded by a 780 area code, unless otherwise indicated. We are not responsible for any incorrect information or changes of event dates. To add you local event to this list please call Grande Prairie Regional Tourism at (780) 539-7688.
Aboriginal Days Celebration
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www.gptourism.ca
Bezanson • Farmer’s Market - held every Thurs 5pm – 8pm at the Bezanson Memorial Hall, runs from Apr to Sept
GOLFING
Golfing Golfing
www.gptourism.ca
W
hether you are just passing through, or making the area your vacation choice, the Grande Prairie region has fourteen exceptional golf courses to choose from. Each golf course features vast and diverse landscapes, making it easy to select a course that suits you to a ‘tee’. No matter what your age or skill level — beginner, intermediate or championship, the region’s golf courses offer an exciting, fun and memorable adventure! Picture it . . . winding green fairways and deep ravines of the 18-hole championship Dunes Golf and Winter Club, nestled in the sand dunes area located south of the City of Grande Prairie. The championship club house
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includes multi-use rooms, making it a great facility for that perfect mix of business and pleasure. Or maybe you want to bring your life on par with nature golfing at the Greenview Golf resort located in a beautiful wilderness setting on the south side of Sturgeon Lake. But don’t forget Pipestone Putters Golf Club conveniently located adjacent to the Pipestone Creek Campground or Morningview Park Golf Course set amidst a backdrop of beautiful towering spruce and pines. Whatever your choice, the warm summer days and long summer hours, make golf playable from 5 am to well past 11 pm at night, allowing golfers the opportunity to achieve that perfect shot.
All of the Grande Prairie region’s golf courses welcome walk-in visitors who want to escape the tensions of business travel or highway driving and enjoy a special round of golf in a quiet natural setting. Afterwards, choose to relax and enjoy reasonably priced menus offering either light snacks or full course meals. Most golf courses provide full service pro shops, carts, club rentals and sales, putting greens and driving ranges, but most of all, our golf courses take great pride in providing exceptional hospitality and customer service, only found in Alberta!
Bear Creek Golf Club 18 Holes; Phone (780) 538-3393 Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club 18 Holes; Phone (780) 532-0340 The Dunes Golf & Winter Club 18 Holes; Phone (780) 538-4333 Wee Links Pitch & Putt 9 Holes; Phone (780) 538-4501
Debolt
Wembley
Meridian Drive Golf Course 9 Holes; Phone (780) 957-3795
Sexsmith
Debolt Country Club 9 Holes; Phone (780) 957-2150
Valleyview
Greenview Golf Resort 9 Holes; Phone (780)524-3673
GOLFING
Grande Prairie
Pipestone Putters Golf Club 18 Holes; Phone (780) 766-2720
Morningview Park Golf Course 9 Holes; Phone (780) 568-4357 Spruce Meadows Golf & Country 18 Holes; Phone (780) 568-4653
Valleyview Riverside Golf Course 9 Holes; Phone (780) 524-2449
Wild Rose Cabins 9 Holes Snooker Golf Phone (780) 814-6919
• 18 Holes • Grass Greens • Pro Shop • 5,851 Yards • Driving Range • Licensed Clubhouse • Club & Cart Rentals • Camping
Beaverlodge
Riverbend Golf & Country Club 18 Holes; Phone (780) 354-2538
Phone (780) 766-2720
Grovedale
11 kms south of Wembley off Highway 43
Grovedale Golf Course 18 Holes: Phone (780) 539-9898
Grovedale Golf and Country Club Conveniently located 14 miles southwest of the city of Grande Prairie. This challenging 18-hole course offers a dramatic, country, park-like setting, nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Grovedale, just 15 minutes away, which is paved right to the front door. This 18-hole golf course is beautifully treed and can be enjoyed with privacy even on windy days! Enjoy and unwind in the serene, natural, wilderness setting of this golf course.
www.gptourism.ca
Native groves of poplar, hundreds of spruce trees and tall prairie grasses provide definition to the perfectly landscaped holes where wildlife abounds. The pace is slower, players are more relaxed and strangers are always made to feel welcome. The licensed clubhouse makes a great facility for business and pleasure and is suited to host banquets and company tournaments that encourages networking in a friendly, hospitable atmosphere.
Walk-ins are welcome! Phone: (780) 539-9898
www.grovedalegolfandcountryclub.com 59
DINING
Dining Dining
BAKERY & DESSERTS
Cakery Café 780-513-0222 / 9505-68th Ave / Grande Prairie Grandma Lee’s Bakery - Prairie Mall 780-539-3117 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Sexsmith Bakery 780-568-4434 / 9929a 100 St / Sexsmth Marble Slab Creamery 780-532-4140 / 103a, 10416-116 Ave / Grande Prairie Mini Links Canteen 780-538-0451 / Muskoseepi Park / Grande Prairie
BISTRO & TEA HOUSE
www.gptourism.ca
Esquires Coffeehouse 780-538-1098 / 101, 10635 Westside Dr / Grande Prairie 780-830-0001 / 701, 10003-92 St / Grande Prairie Jeffery’s Café Co 780-513-8554 / 9904-101 Ave / Grande Prairie Laurel’s Peace Country Preserves 780-830-2776 / 10023-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Old Barn Store & Tea House 780-532-3212 / Hwy 40 south Prairie Cafe - Stonebridge Hotel 780-539-5561 / 12102-100 St / Grande Prairie Rick’s Place 780-539-3454 / 9909-102 Ave / Grande Prairie Rose’s Café 780-532-6280 / 10012-101 St / Grande Prairie Starbucks Coffee Canada 780-832-4857 / 10948-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Tim Horton’s Donuts 780-532-6660 / 10206-100 St / Grande Prairie 780-538-3494 / 10432-100 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-513-8800 / 11740 - 100 St / Grande Prairie 780-882-0098 / 101, 10902-105 Ave / Grande Prairie
Tito’s Bistro & Café Ltd. 780-539-4881 / 101, 10006-101 Ave / Grande Prairie
CHINESE
Don’s Dining 780-513-2888 / 106, 9840-97 Ave / Grande Prairie East Side Kitchen 780-539-7727 / 9316-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Gold Fountain 780-524-4552 / 4710-50 St / Valleyview Golden Star Restaurant 780-532-7546 / 10112-101 Ave / Grande Prairie Imperial Garden Restaurant 780-538-1611 / 10018-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Jackpot Grill 780-538-1255 / 10904-92 Ave / Grande Prairie Mah’s Family Restaurant 780-532-3715 / Towne Centre Mall / Grande Prairie Sexsmith Kitchen 780-568-2844 / 9906-99 St / Grande Prairie Sizzling Wok - Prairie Mall 780-538-1277 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Wally’s Kitchen 780-532-6969 / 9302-100 St / Grande Prairie Wok N’ Grill 780-402-8787 / 12335-99 St, Sears Plaza / Grande Prairie
FAMILY DINING
Beaverlodge Motor Inn 780-354-2291 / 116 - 6a St / Beaverlodge Clairmont Inn 780-567-3778 / 9811-101 Ave / Clairmont Delmonica’s - Standford Inn 780-539-5678 / 11401-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Denny’s - Sandman Inn 780-513-0103 / 9805-100 St / Grande Prairie
Garden Restaurant 780-765-3353 / 5416-49 Ave / Rycroft Grande Hills Restaurant 780-568-4448 / 10002-100 Ave / LaGlace Gulliver’s 780-513-8328 / 10829-104a Ave / Grande Prairie Harvest Grill & Wok - Quality Inn 780-513-6000 / 11201-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Humpty’s Family Restaurant 780-532-7446 / 13211-100 St / Grande Prairie Husky House 24 HR Restaurant 780-814-8115 / 7201-99 St / Clairmont Husky House Restaurant 780-532-8036 / 10915-100 Ave / Grande Prairie LaGlace Restaurant 780-568-2831 / 10002-100 Ave / LaGlace Last Chance Restaurant & Pub - Western Budget 780-832-0060 / 13920-99 St / Grande Prairie Ma & Pa’s Diner 780-930-0766 / 14809-100 St / Bezanson Major’s Family Restaurant 780-539-5500 / 12002-100 St / Grande Prairie Mama Panda 780-538-1600 / 12309-100 St / Grande Prairie Melsness Mercantile 780-356-2403 / west on Hwy 49 / Valhalla Mike’s Wheel Inn 780-765-3366 / 4910-43 St / Rycroft Moxie’s - Prairie Mall 780-532-4401 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Peaks Restaurant - Hythe Motor Inn 780-356-2151 / Hythe Prairie Café - Stonebridge Hotel 780-539-5561 / 12102-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Rig’s Restaurant 780-524-4143 / Hwy 43 / Little Smoky
" Two Great Food And Beverage Destinations In One Convenient Location !" 60
FAST FOOD
A&W 780-532-4565 / 12205-100 Street / Grande Prairie 780-538-0552 / Prairie Mall / Grande Prairie 780-539-5001 / 11441-100 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-354-2781 / 310-1 Ave / Beaverlodge Arby’s 780-538-2729 / 12023-100 St / Grande Prairie Costco Restaurant 780-538-2393 / 9901-116 St / Grande Prairie Dairy Queen 780-532-2007 / 10004-105 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-402-2008 / 9509 – 68 Ave / Grande Prairie Booster Juice 780-532-5200 / 101, 10661-108A St / Grande Prairie 780-357-9660 / 102, 6815 Kateri Dr / Grande Prairie Burger Baron 780-524-2177 / 4609-50 Ave / Valleyview Burger King 780-814-8181 / 10860-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Burger Heaven 780-814-7015 / 9903-110th Ave / Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Bingo Hall Café 780-513-8946 / 109 St & 107 Ave / Grande Prairie Joker’s Cafe - Great Northern Casino 780-882-6513 / 10910-107a Ave / Grande Prairie Jugo Juice 780-513-1008 / 101, 10915-104A Ave / Grande Prairie Crystal Catering - Crystal Centre 780-532-7095 / 8612-100 St / Grande Prairie Kentucky Fried Chicken 780-532-8520 / 10533-100 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-532-3669 / 10813-100 St / Grande Prairie McDonald’s 780-532-7232 / 11802-100 St / Grande Prairie 780-513-2330 / 11469-100 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-532-3342 / 11050-103 Ave - Walmart / Grande Prairie Muskoseepi Park Canteen 780-513-0660 / 10829-104a Ave / Grande Prairie New York Fries - Prairie Mall 780-814-7220 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Orange Julius - Prairie Mall 780-402-2828 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Runway Café 780-539-0839 / 130, 10610 Airport Rd / Grande Prairie Safari Restaurant 780-513-1999 / 10012-101 St / Grande Prairie Viewpoint, The 780-532-9440 / 205-10610 Airport Dr / Grande Prairie Wendy’s Restaurants 780-538-3828 / 10007-99 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-532-6886 / 12411-100 St / Grande Prairie Weyerhaeuser Restaurant 780-539-8500 / Weyerhauser / Grande Prairie
FINE DINING
GREEK
Mama’s Donair & Pizza - Prairie Mall 780-538-1889 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Acropolis 780-538-4424 / 10011-101 Ave / Grande Prairie
ITALIAN
East Side Mario’s 780-513-8900 / 10622-99 Ave / Grande Prairie Guerino’s 780-513-3630 / 103, 10635 Westside Dr / Grande Prairie Padrino’s - Best Western 780-814-7171 / 10745-117 Ave / Grande Prairie
ASIAN
Edo Japan - Prairie Mall 780-538-3551 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Prairie Sushi 780-357-9088 / 10030-116 Avenue / Grande Prairie Sam’s Sushi - Prairie Mall 780-882-6683 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie Tokyo Ichiban 780-882-0098 / 10902-105 Ave / Grande Prairie Wok Box 780-532-9269 / 10915-104 Ave / Grande Prairie
MEXICAN
STEAK & SEAFOOD
Taco Del Mar 8060-100 St / Grande Prairie Taco Time 780-539-1003 / 10821-100 St / Grande Prairie Taco Time - Prairie Mall 780-357-1222 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie
PIZZA
Anna’s Pizza & Family Restaurant 780-354-3988 / 109-10 St / Beaverlodge Boston Pizza 780-532-0310 / 12117-100 St / Grande Prairie 780-814-2331 / 11250 Westgate Dr / Grande Prairie Buster’s Pizza & Donair 780-402-7400 / 9917c-97 Ave / Grande Prairie Daddio’s Pizzeria 780-539-1889 / 105, 9505-68 Ave / Grande Prairie Domino’s Pizza 780-814-7500 / 10501-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Little Caesar’s Pizza 780-532-5505 / 101, 9725-98 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-532-5505 / 10119-117 Ave / Grande Prairie Maggies Pizza & Pasta 780-882-7777 / 10004-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Panago Pizza 780-310-0001 / 103, 9802-97 Ave / Grande Prairie Pizza 73 780-831-7373 / 10012-99 Ave / Grande Prairie Pizza Experts 780-532-1644 / 107, 10011-92 St / Grande Prairie Pizza Hut 780-538-1991 / 12520-100 St / Grande Prairie 780-538-1991 / 9701-84 Ave / Grande Prairie Ramona Pizza & Family 780-532-1534 / 10120-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Sarpino’s Pizza 780-538-1700 / 11030-100 St / Grande Prairie
PUBS & SPORTS BARS
Bar One 780-513-6640 / 9805-100 St / Grande Prairie Better Than Freds 780-532-4450 / 9903-101 St / Grande Prairie BJ’s Q Club & Lounge 780-539-6576 / 10013-97 Ave / Grande Prairie Breakers Sports Lounge & Billiards 780-532-6431 / 9734-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Crown & Anchor Pub 780-532-5444 / 8022-100 St / Grande Prairie Dogs Billiards & Dart Club 780-538-0661 / 10017-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Dukes Country Club 780-532-5243 / 9929-101 Ave / Grande Prairie Dunes Golf & Winter Club 780-538-4333 / Resources Rd south / Grande Prairie Egan McSwiggins 780-402-7090 / 11920-100 St / Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club 780-532-0340 / Resources Rd south / Grande Prairie Jax Grill & Lounge 780-830-2000 / 10612-99 Ave / Grande Prairie Lions Den Pub 780-513-5511 / 10702-108a St / Grande Prairie Maddhatters Liquid Lounge 780-532-9080 / 11301-100 St / Grande Prairie Original Joe’s 10704-78 Ave / Grande Prairie Pitchers Pub 780-513-6601 / 9728 Montrose Ave / Grande Prairie Shark Club Bar & Grill 780-532-6510 / 9903-101 St / Grande Prairie Trumps Pub - Stonebridge Hotel 780-539-5561 / 12102-100 Ave / Grande Prairie
At The Post Lounge - Evergreen Park 780-532-3279 / Evergreen Park / Grande Prairie
Barcelona Steakhouse & Bar 780-532-4201 / 9816-107 St / Grande Prairie Joey’s Only Seafood 780-538-2722 / 10420-116 Ave / Grande Prairie Keg Steakhouse & Bar 780-539-6699 / 10532-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Mr Mike’s Steak House & Bar 780-538-9378 / 10214-116 Ave / Grande Prairie Tony Roma’s 780-538-4546 / 10745-117 Ave / Grande Prairie Valleyview Pizza & Steak House 780-524-3141 / 4914-50 Ave / Valleyview
SUBS, WRAPS & SANDWICHES Badass Jack’s Sub & Wraps 780-814-7971 / 105, 9606-100 St / Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Regional College Cafeteria 780-539-2950 / 10726-106 Ave / Grande Prairie Extreme Pita 780-402-7457 / 107a, 10416-116 Ave / Grande Prairie Mr Sub 780-513-3775 / 11020-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Pita Pit 780-532-7215 / 103, 10001-97 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-538-9198 / 102, 10661-108a St / Grande Prairie Quiznos 780-402-0220 / 104, 10661-108a St / Grande Prairie 780-882-2350 / 102, 10001-97 Ave / Grande Prairie Sexsmith Double B Butcher Shop 780-568-3861 / 9913-100 St / Sexsmith Subway 780-538-4644 / 10012-99 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-532-9133 / 105, 10329-111 St / Grande Prairie 780-538-3746 / 10125-117 Ave / Grande Prairie 780-539-6065 / 11801-100 St / Grande Prairie 780-539-9408 / 10011-92 St / Grande Prairie 104, 9837-116 St / Grande Prairie 780-354-2844 / 1020-1 Ave / Beaverlodge Wrapper Jack’s 780-402-2993 / 102, 10635 Westside Dr / Grande Prairie
™
............................ 10501 - 100 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB Open at 11 am daily
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Bridges - Stonebridge Hotel 780-539-5561 / 1210-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Cherry Lounge Inc. 780-832-0494 / 10833-100 St / Grande Prairie
Cygnet Dining Room 780-539-5561 / 12102-100 St / Grande Prairie Earl’s Restaurant 780-538-3275 / 9825-100 St / Grande Prairie Jake’s Down South 780-532-5667 / 10817-107a Ave / Grande Prairie La Provence - Grande Prairie Inn 780-532-5221 / 11633-100 St / Grande Prairie
DINING
Red Willow Inn 780-356-3979 / 7, 10311-101 Ave / Hythe Rycroft Hotel Café - Rycroft Hotel 780-765-3026 / Rycroft Sexsmith Hotel Café - Sexsmith Hotel 780-568-2262 / 9807-100 Street / Sexsmith Side Trax Restaurant 780-354-2840 / 402-1 Ave / Beaverlodge Smitty’s Restaurant 780-513-1223 / 102, 11070-100 Ave / Grande Prairie Stone Grill & Comedy Club - Stonebridge Hotel 780-539-5561 / 1210 100th Ave / Grande Prairie Soups 780-354-3111 / 908 2 Ave / Beaverlodge Traveller’s Voyageur Restaurant 780-524-4465 / 4007 Hwy 43 / Valleyview
TOURS
County Map T County Map
M.D. #20 M.D. #19
M.D. #16
M.D. #16
M.D. #16
1
Visitor Information Centre Centre 2000, Grande Prairie Highway 43 By-Pass
2
Kleskun Hill Park & Historic Site Highway 43 east to TWP Road 724, north to Range Road 41
3
Bad Heart Straw Church East 733 to 750, 4 miles NE to Range Road 52
4
Kleskun Valley Viewpoint Highway 2 north to TWP Road 742, east to Range Road 52
City
5
Town
Sexsmith Historical Site Back to Highway 2, 1-1/2 miles south
6
Bear Hill Viewpoint Highway 2 north 1-1/4 miles west on 59 to 724, 3 miles north
7
LaGlace Memorial West on Highway 59
Day-Trip Route-Gravel
8
Melsness Mercantile Valhalla Centre West on Highway 59
Primary Highway
9
Secondary Highway
Hythe Information and Tack Shop West to 721, south to 43
10 South Peace Centennial Museum Southeast on Highway 2
LEGEND Campground Golf Course Ski Hill Historic Site
www.gptourism.ca
Airport
Village Day-Trip Route-Paved
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11 Beaverlodge & Area Cultural Centre 512 - 5 Ave in Beaverlodge 12 Saskatoon Mountain Viewpoint SE on Highway 3 to Range Road 92 13 Pipestone Creek Park East to Wembley, Range Road 82 and south 14 Grande Prairie Museum 102 Avenue and 102 Street 15 Evergreen Park Resources Road
Tours GEO-CACHING TOUR in the GRANDE PRAIRIE REGION
W
hat is Geocaching? Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capabilities of a GPS unit. Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association is participating in the formation of GPS tours and rewards for finding the points of interest. For a complete selection of the tours visit our web site www.gptourism.ca or stop in and see us at the visitor information centre.
GRANDE PRAIRIE ROTARY CLUB’S BUS TOURS
Take in the Grande Prairie Rotary Club’s free one and a half hour bus tour of the City and County every Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday evening, June through to August. This award winning tour leaves Centre 2000 (Visitor Information Centre) at 7pm sharp. Call (780) 539-7688 for more information.
SASKATOON ISLAND PROVINCIAL PARK TOURS
Guided tours are available on the trails of the park throughout the summer. For more information or to book a tour call (780) 538-5350.
GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE TOURS
The Grande Prairie Regional College was designed by renowned aboriginal architect Douglas Cardinal. Visitors are invited to view this facility of rounded structural lines blending with
TOURS
Tours
the beauty of the Bear Creek valley and reservoir. For touring information call (780) 539-2911.
ARBOUR TOUR
Enjoy a tour of eight local groves! Be part of a legacy of beauty and awareness of trees and their inherent value through the development and maintenance of groves throughout the City of Grande Prairie. Call (780) 5324711 for more tour information.
GRANDE PRAIRIE MUSEUM LANTERN TOURS
Experience the pioneer spirit. Follow the lantern bearer through historic buildings in the beautiful Heritage Village. Relive our heritage days through short and witty skits. Refreshments are included. Tours are held in late October.
Diamonds in the Rough www.gptourism.ca
Add a sparkle to your summer vacation - tour the Deh Cho Travel route for your chance to win great prizes
Your 2009 Passport to driveable adventures in Canada’s North ! A scenic and historic route through Alberta, northeast British Columbia and the Northwest Territories
www.dehchotravel.com
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TOURS
Breeden’s Do Breeden’s Downtown Tour V
isitors can drive or walk to view some of the original homesteads and buildings. At the same time shop or enjoy fine dining along the way. The tour begins at the western edges of the city centre in Muskoseepi Park (refer to inset City Map). Visitors can park their RVs at Centre 2000 or at the original log cabin parking lot immediately adjacent Centre 2000 and retrace the steps of the First Nations people who gathered here to harvest service or Saskatoon berries. Or park in the Muskoseepi parking area at 102 Street and 102 Avenue and begin the tour at the Museum’s Pioneer Village.
Stop 2: Hermit Lake School, Pioneer Museum
Stop 1: McQueen’s Presbyterian Church, Pioneer Museum
In 1915, the Hermit Lake School was established several miles west of the city. It is a typical schoolhouse consisting of a single-storied clapboard structure with a shingled roof. As growth continued in the region, the Department of Education began building centralized schools with rural school bus routes.
which served as the post office. Tempest remained postmaster until his death in 1937. This simple unadorned structure is typical of early rural Alberta post offices.
Stop 5: George Plante Residence, Muskoseepi Park
The original foundation walls are all that remains of the Plante residence. Plante, a trapper and guide, surveyor and grounds man, arrived to build his house in 1919 from Lac Ste. Anne. Like many first homesteaders, the Bear Creek Valley was chosen because of the easy access to both water and the trails. George would not have access to piped water and sewers for another forty-one years
Stop 6: Wooden Muskoseepi Park
Trestle,
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Stop 3: Firehall Replica, Pioneer Museum
Reverend Alexander Forbes and his wife Agnes first visited Grande Prairie in 1909 and selected a site on 100 Avenue and built this church on the hill leading down to the creek. In 1911, volunteers began hauling logs from the Wapiti River and the Women’s Missionary Society of Edmonton purchased a Dominion organ. Officially opened in that same year, the church would remain open until 1926. Today, residents and visitors can still use the church for summer marriage ceremonies.
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Fire was a threat to many of Grande Prairie’s first residents. In 1915, a resident along with his horses was unable to escape an inferno; thus two sixty gallon chemical machines were purchased and five years later the first firehall was built. This replica of the building was designed by architect Charles Spencer and was a neoclassically styled hall.
Stop 4: Kleskun Hill Post Office, Pioneer Museum
George Tempest arrived in the Kleskun Hills after conquering the Long Trail in 1913. His farm became the site of the first postal station in 1917 and in 1934, a new house was erected, a portion of
From Plante’s residence, walk south under the bridges to view the trestle. The bridges mark the site of the city’s first creamery built in 1917 and the trestle, built and used by the Edmonton, Dunvegan and British Columbia Railway beginning in 1916, opened the way for settlers to flood the Peace region following the Great War. It was later rebuilt in 1941 to accommodate wartime traffic associated with the building of the Alaska Highway.
Drive or walk east along Richmond Avenue to this site. William Innes, first manager of the city’s first Union Bank, bought this building in 1914. Innes arrived in Grande Prairie in 1911 along the Edson Trail carrying his personal belongings and banking supplies consisting of two small minute books, a pocket diary, some cheques, deposit slips and bank forms, and a small amount of cash. He later moved to Carriage Lane.
Stop 8: Crummy and Innes Residences, Carriage Lane, 9804 and 9810 - 102 Street
These homes were typical of several influential members of Grande Prairie’s early commercial days: George Crummy, who would become owner of the Empire Hotel and Crummy Brothers General Merchants and later vice-president of the Board of Trade; and William Innes, the first city banker. Note the gabled roofs, brick chimneys, and long open verandas.
Stop 9: Christ Church Anglican Church, 9809-102 Street
Canon F.C. Smith arrived from England to open this church in 1914. The small building had a steeple completed in 1915 and other small structures (manse, barn) were added. In 1927, expansion included a chancel and placement of the building on cement foundations. This building located at the corner of 102 Street and 100 Avenue served the Anglican congregation until 1982.
dirt floors but these were considered elegant compared to the treacherous wilds of the Long Trail.
Stop 11: Downtown Avenue…1911 to Today
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Stop 13: The Forbes Homestead, 10424 - 96 Street
Breeden’s dream for a civilized downtown area out of the wilds was realized. In 1912, Salmond built a new fourteen room hotel at 10031-100 Street. In 1913, William Caldwell and John McAuley, fur traders, established the Selkirk Trading Company at 10028-100 Avenue. In 1919, C.L. Grisdale opened an Imperial Bank of Canada branch at 10002-100 Avenue, the present site of the CIBC. In 1928, a Provincial Court House followed. By 1940, the city’s population had grown to 1500. Models of the new Plymouth motor car sold for $1163. Women’s lingerie and panties sold for 75 cents to $3.95 but winter parkas were a better buy at 55 cents to $1.95…hmm!?
Stop 12: Central Park High School, 10209 - 99 Street
Drive to the oldest public building in Grande Prairie. Opened in 1917 as Montrose School and later as Central Park High in 1929, this is a two storey brick veneer building. It also served as a junior high school until
Forbes and his wife, Agnes arrived from Scotland in 1894 to serve the Presbyterian community in Fort Saskatchewan. In 1909, he travelled to ‘la grande prairie’ holding services near Beaverlodge. In 1910, he travelled with his wife over the Edson Trail in a covered caboose through snow and temperatures near minus 40 degree Celsius. Seventy-three days later they arrived in the Grande Prairie area. In 1911, he and his wife continued to live in their caboose but also began erecting a one and a half log storey residence named ‘Montrose’ after Agnes’ Scotland birthplace. Today’s building remains largely unchanged since its original construction and has been designated a Provincial Historical Resource. Today’s downtown is very different from the days of the early 1900’s… paved streets and sidewalks, lots of parking versus muddy wagon ruts and boardwalks. Visitors can stroll along our sidewalks, purchase anything from high tech gadgets to souvenirs and gifts or choose to enjoy fine shopping and dining within downtown Grande Prairie. We are proud of our downtown shopping district and consider it an important feature of our community. A group of merchants dedicated to preserving this belief is The Downtown Association. The Association hosts and sponsors numerous shopping and marketing events throughout the year including Vegas Night, the Street Performers Festival and the Santa Claus Parade. We hope you enjoy your tour!
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Stop 10: Breeden’s Hotel, now 214 Place, 102 Street and 100 Avenue George Breeden and Joseph Germain built the first two buildings within the present limits of Grande Prairie in 1907. Breeden ran a blacksmith shop and operated a stopping house. Guests slept under a sod roof and on the
1967, and then as a venue for Grande Prairie Regional College. It currently is a Provincial Historic Resource and housed The Prairie Art Gallery. Recently, extreme snowfalls damaged the building and collapsed part of the the Gallery. Construction has begun on the new facility.
TOURS
owntown Trails Stop 7: Innes Log Cabin, 9012 - 102 Street
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CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
www.gptourism.ca
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodati Accommodations ACCESS CANADA
M
any of our Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts participate in Access Canada which is a program designed to meet the accommodation needs of seniors and people with disabilities. Participating establishments will display an Access Canada logo designating their attained level. Four disability groups are addressed: Agility, Vision, Hearing and Mobility. Please contact properties as they will have specific information on services and facility features available on site for guest use.
HOUSE KEEPING AWARDS
Many properties in the Grande Prairie region have received housekeeping awards of excellence. The Housekeeping Award Program was developed in 1983 by the Alberta Hotel
& Lodging Association, the Motel Association of Alberta and Alberta Economic Development to encourage, recognize and foster excellence in housekeeping and maintenance. Many of our region’s Hotel/Motel properties are inspected annually for the award.
rated based on the extent of physical facilities and services, amenities and the quality offered. When booking your accommodation ask what the rating is for the property, as this will help you select a property that matches your needs.
CANADA SELECT PROGRAM
*
Modest accommodation meeting Canada Select standards of cleanliness, comfort and safety.
**
Moderate accommodation with additional facilities and some amenities.
***
Above average accommodation with a greater range of facilities, guest amenities, and services.
****
Exceptional accommodation with an extensive range of facilities, guest amenities and services.
*****
Luxurious properties; among the very best in the country in terms of the outstanding facilities, amenities and guest services available.
T H E
S M A R T
Many of the properties in our region voluntarily participate in the Canada Select Accommodation ratings program, which helps you to select a property that best suits your needs while travelling in Alberta. Overall cleanliness and state of repair are requirements of the program. Properties are grouped into five categories based on shared characteristics such as general location, facilities, services and market appeal - rating criteria is different for each category. Properties are then
INNS
&Grande SUITES Prairie Rooms designed with guests in mind
C H O I C E
SPECIAL WEEKEND RATES! Simply mention the Visitors Guide at the time of booking for special weekend rates!
Variety of Rooms to Choose From
www.gptourism.ca
A L W A Y S
123 Rooms Free Continental Breakfast Wireless Internet Indoor Waterpark Pool Hot Tub Exercise Room
Located in the heart of Grande Prairie and across from the Crystal Centre + 137 comfortable guest rooms + Kitchenettes, executive and onebedroom suites + Honeymoon suites + Fitness facilities + Indoor pool and whirlpool + High speed Internet access + Business Centre + Denny’s Restaurant with room service + Shark Club -Sports, Bar & Grill + Bar One Urban Lounge HAC’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program has awarded Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie three Green Keys for their environmental initiatives!
Toll Free 1-888-875-4667
www.serviceplusinns.com Other Locations arly en E Grande Prairie Drayton Valley Calgary O2p009 10810 - 107A Ave 5704 Power Centre Blvd 3503 - 114 Ave, S.E. Grande Prairie, AB Drayton Valley, AB Calgary, AB 780-538-3900 780-542-4348 403-256-5352
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9805 100 St, Grande Prairie AB, T8V 6X3 T 780 513 5555 F 780 513 5131 Rates subject to change and subject to availability. Taxes extra. Valid until December 31, 2009.
1+800+SANDMAN sandmanhotels.com
From the Arctic Winter games to the Grande Prairie Petroleum show along with numerous national, provincial and regional conventions the Grande Prairie region has consistently rewarded organizers with first class facilities along with outstanding service! Grande Prairie is accessible by regular scheduled flights and major highways and can accommodate all sizes of events, meetings, or conferences . . . You’ll discover our region can be a choice environment for you offering great dining facilities, activities such as golfing, tours, fishing and not to mention the shopping is incredible!
ACCOMMODATIONS
ions
Meeting and Convention Facilities
hospitality. Contact Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association at 1-866-202-2202 for more information.
AMENITIES AVAILABLE
• 58 + Accommodation properties • Air Service includes west Jet, Air Canada, Swanberg Air • Pre- and post-conference packages • Promotional material for the convention planners include promotional CD’s promotional pins, videos, maps and Visitor Guides • Bus tours
1998 Alberta Economic Development Good Housekeeping Award Winner
New 92 unit Hotel in Clairmont, enjoy the comforts of home, relax in our double pillow-top king beds and extra spacious rooms Meeting Room / A.E.D.
Consider Grande Prairie for your next conference, trade show or retreat and experience our warm Northern
• Kitchen Suites • Jacuzzi Suites • Conference Rooms • Business Centre
• Presidential Suite • Water Park • Fitness Centre • 100 % non- smoking
Your Home Away From Home 10909 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3J9 Reservations 1-800-661-7874 Phone/Fax 780-539-4700
8117-99 Street Clairmont, AB, TOH OWO www.redwoodinnandsuites.com
Phone: 780-357-1916
Email info@lodgemotorinn.com
or 1-866-567-2427 Fax: 780-357-1847
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www.gptourism.ca
Complete convention facilities are available at Evergreen Park and the Canada Games arena as well as numerous hotel properties located throughout the region. World class recreational facilities are available to add to any convention package and outdoor activities include golfing skiing, biking and hiking trails. Guided city tours are a must for any convention and we have several tourism operators offering great get away packages.
Beaverlodge Beaverlodge Beaverlodge Bezanson Crooked Creek Debolt Fox Creek Fox Creek Fox Creek Fox Creek Grande Cache Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie
Beaverlodge Hotel Beaverlodge Motor Inn SideTrax Inn Northern Lights Motel Alberta Country Cottage Bed & Breakfast Debolt Hotel Bedrock Inn Foxwood Inn Suites Foxcreek Inn Western Inn Misty Mountain Apartments & Suites A River Road Bed, Breakfast and Bales Best Western Grande Prairie Hotel Brookshire Manor Bed & Breakfast Canadian Motor Inn Carlsholm Guesthouse Clairmont Inn Days Inn Executive Apartment Suites Grande Prairie Inn Happy Trails Cabins Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Express
354-2059 354-2291 354-2256 532-6169 505-0724 957-3797 622-2223 622-2280 622-3821 622-8333 827-4268 538-1204 402-2378 814-5635 532-1680 532-1472 567-3778 532-2773 539-1567 532-5221 814-6919 402-6886 814-9446
1-866-462-8025 1-877-723-9797 1-877-636-1666 1-866-852-2378 1-800-291-7893 1-888-830-7552 1-800-661-6529 1-800-465-4329 1-877-814-9336
354-2910 354-2225 354-8676 814-7432 957-2864 957-3797 622-2256 622-2290 622-4245 622-3887 827-2333 538-3420 402-8026 814-5635 532-1245 532-1472 567-3768 532-7057 539-7461 532-5441 814-7131 402-6835 814-9466
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INTERNET WHEELCHAIR ACC. POOL GROUP SPECIALS
SUITES MEETING / BANQUET KITCHENETTE ALLOW PETS RESTAURANT FAX / PHOTOCOPY LAUNDRY SHUTTLE SMOKING
FAX (780)
ORGANIZATION NAME
TOLL FREE
CITY
PHONE (780)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodatio Accommodations
10 59 54 4 3 7 14 49 91 63 56 3 100 4 86 2 11 90 25 203 18 146 102
www.gptourism.ca
Absolute Value. Our Full Service Hotel in Grande Prairie Features: • 42” HD LCD TVs Plus Satellite Service • Central Location next to Prairie Mall • On-site Restaurants and Lounge • Meeting Rooms & Catering Facilities Grande Prairie | Fort McMurray | Fort St. John www.stonebridgehotel.ca | 1.888.419.4657
70
Newly Renovated and Featuring Covered Parkade with Energized Stalls. Plus: Central Location Next to Prairie Mall, Pool, Hot Tub, Steam Room, On-site Restaurants and Lounge, Largest Meeting Space in Town
gpinn.com • 1.800.661.6529
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513-5131 532-8558 539-9333 538-3913 539-3077 538-4636 532-8868 539-4700 513-3447 538-3339 832-0167 538-9978 532-0617 356-2157 356-3222 524-5262 765-2070 765-2548 568-3670 864-2110 864-4330 524-2334 524-4223 524-2732 524-5020 524-4455
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1-800-661-7954 1-877-814-7448 1-866-567-2427 1-800-726-3626 1-888-875-4667 1-800-422-7791 1-800-661-8160 1-888-41winks 1-888-888-9488 1-800-661-7874
1-800-444-3243
1-888-205-1644
1-888-909-3908 1-800-557-2836
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# OF ROOMS
1-800-466-8356 1-888-622-1185 1-866-440-2080 1-877-977-4678
539-3988 532-5946 814-7333 830-7745 538-0703 830-2902 513-1146 532-0230 532-1961 814-7459
GROUP SPECIALS
SUITES MEETING / BANQUET KITCHENETTE ALLOW PETS RESTAURANT FAX / PHOTOCOPY LAUNDRY SHUTTLE SMOKING INTERNET WHEELCHAIR ACC. POOL
PHONE (780)
539-5314 539-4568 814-8176 830-7744 532-3702 830-2000 831-2999 539-5500 539-6000 814-7448 357-1916 513-8289 513-5555 538-3900 532-1040 539-5678 532-8819 539-5561 532-8288 539-4700 513-4043 538-3366 832-0160 532-4100 532-1511 356-2151 356-3979 524-4178 765-3951 765-3601 568-3920 864-3562 864-3744 524-3324 524-3904 524-3383 524-5020 524-5700
FAX (780)
Igloo Inn Maple Meadows Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Millwood Country Inn Motel 6 Parkside Inn Podollan Inn & Spa Pomeroy Inn & Suites Prairie Haven Motel Quality Hotel & Conference Centre Ramada Truck Stop Redwood Inns & Suites Rest-A-While Bed & Breakfast Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie Service Plus Inns & Suites Silvercrest Lodge Stanford Inn Starlite Motel Stonebridge Hotel Super 8 Motel The Lodge Motor Inn Wapiti Community Dorm (Emergency Beds Only) Western Budget Motel (100St) Western Budget Motel (99St) Westport Inn York Hotel Hythe Motor Inn Red Willow Inn Little Smoky Motel Crossroads Motel Rycroft Hotel Sexsmith Hotel 49 Motel Spirit River Hotel Hi Valley Motor Inn Horizon Motel & Restaurant Raven Motor Inns Ye Old Country Inn Shamrock Motel
TOLL FREE
Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Hythe Hythe Little Smoky Rycroft Rycroft Sexsmith Spirit River Spirit River Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview
ORGANIZATION NAME
80 4 4 132 36 109 66 67 102 98 92 3 137 123 95 204 44 126 103 52 60 55 102 64 46 24 18 20 31 9 9 43 18 60 97 35 5 22
ACCOMMODATIONS
ons CITY
We put your comfort in a whole new environment • FREE FREE High-speed internet FREE Fresh baked cookies upon check-in FREE 24-hour business station FREE local calls and long distance access FREE in-room coffee/tea maker FREE Fitness Centre FREE Leisure Centre Passes FREE Parking in large lot FREE Airport shuttle service In-room On Command movies 100% satisfaction guarantee
www.gptourism.ca
• • • • • • • • •
11201 - 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5M6 Tel 780.539.6000 Toll Free 1.800.661.7954
71
Provincial Pa
Alberta’s Northern Parks. . . . . .Closer to home than you think. O’Brien Park bench / Sam Zarei
www.gptourism.ca
ALBERTA PARKS & PROTECTED AREAS
Provincial Parks and Recreation Areas
W
hether you are looking for a weekend away or a peaceful holiday, our Provincial Parks (PP) and Provincial Recreation Areas (PRA) offer endless opportunities to enjoy the diversity of this region’s lakes, forests, mountains, rivers and prairie.
72
CAMPING
Camping is available at most provincial parks and recreation areas. All offer forested campsites and power is available at Saskatoon Island, Moonshine Lake, Young’s Point and Williamson Provincial Parks. For
those wanting the comfort of a shower or concession, try Saskatoon Island, Young’s Point or Moonshine Lake.
WATER SPORTS
Enjoy a day of water skiing, paddling, or having fun on the beach at Young’s
Point, Williamson, and Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and Musreau Lake Provincial Recreational Area.
PROGRAMS
PICNICS
Looking for somewhere to spend a special afternoon? Try a picnic along the Wapiti River at O’Brien Provincial Park, a walk in Northern badlands at Kleskun Hill Natural Area, or take in amazing views of the Rocky Mountains from Saskatoon Mountain.
FISHING
Sturgeon Lake supports the regions largest year-round lake fishery with access at both Young’s Point and Williamson Provincial Parks. At Two Lakes and Moonshine Lake Provincial Parks try your luck catching trout from shore, a non-motorized or electric boat, or on the ice. If you prefer casting a line into flowing water, check the Iosegun River in Waskahigan Provincial Recreational Area or the Kakwa River on the way to Two Lakes Provincial Park.
Provincial Park on Family Day and Parks Day in July at Saskatoon Island Provincial Park. Saskatoon Island is also the place to be for the annual swan festival on April 25 and 26.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is the focal point for nature-based family programs. Throughout July and August, visitors can drop-in for Saturday afternoon discovery activities or be entertained at an evening amphitheatre show. New programs are also being offered at Moonshine Lake and Young’s Point Provincial Parks so be sure to check park notice boards.
EVENTS
The Grande Prairie region is home to an amazing variety of wildlife from waterfowl and songbirds to moose and beaver. Viewing platforms at Saskatoon Island and Young’s Point Provincial Park are great places to experience thriving wetlands. Selfguided trails at Kleskun Hill Natural Area and Saskatoon Island Provincial Park explore the region’s rare native prairie landscapes.
HIKING and MOUNTAIN BIKING
ALBERTA PARKS & PROTECTED AREAS
arks and Recre
Whether you prefer summer hiking and mountain biking or winter crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing, trails await in all of our provincial parks.
Take in special events year-round including winter fun at Moonshine Lake
www.albertaparks.ca Dial toll free 310-0000 and then (780) 538-5350 Trumpeter Swans / Ron Davis
73
www.gptourism.ca
X-Country skiing at Moonshine Lake
CAMPGROUNDS
County Parks R County Parks T
he County invites you to visit our parks and campgrounds and hope that you enjoy your stay. While visiting your encouraged to be mindful of those around you and the quality of experience they hope to get from their visit.
The County of Grande Prairie owns and operates eight parks and campground facilities within its boundaries, seven of which offer overnight camping, while one offers day use facilities only. The campgrounds include Pipestone Creek, Hommy, Kleskun, Demmit, Bear Lake, Redwillow and Valhalla. Saskatoon Mountain Park is open for day use activities only. A few things o keep in mind while visiting the parks this season:
Saskatoon Mountain Park
• Be considerate of others using the campground facility and the quality of experience they hope to get from their visit. • Quiet hours are from 11pm to 7am. This means turning off all stereos and keeping noise to a minimum. • Conserve fire wood by keeping campfires small. This will reduce
the risk of runaway fires and keep costs down. • Make sure all fires are extinguished before leaving. Soak with water once, and then again, making sure to stir through the ashes.
Safety and Parks Facilities
The County’s Parks are now managed by the Department of Protective Services and will benefit from regular patrols offering campers a safe, enjoyable stay. The County of Grande Prairie is committed to providing its parks for the enjoyment of both local residents and visitors to our region.
Grande Prairie’s Newest RV Park All Season RV Sites • 150 RV Pads with full hook-ups 30-50 amp • Tenting Sites • Grassed Area • Picnic Table • Fire Pits • Laundramat • Wireless Internet
www.gptourism.ca
Book now for your upcoming wedding or reunion Host of the Peace Country Gospel Jamboree
Contact Box 686 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3A8 780-814-6919 ph 780-814-7131 fax peweibe@telusplanet.net
74
Directions Hwy 43, 4.5 km west from the overpass on Twsp. Rd 722 Rg. Rd. 64 OR Costco (116 Street) 6.5 km north, 1.5 km west, Rg. Rd. 64
Year Round Cabins All cabins come with tv, vcr/dvd, bbq’s on deck, fireplaces. • 5 cabins - partial kitchens, jacuzzi tubs, full washroom, queen beds • 6 cabins - full kitchens, master bedroom, front room with futon • 7 cabins - full kitchens, master bedroom, loft, front room with futon
Regional Camp T
he Grande Prairie region has over fifty campgrounds providing services and amenities from the very basic, rustic tent space to full service facilities including electricity (15, 30 and 50 amps), water taps, indoor washrooms and heated showers, phone, coin laundry, concessions and recreational vehicle sanitary pump-outs. Some campgrounds provide firewood free of charge; for others, there may be firewood sold at a concession or a fee included as a surcharge on the campsite cost. Northern Alberta is presently free of Dutch Elm Disease. To continue to prevent this disease, visitors are asked not to bring firewood from other areas of Canada and the United States into Northern Alberta.
Sturgeon Lake camping / imageDESIGN
In most provincial parks and recreation areas camping fees are paid by selfregistration (cash or cheque) but
CAMPGROUNDS
Regional Campgrounds
starting in 2009, reservations will be available online for Saskatoon Island, Young’s Point and Historic Dunvegan Provincial parks. For more information visit www.albertaparks.ca. The core season for provincial parks and provincial recreation areas is usually from the Victoria Day long-weekend in May until early October.
The campgrounds listed on the next page include municipal and county operated, provincial parks and recreation areas and independent operators. Those campgrounds listed on the Forestry Trunk Road are either operated by Canfor or the Province. A precautionary note to campers and RVs travelling the Forestry Trunk Road or the Two Lakes Road; they are gravel based and used by log haul and petroleum trucks. Campground features such as boat launch sites, docks, beaches and swimming, fishing, hiking and cycling trails vary with the site location. RV Sani Dump Sites are located in some campgrounds - refer to Regional Campground Guide. For more information on the following campgrounds, call the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association’s Visitor Information Services/Travel Alberta at (780) 539-7688 or toll free 1-866-202-2202.
• New facilities • Five minutes south of Grande Prairie on Highway 40 • Located in pine and aspen forest • 89 full service sites • 52 pull-thrus 35 ft x 75 ft • 37 back-ins 35 ft x 60 ft • Dump station • 50 amp/30 amp/15 amp electric service • Satellite cable TV hook-ups • Picnic tables, camp fire pits and firewood available • Clean restrooms and private showers • Laundry • Convenience store and R.V. services • Recreation room • WiFi High Speed Internet access and guest fax machine available • R.V. pressure wash • 18 hole championship golf course and driving range, 2.5 km/1.5 miles
7.5/10/10
www.gptourism.ca
SHERK’S RV PARK in Valleyview
1 km south on Hwy 43
Full Hookups to all sites 30 amp power Sewer and Water 42 Back-ins 14 Pull-thrus Laundry Facilities, Restrooms, Security, Hot Showers, Public Phone, Playground, Gazebo with Fire Pit and Hiking Trail
Ph 780-524-4949 Fax 780-524-4346
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Bezanson
43
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Demmit
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Debolt
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Elmworth
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Fox Creek
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Fox Creek
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Fox Creek
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Fox Creek
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Grande Prarie
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Grande Prairie
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Grande Prairie
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Grande Prairie
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Grande Prairie
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HORSESHOE PITS
43
CONCESSION
Beaverlodge
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FIREWOOD
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PHONE
WATER
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SHOWERS
ELECTRICITY
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PRIVIES
KITCHEN SHELTER
Beaverlodge
LOCATION
FLUSH TOILETS
DAY USE SITES
Hommy Park (780) 512-0722 Pioneer Campground (780) 354-2201 Old Townsite (780) 538-3544 Demmit Park (780) 512-0722 Debolt Golf & Country Club Red Willow Park (780) 512-0722 Economy Lake - Canfor Frying Pan Creek - Canfor MacLeod Flats - Canfor Westview - Canfor Fox Creek RV (780) 622-3896 Smoke Lake (780) 538-5350 Iosegun Lake (780) 538-5350 Poplar Ridge Simonette PRA (780) 538-5350 Bear Lake (780) 512-0722 Camp Tamarack RV (780) 532-9998 Country Roads RV (780) 532-6323 Bear Creek Golf Course (780) 538-3393 Happy Trails RV & Cabins Kleskun Hill Park (780) 512-0722 Musreau Lake PRA (780) 538-5350 Rotary Park (780) 532-1137 Saskatoon Island PP (780) 538-5350 Stompede Campground (780) 532-4568 Two Lakes PP (780) 538-5350 Big Mountain Cr. PRA (780) 532-2378 Wee Links (780) 538-4501 Kakwa River PRA (780) 538-5350 Kakwa Wildland Park (780) 538-5350 Shuttler Flats PRA (780) 538-5350 Nitehawk (780) 532-6637 Hythe Municipal (780) 356-3888 Spring Lake (780) 356-3888 Little Smoky Motel & Campground Waskahigan PRA
CAMPING SITES
NAME/PHONE #
HIGHWAY #
www.gptourism.ca
CAMPGROUNDS
Campgrounds Campgrounds
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Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie south 40
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Hythe
43
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Hythe
43
Little Smoky
43
Little Smoky
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*PP - Provincial Park, PRA - Provincial Recreation Area
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Spirit River
49
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Spirit River
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Sturgeon Lake
43
Sturgeon Lake
43
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Sturgeon Lake
43
Sturgeon Lake
43
Valhalla
43
5
Valleyview
43
49
Valleyview
43
56
Sturgeon Lake
43
120
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Wembley
43
99
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SWIMMING
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FISHING
13
HORSESHOE PITS
2
CONCESSION
Sexsmith
BOAT LAUNCH
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FIREWOOD
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SANI-DUMP
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LAUNDRY
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SHOWERS
17
PRIVIES
49
FLUSH TOILETS
Rycroft
WATER
6
ELECTRICITY
6
PHONE
KITCHEN SHELTER
CAMPING SITES
Nose Mountain Road
DAY USE SITES
HIGHWAY #
Nose Lake PRA (780) 538-8080 Nardam Lake (780) 765-3687 Heritage Park (780) 568-3681 Chepisepe Municipal (780) 864-3998 Moonshine Lake PP (780) 538-5350 Cosy Cove Williamson PP (780) 538-5350 Sturgeon Lake Campsite Greenview Golf Course Valhalla Park (780) 512-0722 Sands Wilderness (780) 844-1560 Sherk's RV Park (780) 524-4949 Young's Point PP (780) 538-5350 Pipestone Creek (780) 512-0722 Sunset Park (780) 766-2269
LOCATION
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*PP - Provincial Park, PRA - Provincial Recreation Area
Rotary Campground located in the City of Grande Prairie off Highway 43 Bypass.
• Electricity • Water • Sani-dump • Firewood • Phone • Shower and laundry facility • Playground • Walking/biking trails • Close to shopping and Casino
Country Roads RV Park *New for 2009 - Tipi Camping* • Extra large fully serviced 50 amp sites for big rigs with slides • Gift shop, convenience store, rec room • Clean washrooms & shower facilities • Coin laundry, RV supplies & LP gas • WIFI highspeed Internet • Picnic tables, fire pits & firewood available
• Old Barn Hall for meetings, gatherings & weddings • Log Gazebo for group gatherings, BBQ’s & day use • Indoor RV pressure wash • 8 acre cornfield maze (weather permitting)
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND - FULLY SERVICED SITES
Phone: (780) 532-1137
4 km W of junction Hwy. 43 & Hwy. 2 on TWP Rd. 722 7.5 km N on 116 St. from Hwy. 43 (100 Ave.) to 2nd intersection, left 1 km on TWP Rd. 722
77
www.gptourism.ca
We Take Reservations
www.countryroadsrvpark.com Ph: 780-532-6323 1-866-532-6323 rvpark@countryroadsrvpark.com
TERRI ELLEN SUDNIK Associate 780.518.8711
office 780.538.4747 fax 780.539.6740 terri@darlenerepkasmith.com
ReMax Grande Prairie Associates Realty Ltd.
10114 100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2L9
www.darlenerepkasmith.com
The Best Value Under the Sun
• New 90-room hotel • Free high-speed Internet • Free hot breakfast and supper
• Jacuzzi suites • Kitchenette rooms • Wheelchair accessible
• Pet friendly • Laundry service • Games room
• Meeting room • Business centre • Fitness room / whirlpool
Phone: 780-532-2773 Toll Free-1-888-830-7552 www.daysinn.ca 10218 - 162 Avenue, just north of Grande Prairie
G R A N D E P R A I R I E â?… F O R T M c M U R R AY Podollan Inns caters to the sophisticated needs of the most discerning traveler. Check-in to a room full of luxuries ~ plush beds, down duvets, leather furnishings, exceptional soundproofing & complimentary wireless internet. Relax and enjoy some time to yourself at THE
L SPA or get together
with friends at JAX Grill & Lounge.
THE
SPA
AND WELLNESS CENTRE
10612 - 99T h AvENUE, GRANDE PRAIRIE, Ab
PODOLLAN.COM
780.830.2000