2011 Visitor Guide | Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association by Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association

Welcome to the Region

This guide will help you to plan your visit within this vibrant region. During your stay, regardless of the season you will find culture, excitement, and an amazing variety of activities; shopping, sports, arts, dining and recreation-as well as unique attractions and events. There is so much to experience... with endless opportunities for year-round adventure and discovery! Make one of your first stops to one of the many Visitor Information Centres in the region. Our friendly and ex-

You’re invited to

Get a Taste of the Bison Barbeques! Get a taste of our region by taking in a free Bison Barbeque with all the fixings! Barbeques are held every Wednesday, June through August from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Visitor Information Centre,

www.gptourism.ca | Welcome

Hello!

perienced travel counselors will go out of their way to help plan your stay! Whether you’re a visitor, a new resident, or considering relocating to our area, we would like to welcome you to the Grande Prairie region! 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!

Grande Prairie Region!

at 11330 106 Street, just off Highway 43 in Grande Prairie. Grande Prairie Rotary Club’s Bus Tours Take in the Grande Prairie Rotary Club’s FREE one-and-a-half (1½) hour bus tour of the City and County that runs every

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening, June through August. This award winning tour leaves at 7 pm sharp from the Visitor Information Centre. (Centre 2000 11330-106 Street)

Welcome! Get a taste of the Grande Prairie Region!

Municipal District of Greenview No. 16

Visitor Information

Town of Fox Creek

Essential Travel Services

Event Planner

Relocation Guide

Grande Winter Ventures

The City of Grande Prairie

Fishing and Hunting the Grande Prairie Region

The County of Grande Prairie No. 1

City of Grande Prairie Map

Kleskun Hill and Bezanson

Golfing the Exceptional

LaGlace & Valhalla

County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Map

Wembley East to the City of Grande Prairie

Breeden’s Downtown Tours

South of the City of Grande Prairie

Tours

Teepee Creek and Area

Dining in the Grande Prairie Region

Town of Wembley

Preferred Accommodations

Town of Beaverlodge

Sandy Places in the Region

Village of Hythe

Parks and Recreation Areas

Town of Sexsmith

Regional Campgrounds

2011 Official Grande Prairie & Region Guide Published by: Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association (GPRTA) #114, 11330-106 Street, Grande Prairie Alberta, T8V 7X9 Canada Executive Director: Emilia Hovorka For more information: Phone: (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 Additional Editors: Margot Hervieux, Louise Côté, Terri-Lynn Browne Design: Irons Design Cover Photo: Bud Country Fever Advertising Executives: Emilia Hovorka & Louise Côté, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association

www.gptourism.ca | Contents

Contents

Special Thanks for Contributions to Research: City of Grande Prairie; 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; Randy Boettcher Contributing Photographers: Emilia Hovorka, GPRTA; Brian Calkins, Calkins Photography; Trina Irons, Irons Design; Alberta Parks; Barry Petrie - with Creative Spirit; Garret Browne; Sheila Mellon; iStockphoto and other photos as marked. Any reproduction of contents in whole or in part is prohibited. All rights reserved. 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. Printed in Canada December 2010

Visitor

Information Centres in the Region

We have many visitor information centres that can provide regional information including accommodations, attractions, activities, events, campgrounds, and an extensive inventory of free local, regional and provincial travel publications. Most operate from May to September and all have knowledgeable counselors. Hours of operation, amenities and services vary from site to site. Amenities within the visitor information centres may or may not include washrooms, travel displays, snack machines, pay telephones, gift shop items, RV parking and rest areas. Some have a computer terminal and/or wireless internet services which are provided free of charge for those tourists wishing to either search information or contact friends or relatives back home.

Fox Creek Visitor Information Centre Located in Fox creek off Hwy 43

Hythe Visitor Centre Located in Hythe off Hwy 43

Grande Prairie Muskoseepi Park Pavilion 9302 -102 Avenue

Grande Prairie Airport Located in Grande Prairie off Hwy 43, 10601 Airport Drive

Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Located in Beaverlodge off Hwy 43 behind the Big Beaver, 512-5th Ave

Grande Prairie Visitor Centre Located in Grande Prairie off Highway 43 (bypass) 11330-106 Street

www.gptourism.ca | Visitor Information Centres in the Region

Valleyview Visitor Information Centre Located 2 km south of Valleyview off Hwy 43

Travel Services

Essential

• Being fairly close to the Alberta foothills, it can get quite windy in the Grande Prairie Region, especially in the spring and fall. Chinooks are not an unheard of occurrence in the Grande Prairie area. BANKING & CURRENCY Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are accepted at most commercial establishments, banks and currency exchange offices. Banking hours range from 9 am to 8 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. 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 five major airline carriers on a daily basis. Located of Highway 43 on the west side of Grande Prairie-visitor services are available 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 Grande Prairie Regional tourism Association at (780) 539-7688. AVERAGE TEMPERATURES • The Grande Prairie Region has 314 sunshine days per year on average. • Average winter season temperature is -12°C (10.4°F) • Average summer season temperature is 12.8°C (55°F). Summers can bring thunderstorms, although they are not as frequent or as severe as those in southern Alberta. • 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.

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 50 churches in the Grande Prairie region. Contact (780) 539-7688 for the church information, denomination, and service times. EMERGENCIES Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) 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 1-888-944-5494 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 and provincial parks. For more information on hunting and fishing, contact: Grande Prairie Fish &

Wildlife office (780) 538-5265 or visit: www.albertaoutdoorsmen.org HEALTH & TRAVEL INSURANCE Alberta has an excellent health-care system; however, the health-care plan does not cover out-of-province visitors. Clarify your coverage before entering Alberta through your personal insurance carrier. METRIC CONVERSION Canada uses the metric system. All highway and traffic indicators are in kilometers (km) and km/h, gas is sold by the liter, temperature is measured in Celsius, and the electrical current is 110 volts. • 1 kilometer = 0.62 miles • 100Km/h = 62 mph • 3.8 liters = 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 seeing-eye dogs and puppies or kittens that are younger than 3 months old. For details contact: Canada Customs Regional Office Bay 32,

RENTING A CAR 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 applies for drivers 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. For lower rates, it is recommended that bookings be made three or four months in advance. For more information, visit www.travelalberta.com. ROAD REPORTS For local road reports call (780) 532-0148 or visit www.ama.ab.ca 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 kilometers (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 TAXES Alberta is the only province in Canada with no Provincial Sales Tax (PST). The Canadian Government charges a five 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 non-residents of Canada. For more information in Canada, call 1-800-66-visit; outside Canada, call (902) 432-5608, or visit www.craarc.gc.ca/tax TIPPING The average tip in Canada is 15 per cent, however, depending on the level and the nature if 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.

TRANSPORTATION • Air Canada Jazz • Corporate Express • Grande Prairie Airport • Grande Prairie Transit Service • Greyhound Bus Lines • Swanberg Air • West-Jet

1-888-247-2262 1-800-661-8151 (780) 539-5270 (780) 538-0377 (780) 539-1111 (780) 513-8977 1-800-538-5696

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. WEAPONS Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms, other weapons and self-defense 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.

www.gptourism.ca | Essential Travel Services

3033-34 Ave N.E. Calgary, AB T1Y 6X2. Within Canada, call toll free: 1-800-4619999. Outside of Canada, call: (403) 2924613 or (204) 983-3500 or visit: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Moving to the Grande Prairie Region?

Relocation Guide

Everything you need to know when you get here.

TOURISM/WELCOME SERVICE Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association (780) 539-7688 Travel Alberta 1-800-ALBERTA Welcome Wago (780) 832-0081 BANKS Beaverlodge ATB Financial CIBC

(780) 354-2235 (780) 354-2221

Grande Prairie ATB Financial-106A St (780) 539-7450 ATB Financial-99 St (780) 538-5225 ATB Financial-Kateri Dr (780) 538-8000 BMO Bank of Montreal (780) 538-8150 Business Development Bank (780) 532-8875 Canadian Western Bank (780) 831-1888 CIBC-100 Ave. (780) 538-8300 CIBC-116 St. (780) 538-8363 Royal Bank -98 St. (780) 538-6500 Royal Bank -80 Ave (780) 538-8288 Scotiabank-100 Ave. (780) 532-9250 Scotiabank-104A Ave. (780) 833-1660 ScotiaMcleod (780) 513-3505 Service Credit Union 117 Ave. (780) 532-8866 Service Credit Union 99 Ave. (780) 831-2928 Service Credit Union 84 Ave. (780) 402-2928 10

TD Canada Trust Westside Dr. TD Canada Trust 92 St. Hythe ATB Financial

(780) 538-8100 (780) 538-8144 (780) 356-3823

Sexsmith ATB Financial Sexsmith Agency (780)568-4055 Royal Bank (780) 568-3852 Wembley ATB Financial

(780) 766-2511

Valleyview ATB Financial Bank of Montreal Scotiabank

(780) 524-3965 (780) 524-3376 (780) 524-3395

SCHOOL BOARDS Conseil Scholaire Du Nord Quest Grande Prairie Public School Board District Grande Prairie Catholic School District Peace Wapiti School Division

(780) 624-8855 (780) 532-4491 (780) 532-3013 (780) 532-8133

Post Secondary Education Grande Prairie Regional College 1-888-539-4772 NAIT Grande Prairie Campus (780) 539-2075 HEALTH CARE RESOURCES Health Care/Hospitals Alberta Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) (780) 538-5210 Alberta Blue Cross (780) 532-3505 Canadian Red Cross (780) 539-7127 Peace Country Health (780) 538-5387 Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital (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 HEALTHLink Alberta 1-866-408-LINK (5465) You never know when you’ll need immediate health advice or information. That’s why Health Link Alberta is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One call will connect you to a Registered Nurse who can answer your questions and give you sound advice whenever you need it. ALBERTA WELLNET-online network of healt care links and resources. www.albertawellnet.org HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS 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 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Air Transportation Grande Prairie Airport (780) 539-5270 Bus Service M & D Terminals (Greyhound Service) (780) 539-1111 Northern Express (780) 968-8225 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 Alpha Taxi Associate Cabs

(780) 357-1000 (780) 357-1000

(780) 539-3339 (780) 402-6500 (780) 532-1777 (780) 402-8181 (780) 402-2111 (780) 532-1111 (780) 536-4880 (780) 532-1212 (780) 814-5866 (780) 539-9949 (780) 814-6880 (780) 814-5866 (780) 532-1060 (780) 814-2492 (780) 831-0244 (780) 539-4000 (780) 524-3318 (780) 539-3366

MOVING SERVICES & UTILITIES Car and Truck Rentals Avis Car & Truck Rental (780) 539-4101 Budget Rent A Car (780) 538-3526 Affordable Used Car Rentals (780) 532-9229 Enterprise Rent-A-Car (780) 538-8444 Hertz Truck & Car Rentals (780) 539-3045 Discount Car & Truck Rentals (780) 539-0945 Hertz Truck & Car Rentals (780) 539-3045 National Car & Truck Rental (780) 532-3761 Rent-A-Wreck (780) 538-1880 Super Value Leasing (780) 532-9229 Thrifty Car Rental (780) 835-4600 U-Haul Co.(Canada) Ltd. (780) 539-9576 Visa Truck Rentals Ltd. (780) 532-0636 Storage Areas AAIMS Superior Self Storage (Clairmont) (780) 567-3002 Advantage Relocation Systems Ltd. (780) 532-2662 Affordable Mini Storage & Trailer Rentals (780) 538-1000 Border Moving & Storage (780) 538-1444 Borstad Cartage (780) 532-7755 Canadian Mobile Storage (780) 814-5940 Canadian Stor-All (780) 539-5250 County Stor-All (780) 538-9988 GP Self Storage Inc. (780) 538-1400 Maxim Storage Inc. (780) 513-7100 Monument ATV Boat RV Storage (780) 876-3425 R Wald & Sons Moving & Storage Ltd. (780) 539-4351

Sexsmith Mini Storage & RY Ltd.(Sexsmith) Storage Pro Inc. Superior Wash & Storage Inc. Tuk A Toy Utilities Eastlink (Cable) Aquatera ATCO Electric ATCO Gas Direct Energy Hawkeye Line Locators PAM Line Locating Ltd. Telus

(780) 831-8909 (780) 513-0068 (780) 513-2081 (780) 831-8591 1-866-737-7662 (780) 538-0340 1-800-668-2248 (780) 539-2400 1-866-374-6299 (780) 882-2120 (780) 524-8843 310-3100

Property Management Anderson Holding Inc. (780) 539-5303 Boardwalk Rental Communities (780) 513-5040 Bradick & Company (780) 524-4250 Car Ver Property (780) 539-3414 Center 100 (Amalgamated) (780) 532-2110 Concept Properties (780) 402-0044 Country Estates Trailer Park(780) 539-7131 Emerald Apartment Inc. (780) 538-2410 Metis Urban Housing (780) 539-1910 Mountview Business Park (780) 532-6614 Northgate Apartments (780) 539-0039 Preferred Site Management Ltd. (780) 357-0343 Prime Property Management (780) 538-2980 Quality Property Management (780) 539-7131 Real Property Management Rentals (780) 532-4900 Richer Realty Ltd. (780) 539-5465 Strata Completions (780) 882-6588 Wooden Show Property Management (780) 532-3400

www.gptourism.ca | Relocation Guide

Blacktop Cab GP Checker Cabs GP Ltd. City Cabs Co-op Taxi Comet Taxi Inc. Dial-A-Cab Dinahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eagle Taxi Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Driver Service Golden Cabs GP Cabs Inc. Keys Plez Prairie Cabs Prestige Cabs (Beaverlodge) Royal Cabs Swan Taxi Valley Taxi (Valleyview) Yellow Cab

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.

City of

Grande Prairie

ACCOMMODATIONS When visiting Grande Prairie, tourists have many hotels and motels to choose from (refer to the Accommodations Section within the Guide). Within the city, over 29 fixedroof accommodations offer more than 2,800 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. AIR TRANSPORTATION The Grande Prairie Regional Airport is newly-renovated and is a full service facility offering a modern air terminal, aviation fuelling and ground transportation to all of the extensive facilities and services that Northern Alberta has to offer. The Grande Prairie airport is serviced by three air carriers offering scheduled service to Edmonton, Calgary, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, and beyond, with connection destinations to the rest of Canada and the United States. Air Canada, Airco Aircraft Charters and West-Jet, provide nonstop flights. Swanberg Air 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,

Attractions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Crystal Lake Waterfowl Refuge Grande Prairie Farmer’s Market Grande Prairie Live Theatre Grande Prairie Museum Grande Prairie Regional College Golfing: Grande Prairie Golf & C Country Club & Wee Links Heritage Discovery Centre Shopping includes malls, box stores and more! Forbes Homestead Historical Site Millennium Sundial Muskoseepi Park Multiplex-Community Knowledge Campus Montrose Cultural CentrePrairie Art Gallery “Category A” Art Gallery Great Northern Casino Centre for Creative Arts Friendship Statue Movie theatres: Cineplex, Jan and Lyric Grande Bingo Hall

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

The City of Grande Prairie is a thriving regional centre located in northwestern Alberta, in the heart of 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.

Grande Prairie Museum

taxi and limousine service, a restaurant and lounge. ARTS, CULTURE and ENTERTAINMENT Grande Prairie is a playground that offers unlimited choices in arts, culture and entertainment. One of the main event facilities in the region, Crystal Centre hosts world-class entertainers and is one of the prime locations for conventions, trade shows, and public skating. Located in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown, the Crystal Centre is also home to the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club, a member of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Enjoy great entertainment provided by one of Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most successful community theatre companies. Now in its 46th season, you will definitely not want to miss any of the Grande Prairie Live Theatre productions! The 190-seat Second Street Theatre is located on 10130-98 Ave in the downtown area. The Grande Prairie Live Theatre produces plays with local talent that appeal to everyone, guaran14

teeing 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. You may also choose to see a production at the Ovations Dinner Theatre located just outside the city at Evergreen Park. Enjoy many different types of plays throughout the year, featuring local, semi-professional actors and playwrights. Another seasonal production company is Broadway Live Broadway which offers its audience a compilation of Broadway hits. 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, stained glass. It features a gift shop and more! Open through the week, view the artists at work and purchase their goods as you tour new exhibits each month.

The annual Street Performers Festival is a major event that you do not want to miss. July 22 to July 24, downtown Grande Prairie will be bustling with large crowds of spectators to watch street performances of clowns, comedians, jugglers, mime artists, magicians, and more. 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 come from around the world, making it a great family experience you’ll never forget! Grande Prairie’s history 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 a modern museum located in the lower level of 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 traveling exhibitions and displays. For your listening enjoyment there are eight radio stations in the city: • 88.9 CKYL-FM-5: YL Country (country) FM

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

The City of Grande Prairie has completed another one of its icon facilities; the Montrose Cultural Centre on 98 Street at 103rd Avenue is the new home of the Prairie Art Gallery and the Grande Prairie Public Library. The Prairie Art Gallery is a “Category A” Alberta Art Gallery, one of only seven in the province. It offers many art courses throughout the year, boasts works from very talented local artists and is currently showing works from its permanent collection. The Library welcomes out of town guests to check their home email, make a campground reservation online, or access the daily supply of world newspapers. The Grande Prairie 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.

Grande Prairie Regional College is a comprehensive community college with campuses in Fairview and Grande Prairie. We are proud to be the portal for opportunities in post-secondary education for learners in our region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a broad range of programming including certificates and diplomas, pre-employment and apprenticeship trades, university transfer and degree completion, academic upgrading and a host of non-credit short courses.

1.780.539.2911 â&#x20AC;˘ 1.888.539.GPRC (4772)

CAMPING Across from the Visitor Information Centre, campers are invited to stay at the Rotary Park Campground. More camping sites are available at the south end of the Muskoseepi Park system at the Wee Links Campground. See page 76 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. Eight transit routes operate daily throughout the City. Cash fares are a maximum $2.00 per adult. (Fare prices may be subject to change) For more information on routes and times call 780-538-0337 or email: gptransit@cityofgp.com or www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/transit DINING Grande Prairie offers a variety of dining choices in restaurants and city hotels. Choose from Western Canadian

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

• 93.1: CJXX, Big Country XX (country) FM • 96.3: Shine FM (contemporary Christian) FM • 97.7: CFGP Rock 97.7 (active rock) FM • 98.9: CIKT Q99 FM (rock) FM • 100.9: CKUA-FM-4 (public broad casting) FM • 102.5: CBXP (CBC Radio One) FM • 104.7: CFRI Free FM (active rock) • 90.5: CHFA-FM-5 (La Première Chaîne) Television newscasts are provided by CFRN and CBC Edmonton, and Eastlink Cablevision, Grande Prairie. 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 and a variety of musical and/or comic entertainment in one of its show rooms. If bingo is one of your pastimes, a new facility, The Grande Bingo Hall in the Gateway plaza, has opened. It is conveniently located across from the casino. If 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, dance and music clubs for your enjoyment. BUS SERVICE M & D Terminals, 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. There is also a new bus line offering service to High Prairie and Edmonton.

Grande Prairie Regional College

fare, Greek, East Indian, Italian, Mexican, African, French, Vietnamese, Japanese or Chinese. Many of the restaurant menus feature our famous Alberta beef! For a list of dining venues stop by one of the visitor information centres.

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 the 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 Route) running west from Edmonton to form the circle route known as the Grande Alberta Trail. Traveling 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 accessed from the Visitor Information Centre in Grande Prairie. 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.

• FEB 4-6: Peace Challenge Curling Cup • FEB 26: Cabanne A Sucre (Maple Sugar Festival) • MAR 22-27: Alberta Mixed Provincials, GP Curling Club • APR12-17: Grey Power Curling Championships • APR 16-17: Swan Festival • MAY 4-8: Reel Shorts Film Festival • MAY13: Regional Heritage School Fair • JULY 1: Canada Day Celebrations/Parade • JULY 22-24: Street Performers Festival • NOV 18: Vegas Night • NOV 27: Santa Claus Parade Street Performers Festival | Sheila Mellon

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Grande Prairie Regional College The Grande Prairie region is fortunate to have access to highquality career, trades and university programs and instruction through Grande Prairie Regional College. The college, which serves more than 10,000 students annually, is a comprehensive community college with campuses in Grande Prairie and Fairview. • GPRC offers a wide variety of programs including university studies, options for degree completion, certificate and diploma programs and trade programs. • Instruction is based out of campuses in two communities in northwestern Alberta: Grande Prairie and Fairview. • Strong programming and highly qualified faculty ensure comprehensive opportunities for the learners of our region and the college welcomes students from around the world. • Students at the GPRC campus may choose from a wide range of certificate or diploma options, or begin degrees or professional programs in Arts, Science, Education, Commerce, or Physical Education. Several degrees may be completed

right here on campus through collaborative programs with Alberta universities. Selected trades programs are offered on the Grande Prairie Campus. • The campus attracts students from a wide geographic area due to its low tuition, small classes, personal contact and extensive awards program. On-campus residence is available in townhouse-style units. • The Grande Prairie Regional College was designed by renowned Aboriginal architect Douglas Cardinal. Visitors are invited to view this building of rounded structural lines blending with the beauty of the Bear Creek valley and reservoir. GPRC Fairview College Campus GPRC offers a wide selection of pre-employment and technical program options at the beautiful GPRC Fairview College Campus. Programs include Animal Health Technology, the Harley-Davidson®

Technician Program, Power Engineering plus apprenticeship and pre-employment training for Motorcycle, Automotive, Heavy Equipment Mechanic and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician. • The Fairview campus features a golf course, indoor aquatic centre with hot tub and waterslide, covered outdoor ice rink, theatre, full working 200 acre farm, greenhouses and much more. • on-campus residence is available in dormitory or townhouse-style units. • small town atmosphere with big city education

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

Feature Events

RECREATION The city encompasses over 62 square kilometers 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 kilometers of hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, fishing, mini-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 cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northeast, where visitors may catch a glimpse of a

Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club

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. The new multiplex will be an addition to the Community Knowledge Campus located on the south side of the City of Grande Prairie.

Olympic swimming pool, field house, run/walk track, 16,000 sq ft fitness area and the highly anticipated â&#x20AC;&#x153;flowriderâ&#x20AC;? which will allow you to go surfing all year round! Not to mention the

Downtown Grande Prairie

shopping, health services and restaurants that will be located on site. This venue will be a destination for families, whether they come for sporting events or for their next holiday. RETAIL SERVICES 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. Many businesses are concentrated in the user-friendly downtown core along 100 Avenue, and along 100 Street North. The downtown boasts many unique shops for shoppers looking for that one of a kind souvenir. North on 100 Street is the Prairie Mall Shopping Centre, with over 90 stores to serve you. Throughout the city there are many strip malls that have a variety of unique stores and franchises. Another great shopping area is the Gateway Power Centre, located in the west end of the city, which is comprised

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

The multiplex is well under construction and expected to open in 2011. This facility will provide recreation and sport opportunities in Grande Prairie and for the entire region with its 54m

RELOCATION Are you thinking of making Grande Prairie your home? Make sure to visit City Hall located at 10205 - 98 Street, phone (780) 538-0300. There is a growing demand for single and multifamily home construction and newer subdivisions are being developed in areas such as Cobblestone, Mission Park, Pinnacle Ridge and Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Lake, just to name a few. To get more information on the city be sure to check out the website: www.cityofgp.com, or see page 10-11 in this guide. of large chain stores. Costco, Wal-Mart and Home Depot department stores are of particular interest to American and out-of-province visitors. The Grande Prairie Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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. The Farmers Market has undergone large renovations and now resembles a traditional red barn

VISITOR HEALTH CARE and EMERGENCY SERVICES 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,

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

with white trim. A food court is now open to the public daily for lunch with seating areas and seasonal vendors.

Explore Grande Prairie – We’re At Your Service! 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

24 24

spacious twin ice and meeting facility. Muskoseepi Park provides 20 kilometres of pedestrian trails 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. Welcome to Grande Prairie – a great place to live, work and play!

VISITOR INFORMATION Year-round visitor information services are provided by travel counselors in the state-of-the-art Centre

Centre 2000 Visitor Information 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! Also located five minutes south of Centre 2000 on 106 Street is the old visitor information log cabin where motor 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!

www.gptourism.ca | City of Grande Prairie

obstetrics, and rehabilitation. The QEII Hospital provides MRI services on location. The College and Community Health Centre is a walk-in 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 S.T.A.R.S. 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.

County

of Grande Prairie

The County of Grande Prairie No. 1 is Alberta’s first county. It was established in 1951, and encompasses 5,570 square kilometers with a population of approximately 20,000 residents. In 2009 the County celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the survey and settlement of the region! 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, the County has a gentle mix of rolling hills and prairie providing grand 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 miles east and five miles north of Beaverlodge, Saskatoon Mountain rises to about 3100 feet or 945 meters, making it the highest point in the 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. 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 North West Territories. You can enjoy the quiet lifestyle of the County, making it a wonderful place to live and visit!

Attractions

LaGlace Church | Garret Browne

Visitors can expect to spend one to two days traveling throughout the County. The County offers a traveler 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.

DID YOU KNOW In the 1970s, 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.

• Bad Heart Straw Church • Kleskun Hill Natural Area • Melsness Mercantile Valhalla Centre • 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 Park • Evergreen Park • Albright Farmer’s Market • Red Willow Park • Valhalla Park • Saskatoon Island Provincial Park • Spring Lake Resort • The Dunes Golf & Winter Club • Hommy Park • Morningview Park Golf Course • Bear Creek Golf Course • Demmitt Park • Pipestone Golf Club • Riverbend Golf & Country Club • Spruce Meadows Golf & Country Club

www.gptourism.ca | Touring in the County of Grande Prairie No.1

CELEBRATION - EDSON TO GRANDE PRAIRIE TRAIL 1911-1916 In 1910 pioneers were in a hurry to get to the ‘last great west’, and looked for ways to reach the Peace Country. ‘La Grande Prairie’ was advertised, but how to get there. When the railway reached Edson, pioneers saw an alternative to going ‘the long trail’. Decisions on the route and the actual cutting of the trail started in early 1911. Eager settlers pushed to get through before the work had even been done! The trail was cut over hills, through valleys, across rivers, and on and around muskeg. For people and horses it was a tough trail that required the use of stopping places every 20 miles or so. Pioneer homesteaders were excited about the shorter route, but were warned that it was only suitable for light loads.

Abandoning equipment was common when pioneers didn’t heed the warning and had to lighten their loads along the way. It didn’t matter what the season or what the weather was like; thousands of people came over the trail in the five years it was open. Travel time on the trail could be a few days if you were on horseback or to a few months if you had an ox or horse team. The hardship didn’t end on the trail. When pioneers finally reached ’La Grande Prairie’ they had to find a homestead, build buildings, and then work the land. This infamous trail ended when the railroad reached Grande Prairie in 1916 and it still captures the imagination of the descendants of those hardy trail pioneers. Each homesteader had a unique story that has been passed along through the generations. In 2011 there will be a celebration of these pioneer homesteaders and the courage it took to find a better life in a new land. Events take place from early spring through the summer.

Kayaking | Margot Hervieux

Celebrations For information about the Edson Trail Celebrations/Publications call (780) 957-3957 or (780) 539-3884. • Edson to Grande Prairie Trail exhibit at the Kin Gallery, in Centre 2000 will be open May 15-October 15/2011 (780) 532- 5790 • Trail Ride will ride the route in July, taking about 2 weeks, (numbers are restricted, and there is a fee) suggested dates July 9/2011 starting in Edson, Alberta, arriving at Rock Cairn at Kleskun Hills July 22/2011, with arrival at Evergreen Park July 23/2011

• Major Centennial Celebration Event will be held at Tec Centre, Evergreen Park on July 23, 2011 with displays, entertainment, food and drink. (780) 532-3279 • The exciting video on the Edson Trail produced by the Edson Trail Historical Society is available for $100.00. • The book “Edson to Grande Prairie Trail, Commemorative Edition, Celebrating 100 Years” is available at a cost $35.00. This book tells the why, where, how and who of this infamous trail.

• MAR 10,11,12: Peace Country Classic Agri-Show Evergreen Park • APRIL 1, 02, 03: Sports Expo-Evergreen Park • APRIL 16 & 17: Swan Festival - Saskatoon Island Provincial Park • MAY 18-20: Peace Region Petroleum Show-Evergreen park • MAY 13 & 14: Northern Alberta Forestry & Construction Show - Evergreen park • JUNE: Aug Live Horseracing-Evergreen Park • JULY 1 & 2: Rio Grande Old Timer’s Rodeo- located west of the County on the Red Willow River south of Rio Grande • JULY 14-17: Teepee Creek Stampede 16 km east of Sexsmith in Teepee Creek • Nov 17-21: Festival of Trees at Evergreen Park • Dec 1-31: Light Show at Evergreen Park

www.gptourism.ca | Touring in the County of Grande Prairie No.1

Feature Events

Kleskun Hill & Bezanson Highway 43 and follow the signs east towards the Old Bezanson townsite. Along the banks of the Smoky River, just 12 km southeast of Bezanson are the remains of A.M. Bezansonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams. In the early 1900s, he started to build a townsite 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 with walking trails and a rustic campground.

Kleskun Hill Museum

The Park is located twenty (20) km east of the Highway 43 interchange, turn north on Township Road 724. Traveling 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 for 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 desertlike 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 30

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 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

LaGLACE Located three (3) kilometers north of Sexsmith and thirty (30) kilometers west on Highway 59, the Hamlet of La Glace 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 La Glace Heritage Park, which has beautiful brick-pathed gardens and a Cairn in memory of the well-respected native leader plus many pioneers of the area. The Cairn explains the local history, names of pioneers and has a time capsule filled with memorabilia and predictions from local children. VALHALLA Fifteen (15) kilometers west of LaGlace is the Hamlet of Valhalla. 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. Make sure to stop and visit the restored Melsness Mercantile, a provincial historic site in Valhalla Centre. Originally a general store and post office, the local residents decided in 1994 to restore and save it as a local landmark. Thanks to the efforts of the Valhalla Heritage Society, the 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 threefoot, hand-carved wooden trolls greet visitors in tribute to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scandinavian heritage.

LaGlace Memorial Cairn/Don Reid

www.gptourism.ca | Touring in the County of Grande Prairie No.1

LaGlace & Valhalla

Wembley East to the City of Grande Prairie SASKATOON ISLAND PROVINCIAL PARK Located 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, 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 and day use facilities were constructed in 1983.

THE WAPITI NORDIC CENTRE Located six (6) km south on Wapiti Road (Bighorn Highway 40) This is one of Canada’s premier Cross country skiing and biathlon facilities. The centre was home to the Nordic events of the 1995 Canada Games and 2010 Arctic Winter Games. Besides the magnificent “Steve Cooper Lodge” there is 35 kilometers of trails that range from challenging to easy; both classical and skate skiing. The centre includes the longest night skiing trails in Alberta with four-and-a-half kilometers of lighted trails that 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.

THE DUNES Located across Highway 40, (2.5 kms/1.5 miles off Hwy 40). is an 18-hole championship golf course and driving range Travelers 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 south 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 chuck wagon racing and pro rodeo), Bud

Country Fever (world class country and western musicians) and the Whispering Pines Rodeo. The new T.E.C. Centre offers simulcast racing from around the world and off-track betting 364 days a year.

www.gptourism.ca | Touring in the County of Grande Prairie No.1

South of the City of Grande Prairie

& Area

Bad Heart Church

“the terror”) and for the crowd to enjoy the spectacle of the rankest horse in the pen! The Teepee Creek Stampede also has 3 nights of exciting chuck wagon racing. The Teepee Creek Stampede is one of We have thoroughbred wagons from the the oldest running rodeos in Canada. “Taste the Dust” GMC Tour, along with 2010 will be our 94th year and on our 91st anniversary we celebrated by going pony wagons and chariots. Teepee Creek also has a legendary dance that takes PRO! For anyone who has been to a profes- place after the rodeo on Saturday night after the last wagons cross the finish line. sional rodeo event, you know that you It is located in our hall on the rodeo can expect an outstanding show, and grounds and people come from near and for those of you who haven't had the far to dance the night away to live music. pleasure of taking in a pro rodeo, it’s a There is free camping and a delicious must see for the summer! home-cooked pancake breakfast served Professional Rodeo is an extraordiwith all the fixing’s starting at 7:00 am nary show, and along with the profesevery morning of the rodeo. And don’t sional events, we have a number of local crowd pleasers that even YOU can forget about our homemade pie for a little later in the day! participate in! These events include; The Teepee Creek Stampede is a must “Wild” Cow Milking, The Cow Hide see for the summer, it is full of exciteRace, and everyone's favorite, the Wild ment and good old country charm. We Horse Race! Unlike many associations, look forward to seeing you in July! Teepee Creek allows the professional cowboys to participate in these events SADDLE HILLS and this makes our rodeo one of the Built with 400 bales of rye straw, the most fun events of the summer on every cowboy’s calendar! Also, it is a thrill for tiny church at Bad Heart is northeast of Sexsmith. The Bad Heart straw church is our local cowboys to get the chance to the only historic straw building in complete against the best in the Canada. In 1954, Father Francis Dales, a business! penniless Catholic priest, built the tiny The Teepee Creek Stampede’s church with his parish. The estimated signature event will always be the cost of the structure was approximately TEEPEE CREEK TERROR! This is an $605. The straw bale walls, some four opportunity for one lucky cowboy to bales thick, were bolted together using make a little extra cash (if he can ride

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 26 kilometers 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 northernmost 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.

www.gptourism.ca | Teepee Creek & Area

Teepee Creek

Wembley

Town of

Attractions • • • •

Sunset Lake Park & Campground Pipestone Golf Club Wembley Farmer‘s Market Wembley Skateboard Park

dinosaurs and has been the chosen site for the future home of the River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum. The Pipestone Creek area, located south of the Town of Wembley, 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. The River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum will be a world class museum with a natural history Time Walk surrounding the exterior of the building. A few of the attributes the building will have are a theatre for sixty persons, two state of the art classrooms, galleries and gift shop. The Museum and the Dinosaur Bonebed will be a major tourism destination site for northwestern Alberta travellers.

www.gptourism.ca | Town of Wembley

Named 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 Recreation Centre grounds. This event includes a parade, barbeque, family activities and more. Sunset Lake Park features a boardwalk, water spray deck, upgraded play area and campground. It is also a bird sanctuary. Wembley currently has a population of over 1500, and has amenities such as a skating rink, skateboard park, soccer, baseball and football fields. Wembley is the gateway to the

Feature Events • • • • •

FEB 21: Family Day outdoor fun activities APR 30: Hawaii Draw/Recreation Centre JUNE 18: Day in the Park & Soap Box Derby NOV 11: Remembrance Day Service DEC 2 & 3: Wonderland of Trees/Snowflake Gala 37

Beaverlodge

Town of

Attractions • • • • • • • • • • • •

South Peace Centennial Museum Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Giant Beaver Statue Red Willow Gardens Saskatoon Mountain Viewpoint Beaverlodge Research Station Pacific Regeneration Technologies tree nursery Euphemia Mcnaught Homestead Elmworth Deep Basin Riverbend Golf and Country Club Spring Lake Summer and Winter Resort Beaverlodge Pioneer Campground

Nestled 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. The Town Pink Tearoom - Cultural Centre

www.gptourism.ca | Town of Beaverlodge

Saskatoon Mountain Viewpoint

Pioneer Day - South Peace Centennial Museum

boasts several excellent recreation facilities including the ice arena, curling rink, agricultural barns, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and several playgrounds. Look for the new indoor pool and fitness centre opening in 2012. 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 northern Alberta. The Museum is open daily throughout the summer months and offers overnight un-serviced camping for tents and RVs. The museum hosts their annual Pioneer Days the third Sunday in July featuring working steam-powered equipment, antique cars and trucks and musical entertainment all in keeping with the agricultural theme. 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 (Closed 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, but donations are accepted. New shows, including the art of exceptional Peace country painters such as Robert Guest, are presented monthly.

Opposite the Cultural Centre and tourist information centre, visitors can view the magnificent cultural roadside attraction in the form of 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. Once the original Lower Beaverlodge School, one of the first schools of the area, the building was restored and relocated to the campground. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September. It has 19 sites-(10 fully serviced sites with 30 amp service), picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms, showers and an RV dumping station. 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.) 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 for 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 crafts sales and tea room. Nearby Red Willow Park is a day-use picnic site with washrooms and kitchen shelter.

Feature Events

• APRIL 15: Ducks Unlimited Dinner and Auction • JULY 1-2: Rio Grande Rodeo • JULY 8-10: Jones Country Jamboree • JULY 16-17: Museum Pioneer Days and Peace Country Opera • JULY 24: Euphemia McNaught Heritage Festival • AUG 19-20: Agricultural Fair & Trade Show • SEP: Newcomers Barbeque • SEP 17: Fireman’s Steak and Lobsterfest • OCT 21-22: Craft Club Show & Sale • NOV 11: Remembrance Day Services • NOV 18-19: Christmas Festival • NOV 25: Christmas Craze 39

Hythe

Village of

Attractions • • • •

Hythe Motor Speedway Sunderman Tack Shop Hythe Municipal Campsite Spring Lake Summer and Winter Resort • Albright Farmer’s Market

Hythe, the Town of Flowing Wells, has an economy 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 volunteer-driven initiatives which have resulted in the building of much of its present day infrastructure. Hythe has a curling rink, ice arena, 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 serves 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

Hythe Motor Speedway

Hythe Museum

include an old fashioned down-home Agricultural Fair, held annually in August and 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 that ends in the evening with a barbeque and old time baseball. (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.

• MAR 17: St. Edmund’s Catholic Church St. Patrick’s Day • APR 27: Community Pancake Supper Cooked by Council • MAY - SEP 30: Hythe Motor Speedway Stock Car Racing • MID MAY - AUG 31: Hythe Ag Society Swimming Pool Open • JUNE: Elks Steak & Lobster Nite • AUG 21: Hythe Agricultural Fair • OCT - APR: Hockey/Arena Open, Curling/Curling Rink Open • NOV 11: Hythe Legion # 93 Remembrance Day Ceremonies • NOV 12: Chamber of Commerce Christmas Craft Market • NOV 26: Annual Christmas Dine & Dance

www.gptourism.ca | Village of Hythe

Feature Events

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 skiing and cross country skiing in the winter months and chalet rentals are available year-round. 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 its 23rd year in operation. 43

Sexsmith

Town of

Attractions • • • • •

Sexsmith Blacksmith’s Shop Museum Paszkowski House Sexsmith Rail Station Heritage Park & Campground Skateboard Park

In 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 on Highway #2 from the City of Grande Prairie; 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 while sharing stories 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. One of the latest acquisitions of the Museum Society is one of the first Roman Catholic Churches of the area, built in 1916 and although damaged by fire in 2009, will be re-built in exact replica form. 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 Day in June. This event has been held for over 75 years, and is an old fashioned community celebration inspired by the traveling entertainers who first came to the prairies. Sexsmith has recently completed the first phase of a new skateboard park.

www.gptourism.ca | Town of Sexsmith

Feature Events • • • • • •

MAY 14: Town Garage Sale Day JUNE 4: Chautauqua Day SEPT 18: Terry Fox Run NOV 11: Remembrance Day Service DEC 2: Downtown Christmas Light-up DEC 3: Reverse Santa Parade 45

M.D. of

Greenview

Attractions

LITTLE SMOKY ATTRACTIONS • Waskahigan River Provincial Recreation Area VALLEYVIEW ATTRACTIONS • Valleyview Tourist Centre • Olde Country Inn • Sturgeon Lake • Young’s Point Provincial Park • Edson trail

Traveling south and east from the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 is an area of fertile farmland which gradually transforms into mixed-wood forests. This vast territory known as the Municipal District (M.D.) of Greenview No. 16 covers 32,915 square kilometers and in its extreme southwest location includes the majestic Rockies. Within the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Destination Region, the M.D. encompasses the rural communities of Grande Cache, Grovedale, DeBolt, Puskwaskau, Crooked Creek, Ridgevalley, Valleyview, New Fish Creek, Sunset House, Sweathouse, and Little Smoky. Minutes south of Grande Prairie, motorists cross the Wapiti River and can access Secondary Highway 666 heading southwest. 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, mountain biking, along with a full service year round campground. Go to www.gonitehawk.com for more information. Of particular interest to outdoor enthusiasts are Two Lakes Provincial Park and Kakwa Wildland Provincial 46

Park. Two Lakes consists of three campgrounds and 87 campsites. The lakes are popular for sport fishing. About 15 kilometers 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 meters over Kakwa Falls, rushes through a 4 kilometer canyon and then plunges over a second set of falls. Access to the falls is via a 20 kilometer unimproved trail suitable only for hikers, horseback or ATV. The Wildland also boast a 100 kilometer remote trail system used by pack teams from the early 1900s that 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 grizzly. 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 kilometers south of Grande Prairie and just east off of Highway 40 is the Musreau Lake Provincial Recreation Area. This springfed lake and camping area is a popular locale offering camping, boating and swimming plus access to ATV and equestrian trails. East of Grande Prairie and running south off Highway 43 from the Goodwin Corner 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 both complete a

Kakwa Falls

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. 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 hookups, hiking trails and boat launches. A little east of Williamson Provincial Park lays the historic Edson Trail. Settlers traveled 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. There is also a historic Edson Trail log cabin located near the Waskahigan River in the Little Smoky area. The Kakwa River, Southview and Swan Lake Recreation Areas described below are operated by the M.D. of Greenview. KAKWA RIVER PROVINCIAL RECREATION AREA Kakwa River Provincial Recreations area is located 110 kilometres south of Grande Prairie and 70 kilometres North of Grande Cache. The site includes newly renovated waste facilities, fire wood corral, 4 unit bear-proof garbage containers, functioning manual water pump 9 new fire pits and six picnic tables. This is a “Catch and Release” fishing site for Trout, Grayling and Whitefish. Fishing at this site is open from June 1st to October 31st and closed November 1st though May 31st. SOUTHVIEW PROVINCIAL RECREATION AREA Southview Provincial Recreation Area is located approximately 45 kilometres

HAMLET of RIDGEVALLEY Approximately 15 km east is Crooked Creek, which offers an excellent ice cream stand at the general store. A few kilometers south of the Crooked Creek store is the vibrant Hamlet of Ridgevalley which offers a variety of business development, school, arena and reputable bed and breakfast, Country Cottage B & B call 1-866-462-8025.

tries 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 SWAN LAKE PROVINCIAL motels, restaurants, gas stations, RECREATION AREA oilfield service/supply businesses, Swan Lake Recreation Area is sporting goods store and more. located approximately 35 kilometres All seasons offer fun and adventure! west of Valleyview. The lake is 140 HAMLET of LITTLE SMOKY Within the immediate area it is easy to hectares in size, with depths ranging The active Hamlet of Little Smoky, find excellent camping, fishing, from 3.2 to 5.6 metres. The site has a located halfway between Fox Creek horseback riding, golfing, boating and primitive boat launch, parking lot, day and Valleyview off of Highway 43, is for the naturalist, an abundance of use area with picnic tables, fire pits your next accommodation, camping or birds, flowers and wildlife. The region and walking trails. It is a stocked service stop. It is located near the is a sportsmen’s paradise, with winter water body with aerators installed confluence of the Iosegun, Little Smoky recreation, summer events and several since 1997 to prevent winter kill. Swan and Waskahigan rivers, with unparks and campgrounds to choose Lake is a very popular fishing destina- serviced camping at the Iosegun River from. Make sure to stop by the tion with above average Rainbow Campground in the Waskahigan Valleyview Tourist Information Centre Trout. Provincial Recreation Area and serviced operated by the local Chamber of camping spots available at the Little Commerce. It is a popular rest stop HAMLET of DEBOLT Smoky Motel. In the summer boating, along the highway with gift shop, Located approximately fifty seven fishing, and hiking adventures await. In friendly staff and picnic areas. For a list (57) kilometers east of Grande Prairie the winter snowmobiling and fishing of local outfitters, hunters, guides and on Highway 43, across the Smoky are excellent. Community members wilderness tour operators, contact the River, DeBolt is home to the DeBolt host events like the Country Music Valleyview and District Chamber of and District Pioneer Museum. The Jamboree that you will not want to Commerce at 1-780-524-4535, or museum offers a collection of heritage miss. Be sure to stop and check out the (780) 524-2410. buildings. Including a barn, church local sites, you’ll see good things do manse, cabin, homestead, ice house come in small packages. and more. All buildings are in Hubert Memorial Park in DeBolt, except the TOWN of GRANDE CACHE Legion hall which is on Alberta On the M.D.’s most southerly DEBOLT EVENTS Avenue. DeBolt holds an annual boundary lies the Town of Grande • AUG: DeBolt Fair Heritage festival each August Cache 180 kilometers from Grande • Gunby Ranch Golf Course featuring a parade, fair, and activities Prairie via Highway 40. Grande Cache • Meridian Drive Golf Course for all. ‘The Centre’ is an expanded with a population of about 3,800 facility that encompasses the curling residents, is a feisty, creative rink, hall and kitchen facility, library, community anchored by a diversified GRANDE CACHE meeting rooms and fitness centre. economy so that the residents can live, • AUG: Death Race Creeks Crossing offers a 53 lot fully work and enjoy all that mother nature serviced residential housing develophas to offer. Rafting companies and LITTLE SMOKY EVENTS ment located on the south boundary outfitters offer packages for all ages. • JAN: Chili Cook Off of the Hamlet. Willmore Wilderness Park is a sanctuary • EVERY 3RD FRIDAY: Country for those who wish to explore the Music Jamboree HAMLET of GROVEDALE wilderness on foot, horse, mountain • AUG: Corn Bake Located twenty one (21) kilometers bike, or skis. The Town hosts the world south from Grande Prairie near the renowned annual 125 kilometer Death VALLEYVIEW EVENTS Nitehawk ski hill, is the energetic Race every August. • JUNE 3, 4, 5: All Breed community know as Grovedale which encompasses the Landry Heights TOWN of VALLEYVIEW Horse Show subdivision. The small bedroom Located approximately three • AUG 12, 13, 14: Annual Fair community of Grovedale includes hundred forty five (345) kilometers and Rodeo general stores, a number of commerfrom Edmonton, and one hundred Valleyview & District cial businesses and volunteer fire (100) kilometers east of Grande Prairie, Agricultural Society department as well as community this community of 2000 is a flourishing (780) 524-3473 school, hall and arena. service centre for the resource indus• Greenview Golf Course • Riverside Golf Course

www.gptourism.ca | M.D. of Greenview

northeast of Grande Cache and 135 kilometres southwest of Grande Prairie. This site includes waste facilities, 4 unit bear-proof garbage containers and two concrete picnic tables. The site is very open and easily accommodates larger camping units.

Feature Events

Fox Creek

Town of

Attractions • • • •

Silver Birch Golf Course Golden Triangle Don Nicolson Trail Fox Creek Historical Association Museum • Trout Pond Contact: Fox Creek Chamber of Commerce 780-622-2670 Town of Fox Creek 780-622-3896

Located midway between Whitecourt and Valleyview along Highway 43 lies the Town of Fox Creek. Remnants of stopping houses, echoes of the area’s early history, are still evident along the Edson-Grande Prairie Trail which passes nearby. The area was home to aboriginal people and trappers long before industry, in the form of lumber mills, began to develop in the 1940s. The completion of the Alaska Highway opened the region, and discovery of nearby oil and gas reserves in the mid1950s accelerated growth. From humble beginnings as a rest point along the highway, Fox Creek has

grown to become home to 2300 residents. The community has emerged as a major service centre for tourism, oil, gas, forestry, and environmental industries. Unparalleled natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife set Fox Creek apart as a destination for anglers, sportsmen, sledders, and those who seek to experience the magic of unspoiled Boreal forest. Numerous lakes offer year-round attraction and a full range of activities for visitors. Welltreed Provincial campgrounds on the shores of Iosegun Lake and Smoke Lake provide a quiet retreat for campers. Smoke Lake | M. Mylene English

Canada Day | M. Mylene English

Both feel remote despite being within minutes of town and amenities. The area is a photographer’s delight, providing shutterbugs the opportunity to capture images of an outdoor wonderland. The community supports a variety of clubs, restaurants, hotels and service organisations. Whether you have arrived to refuel, stretch your legs, rest the night, or as a destination, you will be greeted with warm hospitality. Make the Visitor Information Centre your first stop – the facility provides a warm welcome. The centre includes a gift

Iosegun Lake Sunset | M. Mylene English

shop, fitness centre, playground and covered picnic tables located in a peaceful, park-like atmosphere. If you enjoy the outdoors, take a hike down the 2.4 km (1.5 mi) Don Nicolson Trail which begins just behind the Visitor Information Centre and winds through the trees, connecting with walking trails that circle the Town. Six playgrounds dot the community and sporting types can take advantage of the tennis courts, ball diamonds, football field, swimming pool, arena, curling rink, and skate park. Golfers will not be disappointed playing a round or two at Silver Birch Golf Club. The Trout Pond, located 9 km north on Highway 43 is a great catch-andrelease area. This rustic, family friendly recreation area supports a naturalised pond stocked with trout fingerlings every summer. Displays of local artifacts will be of interest to museum-goers. Make sure to check out the ‘moosequito’ on exhibit. The Municipal Campground, located within Town limits, offers both serviced and nonserviced sites. Public internet access is available at the Community Resource Centre and the library. Northland Sno-Goers are proud to host the Alberta Snowmobile

Association 40th Anniversary Jamboree in February this year. The Athabasca River Raft Race as well as a Baseball Slow-Pitch tournament and “Beer Fest” are held the first weekend of June, drawing participants from all over the province. Our nation’s birthday is celebrated in a big way in Fox Creek Canada Day celebrations here are not to be missed! Come August, Fox Creek Motorsports Association gears up for their annual Demolition Derby – it’s a smashing good time! Come stay a while in Fox Creek – it’s only natural!

www.gptourism.ca | Town of Fox Creek

Silver Birch Golf Club | Brandi Bedson

Feature Events

• FEB11-13: Northland Sno-Goers host the Alberta Snowmobile Association 40th Anniversary Jamboree • FEB 21: Family Day celebration • JUNE 3-5: Athabasca River Raft Races, Slo-Pitch Tournament and Beerfest • JULY 1: Canada Day celebrations, Historical Association Duck Race • AUG 13-14: Demolition Derby • NOV 11: Remembrance Day ceremony 49

2011 Grande Prairie Jan Eclectic Resonance: Prairie Art Gallery Member’s Art Exhibition Jan CFCA Oil Painting Student Art Show, Centre for Creative Arts Jan 9th - Feb 3rd Clothesline Art Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Jan 1-2 Grande Prairie Sled Dog Derby – Evergreen Park (780) 518-5996 Jan 13-15 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Almost, Maine” Jan 16-17 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, GPRC Theatre Jan 20-Apr20 Eternal The Ways of Water; Art Exhibit by Local Artists Jan 21-22 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Almost, Maine” Jan 21-22 Growing North Conference, Evergreen Park Jan 22 36th Annual Malanka, Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers, Crystal Centre Grande Prairie.

Feb 6 - Mar 3 Grande Prairie Regional College Art Students Show, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Feb 10,11,12,17 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Spreading It Around by Londos D'Arrigo, Grande Prairie Feb 10-12,17-19 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Chicago-Musical”, GPRC Theater Feb 11 EMS Foundation 11th Annual Wine Fair and Auction Feb 11-13 Fox Creek Alberta Snowmobile Association 40th Anniversary Jamboree Feb 12 Evening of Live Jazz music while Francophone artistes will paint art works Feb 18,19 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Spreading It Around by Londos D'Arrigo, Grande Prairie Feb 21 ”Heart” in Concert, Crystal Center

Jan 26 Foreign Movie Night; “8 Women”, Grande Prairie Library

Feb 21 Grande Prairie Family Day, Muskoseepi Park

Jan 28-29 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Almost, Maine”

Feb 21 Fox Creek Family Day celebration

Jan 29 Grande Prairie Home Builders, Awards of Excellence, Quality Inn, Grande Prairie Jan 30 The Wedding Show, Crystal Centre Feb 1-28 Red Juried Theme Show, Centre for Creative Arts

Feb 4 Grande Prairie Girl Choir “Hush” Concert, 7:30pm Christ Church Anglican

Feb 21 Wembley Family Day Outdoor Fun Activities Feb 23 AGM of Grande Prairie Downtown Association, Dukes, Grande Prairie Feb 23 Foreign Movie Night; “After the Wedding”, Grande Prairie Library

Feb 4-5 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Chicago-Musical”, GPRC Theater

Feb 24,25,26 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Spreading It Around by Londos D'Arrigo, Grande Prairie

Feb 4-6 Peace Challenge Cup, GP Curling Club

Feb 24-26 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Chicago-Musical”, GPRC Theater

Events

Feb 26 Ladies We’re Worth It, Crystal Centre Grande Prairie Feb 26 2011 Cabane à sucre/ Maple Festival, Muskoseepi Park Mar Rhett Demetrick Art Show, Centre for Creative Arts Mar 6- 31 Patricia Peters Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Mar 3-5 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Marion Bridge”, Grande Prairie Mar 5 Curl for a Cure, GP Curling Club Mar 10-12 Peace Region Ag Show - Evergreen Park Mar 11-12 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Marion Bridge”, Grande Prairie Mar 17,18,19 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig, Grande Prairie Mar 18-19 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Marion Bridge”, Grande Prairie Mar 22-27 Alberta Mixed Provincials, GP Curling Club Mar 25-27 Grande Prairie Women’s ShowSpring Edition, Crystal Centre Mar 25,26,31 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig, Grande Prairie Mar 25-26 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Marion Bridge”, Grande Prairie Apr Janet Enfield Art Show, Centre for Creative Arts Apr 1-2 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig, Grande Prairie

Apr 1-2 Women Alive-Regional Conference, Christian Fellowship Assembly, Grande Prairie Apr 1-3 Grande Prairie Sports ExpoEvergreen Park Apr 3-28 18th Annual Quilt Show, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Apr 12-17 Grey Power Players Curling Championships Apr 14,15,16 Ovations Dinner Theatre, Contempt of Court by David Landau, Grande Prairie Apr 14-16 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Harvey”, Grande Prairie Apr 15 Ducks Unlimited Dinner and Auction, Beaverlodge Apr 16-17 Swan Festival-Centre 2000 Apr 17 Swan Festival –Saskatoon Island Provincial Park Apr 17 Grande Prairie Girls Choir, Songs of People Concert, St Paul's United Church, 2pm Apr 21 Complimentary Beaverlodge Community Breakfast Apr 21-23 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Harvey”, Grande Prairie Apr 23 Easter Extravaganza, Muskoseepi Park Apr 27 Thank You Luncheon (Administrative Professionals Day) Grande Prairie Apr 27 Foreign Movie Night; “Shower”, Grande Prairie Library Apr 27 Hythe Community Pancake Dinner Apr 28-30 Grande Prairie Live Theater, “Harvey”, Grande Prairie

Apr 30 Enerflex MS Walk, Grande Prairie Apr 30 Hawaii Draw/Recreation Centre, Wembley May 1-26 Vicki Hotte, Karen McFarlane, Marilyn Snell “Erosions” Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre May 4-8 The Reel Shorts Film Festival May 13-14 Northern AB Forestry & Construction Show –Evergreen park May 14 Town Garage Sale Day, Sexsmith. May 15-Oct 15 Centennial of Edson Trail Exhibit, HDC 780-532-5790 May 18 Downtown Shop Crawl, Downtown Grande Prairie May 18-19 Peace Region Petroleum Show, Evergreen Park. May 24-29 Grande Prairie Stompede, Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie

June 18 Day in the Park & Soapbox Derby, Wembley June 29 Foreign Movie Night; “Wonderful Town” June 30 Canada Day Fireworks, Muskoseepi Park July 1 Canada Day Parade and Celebrations, Grande Prairie 780539-7688 July 1-2 Rio Grande Rodeo, Beaverlodge July 2-3 Rio Grande Old Timer’s Rodeo

Aug 12, 13, 14 Annual Fair & Rodeo, Valleyview

Nov 11 Remembrance Day Service, Region

Aug 13-14 Fox Creek Demolition Derby

Nov 12 Hythe Chamber of Commerce Christmas Craft Market

Aug 19-20 Agricultural Fair & Trade Show, Beaverlodge Aug 21 Agricultural Fair & Trade Show, Hythe

Nov 20 Global Wonders Fair Trade Handicraft Sale, Grande Prairie

Aug 28 - Sept 22 Brian Harder Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre

Nov 18 Vegas Night, stores open til 11pm, downtown Grande Prairie

Sept 11 Autumn Festival, South Peace Centennial Museum

Nov 18-19 Christmas Festival, Beaverlodge

July 3m- 28 Angie Patterson Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre

Sept 14 Showcase of Area Groups & Organizations, (full week), Sexsmith

July 6 2011 World Championship Jet River Races-780-814-4433

Sept 17 Fireman’s Steak and Lobsterfest, Beaverlodge

July 8,9,10 Jones Country Jamboree, Beaverlodge

Sept 18 Terry Fox Run, Sexsmith

July 14,15, 16,17 Teepee Creek Rodeo

Sept 22 Newcomers Barbeque, Beaverlodge

May 25 Foreign Movie Night; “Autumn Spring” , Grande Prairie Library

July 16-17 South Peace Centennial Museum Pioneer Days, Beaverlodge-

Sept 25 - Oct 20 Beaverlodge Art Society Miniature Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre

May 25-27 Stompede Dress Western, Downtown Grande Prairie

July 22,23,24 Street Performers Festival, Grande Prairie Alberta

Sept 25-26 Health & Wellness Show - Holiday Inn, Grande Prairie

May 29 - June 16 Beaverlodge Regional High School art Students Show, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre

July 22 Edson Trail 100th Anniversary Dedication-Kleskun Hill 780-5683309

Sept 28 Foreign Movie Night; “Lemon Tree”, Grande Prairie Library

June 3, 4, 5 All Breed Horse Show, Valleyview

July 23 Edson Trail 100th Anniversary Celebrations Evergreen Park 780568-3309

June 4 Chautauqua Day, -Old Fashioned Family Fair- Sexsmith. June 12 Farmer’s Festival, South Peace Centennial Museum June 17 GP Homebuilders Golf Tournament, Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club June 18 Sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale, downtown Grande Prairie

July 24 Euphemia McNaught Heritage Festival July 23-24 East Coast Garden Party- Bear Creek Park July 31 - Aug 25 Marian Jacoba Shilka Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre

Nov 17-21 Festival of Trees - Evergreen park

Oct 15,16,17 Grande Prairie Women’s Show-Fall Edition, Crystal Centre Oct 21-22 Craft Club Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Oct 23 - Nov 17 Clara Foshaug Show & Sale, beaverlodge Cultural Centre Oct 26 Foreign Movie Night; “Everlasting Moments”, Grande Prairie Library Oct 29 Foot Parade and Halloween Party, Grande Prairie

www.gptourism.ca | Events

Visit our website at www.gptourism.ca for up-to-date events listings

Nov 20 - Dec 22 Grant Berg Show & Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre Nov 25 Christmas Craze, Beaverlodge Nov 26 Hythe Annual Christmas Dine & Dance Dec 1-31 Christmas Light Show at Evergreen Park Dec 2 Downtown Christmas Light Up, Sexsmith Dec 2-3 Wonderland of Trees/Snowflake Gala, Wembley Dec 3 Reverse Santa Parade, Sexsmith Dec 4 Santa Parade, downtown Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Farmers Market Every Friday 4-8pm and Every Saturday 10am-3pm 780-814-8224 Beaverlodge 780-354-3013 Every Tues 5-8pm and Wed12-3pm Clairmont 780-567-4068 Every Friday 4-7pm & Saturday 93pm Wembley 780-518-1261 Nov 13,14 27, 28 Sat10-3pm & Sun11-3pm

Grande

Winter Ventures cross-country ski trails. Within the City of Grande Prairie, skiers can traverse over eighteen kilometers 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. While the magnificence of winter is National championships have been held reason enough to visit, most visitors in 15 countries and international events don’t sit still for too long: there’s just too include an annual World Cup circuit and much to do! a World Championship which are held Whether it is cold with sunny skies, or every other year. The accessibility of mild and snowy, we can offer outdoor natural luge, the appeal to television wintertime hotspots and events that will audiences, the challenge for the athlete warm your winter season. If you want a and the dynamic visual images makes real northern winter adventure watch in the sport the “natural” for those awe as the Aurora Borealis, the northern demanding new winter sports.This lights, dance across the skies. The dynamic track is located at the Nitehawk northern lights have different meaning facility which is located just south of the to different cultures. To the Inuit natives, City of Grande Prairie. Lesson for all ages the jumping lights of yellows, greens, are offered. whites, and reds were the spirits of their friends and parents playing a game of SKATING ball in the sky. To other people, the Within the City, free skating is lights are simply the clashing of available at the Muskoseepi fish pond at electrons drawn along magnetic lines of 102 Street and 102 Avenue. Other city force at the North Pole. Other wondrous and county rinks provide public skating winter time activities include ice skating, on most weekends. Other great places shinny, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and for skating outside of the City are at downhill or cross country skiing. It’s all Evergreen Park, Moonshine Lake, here in the Grande Prairie region! Young’s Point and Saskatoon Island Provincial Parks. DOWNHILL/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING SNOWMOBILING Along the southern banks of the Awarded Silver from the magazine Wapiti River, just fifteen minutes south “Snowriders West” as Riders Choice, of Grande Prairie, the Nitehawk Ski Area northwestern Alberta is the perfect place provides downhill skiing and snowfor winter enthusiasts interested in the boarding. Ten minutes closer to Grande adventure of snowmobiling. With Prairie is the Wapiti Nordic Centre which approximately 60 kilometers of groomed offers close to 35 kilometers of groomed trails in the Big Mountain area south of 52

Grande Prairie (off Highway 40) or around 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. WEATHER The Grande Prairie region on average has a northern continental climate typical of northwestern Alberta and northeastern BC. Winters are generally cold with some mild spells. Winter conditions can vary tremendously from year to year and have been known to be mild enough to produce "brown Christmas" conditions, where little or no snow may fall until after Christmas due to unusually mild early winter conditions. The average January temperature is −15 °C (−9 °C average high and −19 °C average low) however, temperatures have reached as low as −52 °C. October 28, 2006, set a new record for the city: nearly 40 centimeters (15 inches) of snow fell in 24 hours. It was the greatest single-day snow fall in nearly fifty years. Snowfall amounts vary greatly from year to year with approximately 158.6 cm (62.4 inches) of snow per year on average. The total annual precipitation is 446.6 mm (17.6 inches) which includes both rain and snow. Being fairly close to the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, it can get quite windy in the region, especially in the spring and fall. Chinooks are not an unheard of occurrence in the Grande Prairie area. WINTER EVENTS One annual winter event that you cannot miss is the Cabane á Sucre or the Maple Sugar Festival, February 06, 2011, 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 that you don’t want to miss! The well known Alberta group Allez Ouest will share their dynamic music during the

point value based on their performance during each Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event. The 2011 Grey Power Players’ Championship will take place from April 12-17, 2011. The Grande Prairie region has many winter events. To view a full event listing visit www.gptourism.ca or contact these specific winter event locations for information:

Downhill Skiing

Canada Games Arena

Highway 666

Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)

(780) 538-0334

Cross Country Skiing Wapiti Nordic Centre County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie Saskatoon Mountain County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Saskatoon Island Provincial Park

(780) 539-9050 (780) 538-0451 (780) 532-9722 (780) 538-5350

Highway 666 (780) 532-6637

Indoor Skating Coca-Cola Centre, Grande Prairie Crystal Centre, Grande Prairie Beaverlodge Arena Beaverlodge Hythe Arena, Hythe Wembley Rec Centre, Wembley

(780) 532-7221 (780) 354-2514 (780) 831-4315 (780) 567-4040 (780) 766-2266 (780) 532-4782

(780) 513-5252 (780) 538-0491 (780) 354-2201 (780) 356-3888 (780) 766-2251

Natural Luge (780) 532-6637

Outdoor Skating Muskoseepi Fish Pond. Grande Prairie (780) 538-0451 Greg Walker Memorial,Beaverlodge (780) 354-2201 Millennium Park, Sexsmith (780) 568-3681 Saskatoon Island Provincial Park (780) 538-5350

Snowboarding Nitehawk Ski Area, Highway 666 Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie

Curling Grande Prairie Curling Club Beaverlodge Curling Club Bezanson Curling Club Clairmont Curling Club La Glace Curling Club Peace Curling Assoc Grande Prairie

Nitehawk Ski Area

www.gptourism.ca | Grande Winter Ventures

afternoon, so be ready to come and dance the “jig”! Maple produce will come directly from Quebec. The maple taffee will run and be ready to sweeten every one! Traditional food, and more will be available for the all family! Grande Prairie prides itself on continually putting itself forward to host provincial, national and international events and repeatedly creating success stories. One such successful winter event is the Grand Slam Curling event-Grey Power Player’s Championship hosted at the Canada Games Arena. In 2009, Grande Prairie, played host to the Grey Power Players’ Championship with the famous Ferbey and Jones teams winning the men’s and women’s tournaments respectively. The six-day event concluded with a total attendance of 40,125. It is a real feather in this community’s cap to be hosting this prestigious curling championship again. Following the conclusion of the Grey Power Players’ Championship, the World Curling Tour will announce the winners of the annual Capital One Cup. The Capital One Cup is a points-based competition that awards each team a

(780) 532-6637 (780) 538-0451

Snowshoeing Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie

(780) 538-0451

Fishing & Hunting

listing of specific catch limits, 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, on-line (mywildalberta.com) and some gas stations. Call 1-888-944-5494 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 first nations people. License fees depend on whether you are either Resident or non-Resident and your age. They can Whether you just love to fish, or are looking for that once in a lifetime expe- range anywhere from $21 to $60 plus GST per year. In addition, license rience, fishing in Alberta waters offers holders must hold a valid WIN, Wildlife opportunities for all anglers. The Identification Number that costs an Grande Prairie area offers some great additional fee but is valid for 5 years. fishing, whether you’re looking for trout, pike (jackfish), walleye, perch or grayling. Many of the lakes are stocked FISHIN’ HOLES East Dollar Lake with rainbow, cutthroat or brook trout. North of Valleyview on Highway 49 Many rivers have some of these same Rainbow Trout species as well as bull trout, grayling and rocky mountain whitefish. If Grovedale Pond walleye, pike or perch is what you are South of Grande Prairie on highway 40 at junction of Grovedale Road turnoff after, there are plenty of sources for these as well, both lakes and rivers with Rainbow Trout camping available. Jackfish Lake Take the guesswork out of planning Remote, no road access, behind (give a your next fishing adventure. Once you direction instead of behind) Spring Lake get started, here are a few important Northern Pike things you need to know before you drop your line. Kakut Pond Fishing with barbed hooks is prohibEast of Woking on Secondary Highway 677 ited. One line may be used when Rainbow Trout, Perch fishing in open water, two lines when Kakwa River & Tributaries ice-fishing. Three lines is a no-no. For Via Two Lakes Road, Highway 40 & various that matter, it is also illegal to possess live fish bait, and live game fish, unless logging & lease access roads Excellent fly-fishing for Arctic Grayling, the fish have been caught and are in Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, the immediate vicinity of the waters Bull Trout to 5 lbs from which they were taken. Snares, spring-loaded gaff hooks or devices Little Smoky River used to attract and stun fish are also Southwest of Fox Creek off Highway 43 prohibited. Bull Trout is the provincial Excellent fishing for Arctic Grayling & Bull Trout. Special Regulations – see your fishing fish of Alberta and because it is still listed as a threatened species, it remains guide as catch and release fishing only. For a

Moonshine Lake Provincial Park West of Rycroft on Hwy 725 Rainbow Trout Muskoseepi Park Pond Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie Stocked Rainbows - children & seniors only Nose Lake & North Cutbank River Via remote Nose Mountain Fire Tower Rd Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Arctic Grayling, Bull Trout to 2 lbs Also a remnant population of Brook Trout in North Cutbank River Wapiti River & Tributaries Access south of Grande Prairie on Highway 40 and at Wapiti Gardens south of Beaverlodge Pike to 14 lbs, Walleye to 4 lbs in lower river, Arctic Grayling, Rocky Mountain Whitefish and Bull Trout to 4lbs in upper reaches Sheep Creek Via Hwy 40 & 20 km north of Grande Cache Rainbows, Bull and Grayling to 2 lbs Snipe Lake Via Hwy 669 east of Valleyview Pike to 15 lbs, Walleye to 5 lbs

Sturgeon Lake Via Hwy 43, Williamson & Young’s Point Provincial Parks Pike to 30 lbs, Walleye to 5 lbs, Whitefish to 4 lbs, Perch to 2 lbs Swan Lake South of Ridgevalley Very large Rainbow Trout Torrens River South of Two Lakes on Kakwa Falls road Rainbow & Cutthroat Trout in upper river above the falls. As well as Arctic Grayling, Rocky Mountain Whitefish & Bull Trout below the falls. Two Lakes South of Grande Prairie North (first) Lake, Rainbow Trout South (second) Lake, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout

Flyfishing | Jim Epp

Does the call of the wild, call out to you? Well, then the region around Grande Prairie would be the one 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 hunter’s paradise for trophy black bear. During the fall, bow and rifle hunters try for trophy elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and moose. The area also offers fine game bird hunting for goose, duck and grouse. Regional sporting goods stores also sponsor the annual Great Northern Whitetail Buck and Bull Elk Hunt and Awards Dinner every autumn. Hunting regulations and special licensing requirements vary depending on the type of hunting. Hunting is absolutely prohibited in all national and provincial parks. For more information, maps of the region and the detailed legal descriptions of the WMU boundaries refer to the Alberta Guide to Hunting. As hunting seasons, licensing costs and regulations may change from year to year, go on-line to www.albertaoutdoorsmen.org/huntingregs/ or contact Alberta Sustainable Resource Development at (780) 944-0313 http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/ for more up-to-date hunting information.

OUTFITTERS

12 Gauge Outfitters (780) 539-9067 Aurora Outfitters (780) 831-9049 Bredeson Guiding & Outfitting (780) 538-4251 Caribou River Hunting Co. (780) 864-3049 Diamond T Outfitters (780) 356-2361 Maverick Waterflowers (780) 356-2515 Mike’s Outfitting 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 Wild Bill’s Outdoor Adventures (780) 832-1612

www.gptourism.ca | Fishing & Hunting in the Grande Prairie Region

Spring Lake Via Hwy 21 & 26 km north of Hythe Rainbows, Brookies

Source: City of Grande Prairie Economic Development Department

Climate Average winter temperature ....-12C Average summer temperature.+15C

Elevation ....................................2190

Population 2007 Census ............................50,227

Driving distances from Grande Prairie to the following destinations: Banff, AB ................................682km Calgary, AB .............................752km Edmonton, AB ........................464km Fort McMurray, AB.................748km Drayton Valley, AB .................414km Edson, AB................................382km Grande Cache, AB ..................186km Hinton, AB ..............................332km Jasper, AB ...............................397km Lake Louise, AB ......................628km Lethbridge, AB .......................972km Medicine Hat, AB ...................982km Peace River, AB.......................197km Whitecourt, AB ......................279km Red Deer, AB ..........................612km Dawson Creek, BC ..................134km Ft. St. John, BC .......................214km Prince George, BC ..................544km Vancouver, BC.......................1342km

CITY CENTRE

Breedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown Trails

Campground

Fire Stations

Shopping

Churches

Postal Outlets

Hospital

Police Station

LEGEND

Golfing

Whether you are just passing through, or making the area your vacation choice, the Grande Prairie region has thirteen 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

the Exceptional

south of the City of Grande Prairie. The championship clubhouse includes multiuse 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 by golfing at the Greenview Golf Resort located in a beautiful wilderness setting on the south side of Sturgeon Lake. 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 order from 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!

Grande Prairie 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 Wembley Pipestone Putters Golf Club 18 Holes; Phone (780) 766-2720 Sexsmith Morningview Park Golf Course 9 Holes; Phone (780) 568-4357 Grovedale Grovedale Golf Course 18 Holes: Phone (780) 539-9898 Valleyview Greenview Golf Resort 9 Holes; Phone (780)524-3673

LEGEND

Visitor Information Centre Centre 2000, Grande Prairie Highway 43 By-Pass

Kleskun Hill Park & Historic Site Highway 43 east to TWP Road 724, North to Range Road 41

Campground Golf Course Ski Hill

Bad Heart Straw Church North on HWY 733 East on TWP road 750 - 4 miles North on Range Road 25 - 2 miles

Kleskun Valley Viewpoint Highway 2 North to TWP Road 742 East to Range Road 52

Historic Site Airport City Town Village

Sexsmith Historical Town Back to Highway 2, 20km north of Grande Prairie

Bear Hill Viewpoint Highway 2 North 1-1/4 miles West on Highway 59 to 724, 3 miles North

LaGlace Memorial Highway 59

Day Trip Route-Paved Day Trip Route-Gravel Primary Highway Secondary Highway

www.gptourism.ca | Golfing & County Map

County Map

Melsness Mercantile Valhalla Centre Highway 59

Hythe Information and Tack Shop Highway 43

10 South Peace Centennial Museum Highway 43 11 Beaverlodge and Area Cultural Centre 512 - 5 Avenue in Beaverlodge 12 Saskatoon Mountain Viewpoint North on Range Road 92 off Highway 43 13 Pipestone Creek Park South of Wembley on Range Road 82 14 Grande Prairie Museum 102 Avenue and 102 Street Muskoseepi Park 15 Evergreen Park Resources Road south of Grande Prairie

Downtown Tours

Breeden’s

Self-Guided

Avenue to build 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 still use the church for summer marriage ceremonies.

Visitors 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 to Centre 2000 and retrace the steps of the First Nations’ people who gathered here to harvest Saskatoons. You may also choose to park in the Muskoseepi parking area at 102 Street and 102 Avenue and begin the tour at the Museum’s Pioneer Village.

Stop 1: McQueen’s Presbyterian Church, Pioneer Museum Reverend Alexander Forbes and his wife Agnes first visited Grande Prairie in 1909 and selected a site on 100

Stop 2: Hermit Lake School, 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. Stop 3: Firehall Replica, Pioneer Museum 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 neo-classically 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 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 Parking Lot The original foundation walls are all that remains of the Plante residence. Plante, a trapper and guide, surveyor and grounds man, arrived from Lac Ste. Anne to build his house in 1919. 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 Trestle, Muskoseepi Park 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.

Stop 13: The Forbes Homestead, 10424 - 96 Street Forbes and his wife, Agnes, arrived from Scotland in 1894 to serve the Presbyterian community in Fort Saskatchewan. In 1909, he traveled to “la grande prairie” holding services near Beaverlodge. In 1910, he traveled with his wife over the Edson Trail in a covered caboose through snows and temperatures near minus 40C. Seventy-

www.gptourism.ca | Tours

Stop 7: Innes Log Cabin, 9012 - 102 Street 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 Stop 11: Downtown 100 Avenue slips and bank forms, and a small 1911 to 2004 amount of cash. He later moved to Breeden’s dream for a civilized Carriage Lane. downtown area out of the wilds was realized. In 1912, Salmond built a new Stop 8: Crummy and Innes Residences, fourteen-room hotel at 10031-100 Carriage Lane, 9804 and 9810 - 102 Street. In 1913, William Caldwell and Street John McAuley, fur traders, established These homes were typical of several the Selkirk Trading Company at 10028influential members of Grande 100 Avenue. In 1919, C.L. Grisdale Prairie’s early commercial days: opened an Imperial Bank of Canada George Crummy, who would become branch at 10002-100 Avenue, the owner of the Empire Hotel and present site of the CIBC. In 1928, a Crummy Brothers General Merchants Provincial Court House followed. By and later vice-president of the Board 1940, the city’s population had grown of Trade; and William Innes, the first to 1500. Models of the new Plymouth city banker. Note the gabled roofs, motor car sold for $1163. Women’s brick chimneys, and long open lingerie and panties sold for 75 cents to verandas. $3.95 but winter parkas were a better buy at 55 cents to $1.95…hmm!? 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 Stop 12: Central Park High School, congregation until 1982. 10209 - 99 Street One of the older building still Stop 10: Breeden’s Hotel, now 214 standing in Grande Prairie. Opened in Place, 102 Street and 100 Avenue 1929 as Grande Prairie School this is a George Breeden and Joseph two-storey brick veneer building. It also Germain built the first two buildings served as a junior high school until within the present limits of Grande 1967, and then as a venue for Grande Prairie in 1907. Breeden ran a blackPrairie Regional College. It currently is smith shop and operated a stopping a Provincial Historic Resource. Recently, house. Guests slept under a sod roof extreme snowfalls damaged the and on the dirt floors but these were building and collapsed part of what considered elegant compared to the was then the Prairie Art Gallery. treacherous wilds of the Long Trail. Restoration will soon be underway.

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-ahalf storey log 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 1900s… 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, Stompede Days, the Street Performers’ Festival and the Santa Claus Parade. Enjoy your tour! 61

ARBOUR TOUR Grande Prairie 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.

DEBOLT & DISTRICT PIONEER MUSEUM Hamlet of Debolt, off Hwy 43 Hours of Operation: Mid-May to September Eight heritage buildings make up the museum, featuring pioneer heritage, as well as local river fossils. For tours phone (780) 957-3957.

BAD HEART CHURCH Hwy 43 East to secondary 733, North to TWP 750, East to RR25 and North 1.5 miles.

FORBES HOMESTEAD 10424 96 Street-Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: Open May to Aug The Forbes Homestead is one of the oldest log buildings still standing in Grande Prairie. This homestead was restored to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Forbes family. This is a two story living quarters for Reverend Forbes and his wife was added on to the hospital which became the “Montrose House”. Call (780) 532-4586.

Father Dales, a penniless priest built a church with 400 straw bales and $605 dollars raised through donations. It is still standing and well cared for. Phone (780)-568-4279, (780) 568-4047, (780) 568-2971 to book an appointment to view $2.00.

GEO-CACHING TOUR in the GRANDE PRAIRIE REGION Look to pages 65 for more detailed information. GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE TOURS HWY 43, 10726 106 Avenue - Grande Prairie 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 the beauty of the Bear Creek Valley and reservoir. For touring information call (780) 539-2911.

www.gptourism.ca | Tours

Tours

GRANDE PRAIRIE HERITAGE DISCOVERY CENTRE Centre 2000-Lower Level, 11330 106 Street-Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: Open year round

The Heritage Discovery Centre portrays the history of the Peace Country right from the ice age to the present day by means of a timeline. It is also home to “Piper” the life size animatronic dinosaur who represents the “Pachyrhinosaurus lukustai” species that was discovered in this region. The adjoining Kin Gallery displays dynamic visiting exhibits. For touring information call (780) 532-5790.

GRANDE PRAIRIE MUSEUM

Muskoseepi Park-10329 101 AvenueGrande Prairie Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm and Saturday to Sunday 10:00am-4:30pm Telling exciting stories from the time of the dinosaurs to the pioneer era of the 1900s, the museum also features an outdoor Heritage Village (13), that lets you step back in time. The site also offers heritage tours and hosts special events such as the Lantern tours. In late October you can follow the lantern bearer through historic buildings and relive our heritage days through short and witty skits. For touring information call (780) 532-5482. GRANDE PRAIRIE ROTARY CLUB BUS TOURS Tours Leave from Centre 2000- 11330 106 Street-Grande Prairie 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 7 pm sharp. Call (780) 539-7688 for more information.

The Prairie Art Gallery and Grande Prairie Public Library

KLESKUN HILL MUSEUM East off Hwy 43, about 20 minutes from Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: May to October Museum - Saturday and Sunday, 1pm4pm; Park - 8am-11pm Celebrate 100 years since our pioneers travelled the Edson to Grande Prairie trail! In addition to restored buildings there are also interesting displays of farm machinery, tools and more! For guided tours phone (780)539-0874. PRAIRIE ART GALLERY Art Insight Tour 9839-103 Avenue - Grande Prairie An art insight tour is a free one hour long tour that provides you with an opportunity to learn about what the Prairie Art Gallery does. You can tour current exhibitions, see behind the scenes and learn about the expansion project. Bring your friends, colleagues and family members to discover more about our 35 year history and find out why we are so excited about the future of the visual arts in our community. Call (780) 357-7486 to book a tour.

SEXSMITH BLACKSMITH SHOP MUSEUM & PASZKOWSKI HOUSE Sexsmith, 24 kms north of Grande Prairie on Hwy 2 HOT AIR BALLOON TOURS Hours of Operation: May 1 to August Grande Prairie 30th Monday to Sunday 9am-6pm Your Hot Air Balloon adventure begins The Blacksmith shop was built in the when you meet your Pilot and Flight 1916 and contains over 10,000 artifacts. Crew. The morning flights meet approx- Across the street and the Paszkowski imately a 1/2 hour before sunrise and House is open for tours. Phone: (780) the evening flights approximately 2 1/2 568-3681 hours before sunset. SOUTH PEACE CENTENNIAL MUSEUM At the launch site, your flight crew will HWY 43, 2.5 kms north of Beaverlodge brief you on your upcoming balloon The main theme is agriculture and adventure. Then, you will watch with pioneer life in the rural South Peace awe as your balloon takes shape before from settlement to the 1960’s. The your eyes, ultimately standing more museum features one of the largest than 10 stories tall. Once fully inflated collections of working steam powered and ready for takeoff, you climb into engines in the world! The museum the gondola and begin the adventure currently has 16 display buildings and a of a lifetime. Call (780) 567-3198. wide assortment of artifacts. Guided or

self-guided touring. For tour information call (780) 354-8869. SWAN FESTIVAL TOURS Saskatoon Island Provincial Park- Off Hwy 43 west of Grande Prairie The Annual Swan Festival Kicks off at 7:30pm, on April 16th at Centre 2000 (11330-106 Street) in Grande Prairie with a guest speaker. The main event takes place at Saskatoon Island Provincial Park on Sunday April 17th from 12:30 - 5:00pm. Guided swan tours leave Saskatoon Island Provincial Park every 1/2 hour starting at 12:30pm. The last tour leaves at 3:30pm. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and travel county roads in the area to see swans and other wildlife. Cost for the tours is approximately $4/person or $15/family. For more information call (780) 538-5350. TEEPEE CREEK MUSEUM Teepee Creek, 1 km west Junction of Sec Hwys 733 and 674 A community museum featuring pioneer homes, household items, farm and logging equipment. Phone: (780) 532-5482. WILD RIVER ADVENTURE TOURS Jet Boat Tours! Whether you choose one of our most popular adventure tours or work with us to create your own custom tour you will enjoy beautiful scenery around every river bend! Lower Kakwa Falls -This tour is available only from the last week of May until the second week of June (depending on annual water level). Travelling from Hwy 40 up the Kakwa River to the Lower Falls is one of our most exciting tours. Smoky River - Join us at the Canfor Bridge Launch south of Grande Prairie, AB for a fun trip on the Smoky River through the Cutbank Rapids and Smoky Chutes. Wapiti River Tours -The Wapiti River is home to many different kinds of wildlife, with special sightings of this river’s namesake the Elk. For more information call (780) 830-8848.

www.gptourism.ca | Tours

Bon Appetite!

that there are plenty of food experiences in our region...with endless opportunities for year round savoring of the sights! Enjoy the food, our warm northern hospitality, and acquire a taste for the “Grande Food Adventure” that we can offer you! A great example, when was the last time you were greeted by a three-foot troll before enjoying a meal? You have the rare privilege of doing so at The Grande Prairie region has some fantastic restaurants of all sizes, ethnic- Melsness Mercantile in Valhalla Centre, located 15 minutes west of La Glace on ities, outdoor patios, and settings for Highway 59. Three-foot hand carved you to enjoy. We want you to realize

wooden trolls greet visitors in tribute to the area’s Scandinavian heritage. Originally a general store and post office, it was decided in 1994 to restore and save this local landmark. Due to the efforts of the Valhalla Heritage Society, the once rundown, abandoned building is now a coffee shop, museum and studio for local artists work and has been declared a provincial historic site. For a complete list of dining facilities in the region stop by one of our local Visitor Information Centers. You’ve got nothing to lose but your hunger!

www.gptourism.ca | Dining

Dining in the Grande Prairie Region

Accommodations MEETING and CONVENTION FACILITIES From the events like 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 regularly 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 incredible shopping! 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 recre-

ational 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. Consider Grande Prairie for your next conference, trade show or retreat and experience our warm northern hospitality Contact Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association at 1-866-202-2202 for more information. AMENITIES AVAILABLE • A variety of accommodation properties-over sixty to choose from • Air Service includes West Jet, Air Canada, Swanberg Air, Airco • Pre and Post - conference packages are available

ACCESS CANADA Many 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; 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.

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 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.

www.gptourism.ca | Accommodations

• Promotional material for the convention planners include promotional CD’s, promotional pins, videos, maps and Visitor Guides • Bus tours available, must be pre-booked

CANADA SELECT PROGRAM 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 need while traveling in Alberta. Overall cleanliness and state of repair are requirements of the program.

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Almost Home Accommodations A River Road Bed, Breakfast and Bales Best Western Grande Prairie Hotel Brookshire Manor Bed & Breakfast Canadian Motor Inn Centre Suites - Brookside Days Inn Executive Apartment Suites Gateway Motor Inn Grande Prairie Inn Grande Prairie Regional College Dorms Happy Trails Cabins Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Express Maple Meadows Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Millwood Country Inn Motel 6 Podollan Inn & Spa Pomeroy Inn & Suites Quality Inn & Conference Centre Ramada Truck Stop Redwood Inns & Suites Rotary House (Emergency Beds Only) Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie Service Plus Inn & Suites Silvercrest Stanford Inn Stonebridge Hotel Super 8 Motel The Lodge Motor Inn

357-0533 538-1204 402-2378 814-5635 532-1680 826-3336 532-2773 539-1567 532-8819 532-5221 539-2802 814-6919 402-6886 814-9446 539-4568 814-8176 830-7744 830-2000 831-2999 539-6000 814-7448 357-1916 513-4043 513-5555 538-3900 532-1040 539-5678 539-5561 532-8288 539-4700

866-852-2378 800-291-7893 888-871-5050 888-830-7552

800-661-6529 888-539-4772 800-465-4329 877-814-9336

800-466-8356 866-440-2080 877-977-4678 800-661-7954 877-814-7448 866-567-2427 800-726-3626 888-875-4667 800-422-7791 800-661-8160 888-41winks 888-888-9488 800-661-7874

538-3420 402-8026 814-5635 532-1245 830-1750 532-7057 539-7461 539-3077 532-5441 539-2924 814-7131 402-6835 814-9684 532-5946 814-7333 830-7745 830-2902 513-1146 532-1961 814-7459 513-3447 513-5131 532-8558 539-9333 538-3913 538-4636 532-8868 539-4700

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Smoking Rooms

Fax/Photocopy

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Laundry Service

Allow Pets

Restaurant Service

Kitchenette

Suites

Meeting/Banquet

Fax (780)

Organization Name

Toll Free

City

Phone (780)

Preferred Accommodations 3 3 100 4 86 76 90 25 44 203 513 18 146 102 4 4 132 109 66 102 98 92

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We put comfort in a whole new environment • • • •

Complimentary Breakfast Special High Speed Internet Access 24-Hour Business Station Local Calls and Long Distance Access

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In room coffee/tea maker Fitness Centre Parking for large trucks Airport Transportation

11201 - 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5M6 Tel 780.539.6000 Toll Free 1.800.661.7954

Commitment to Your Satisfaction

www.gptourism.ca | Accommodations

Sandy Places

in the Region O’Brien Park | Barry Petrie

There are a number of small beaches within the region that you can enjoy while you are here. If you love to play in the sand and enjoy the sun then check out these hidden gems. These areas are not supervised by lifeguards. We want you to have a safe, enjoyable experience and have a few tips/safety guidelines for you to follow: • Sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF) is essential. Apply it 1530 minutes before going outside so that it has a chance to be absorbed by the skin and apply again once outside • Never swim alone • Supervise children closely • Don’t rely on flotation devices, such as rafts or inner-tubes. Even approved lifejackets are not a substitute for swimming ability • If caught in a current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current’s pull • Do not swim while under the influence of alcohol, medications or illicit drugs that may cause impairment

• Protect your head, neck and spine – don’t dive into unfamiliar waters – feet first, first time • If you are in trouble, call or wave for help • Follow regulations • Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances • Report hazardous conditions to site management personnel

Pipestone Creek Park 17km south of Wembley (780) 766-2391 Saskatoon Island Provincial Park 21km east of Grande Prairie off highway 43 (780) 538-5350 Musreau Lake Located 70 km south of Grande Prairie off highway 40 (780) 538-5350

Simonette River Bear Lake Located northwest of Clairmont west of Located about 55 km east of Grande Prairie off Highway 43 (780) 524-3362 Highway 2 (780) 512-0722 Spring Lake West of Grande Prairie and 30 minutes north of Hythe (780) 356-2498 O’Brien Provincial Park Located 11km south of Grande Prairie off highway 40 (780) 538-5350 Moonshine Lake Located 30 km west of Spirit River off Hwy 49 (780) 538-5350

Young’s Point Located about 90 km east of Grande Prairie off Hwy 43 (780) 538-5350 Lake Chair | Brandi Bedson

www.gptourism.ca | Sandy Places in the Region

County Parks

We invite you to visit our parks and campgrounds and hope that you enjoy your stay. While visiting, we encourage you to be aware of those around you and the quality of the experience they hope to get from their visit. The County of Grande Prairie owns and operates 8 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 we ask you to keep in mind while visiting our parks this season: • Be considerate of others using the campground facility and the quality of experience they hope to get from their visit. • Quiet hours are from 11 pm to 7 am. This means turning off all stereos, generators and keeping noise to a minimum. • Conserve fire wood by keeping campfires small. This will reduce the risk of runaway fires and will help keep costs down.

• Make sure your fire is extinguished before you leave. Soak it with water once, make sure to stir through the ashes, and then soak it again. Safety and Parks Facilities The County’s Parks are now managed by the Community Services Department and will benefit from regular patrols by County Peace Officers, 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. Bear Lake | Mona Mason

and Recreation Areas

Alberta’s Northern Parks... closer to home than you think. Whether you are looking for a weekend away or a peaceful holiday, our provincial parks (PP) and recreation areas (PRA) offer endless opportunities to enjoy the diversity of this region’s lakes, forests, mountains, rivers and prairie. 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 PP. 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, Saskatoon Island PP and Musreau Lake PRA.

FISHING Sturgeon Lake supports the region’s largest year - round lake fishery, with access at both Young’s Point and Williamson PP. At Two Lakes and Moonshine Lake PP try your luck catching trout from shore, a nonmotorized or electric boat, or on the ice. If you prefer casting a line into flowing water, check the Iosegun River in Waskahigan PRA or the Kakwa River on the way to Two Lakes PP. PROGRAMS Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is the focal point for nature-based family programs. Throughout July and August, visitors can drop-in to 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 PP, so be sure to check park notice boards.

Island is also the place to be for the annual swan festival on April 16th and 17th.

WILDLIFE WATCHING 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 PP are great places to experience thriving wetlands EVENTS while self-guiding trails at Kleskun Hill Take in special events year-round including winter fun at Moonshine Lake Natural Area and Saskatoon Island PP PP on Family Day, and Parks Day in July explore the region’s rare native prairie landscapes. at Saskatoon Island PP. Saskatoon

PICNICS Looking for somewhere to spend a special afternoon? Try a picnic along the Wapiti River at O’Brien PP, a walk in northern badlands at Kleskun Hill Natural Area, or take in amazing views of the Rocky Mountains from Saskatoon Mountain.

www.gptourism.ca | County & Provincial Parks

Provincial Parks

HIKING and MOUNTAIN BIKING Whether you prefer summer hiking and mountain biking or winter crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing, trails await in all of our provincial parks. Dial toll free 310-0000 and then (780) 538-5350 www.albertaparks.ca For campground reservations at Saskatoon Island, Young’s Point or Historic Dunvegan visit www.reserve.albertaparks.ca or call 1-877-537-2757.

Flyfishing | Jim Epp

Campgrounds

Regional

Iosegun Lake | Lucie Auclair

The 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 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. In most provincial parks and recreation areas, camping fees are paid by self-registration (cash or cheque). Reservations are 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 are municipal and county operated, provincial parks and recreation areas, or independently operated. Those campgrounds listed on the Forestry Trunk Road are either operated by Canfor or the Province. A precautionary note to campers and RV vehicles traveling the Forestry Trunk Road or Two Lakes road; they are gravel based and used by log haul and petroleum trucks. Campground features such as boat launch sites, dockage, beaches and swimming, fishing, hiking and cycling trails vary with the site location. RV Sani Dump Sites are located in some campgrounds – refer to the Regional Campground Guide. For more information on the following campgrounds, call the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association’s Visitor Information Services at 1-780-539-7688 or toll free 1-866-202-2202.

www.gptourism.ca | Camping

Beaverlodge Beaverlodge Bezanson Clairmont Demmit Debolt Elmworth Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Fox Creek Fox Creek Fox Creek Fox Creek Forestry Trunk Road Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie South Grovedale Hythe Hythe Little Smoky Little Smoky Nose Mountain Road Rycroft Sexsmith Spirit River Spirit River Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Valhalla Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Wembley Wembley

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Electricity

43 43 43 2 43 43 722 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 2 40 2 43 2 43 40 43 43 40 40 40 40 40 40

Flush Toilets

Kitchen Shelter

# of Sites

Hommy Park (780) 354-8039 Pioneer Campground (780) 354-2201 Old Townsite (780) 538-3544 Clairmont Park (780) 512-0722 Demmit Park (780) 512-0722 Debolt Golf & Country Club (780) 957-2150 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) 622-3896 Iosegun Lake (780) 622-3896 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 and Cabins (780) 814-6919 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 PRA (780) 538-5350 Big Mountain Cr. PRA (780) 539-1130 Wee Links (780) 538-4501 Kakwa River PRA (780) 538-5350 Kakwa Wildland Park (780) 538-5350 Shutter 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 (780) 538-5350 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) 766-2391 Sunset Park (780) 766-2269

Location

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Day Use Sites

Preferred Campgrounds

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