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 Motor Speedway - Tammy Diesel
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Hythe Church
Sunderman Tack Shop
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.
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.
s
Hythe M otor Speedw ay Hythe M unicipal Cam ps ite River Ben d Golf Cours e Spring La ke Summer and Winter Resort Suderman Tack Shop
To celebrate the local history, Hythe boasts many first class events that 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 barbecue and old time baseball. (Take note of the colourful wooden grain terminal which is used to store the grain and oil seed crops.) Love the sounds of engines roaring? Just outside of Hythe from May to September, racing enthusiasts flock to the Hythe Motor Speedway. It is a 3/8 oval, paved racetrack and features modified, street stock, starter stock, sportsman and sprint competitions. These highpowered speedway races include cars from northeastern British Columbia and Alberta.
Attraction
s
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ent v E e r u eat
ick’s Day , St. Patr h rc u h C olic uncil ed by Co nd’s Cath k u o o m C d E r e t. S ke Supp g ity Panca Mar 16 Car Racin Commun ay Stock w d e e p in tor S Open g Apr 25 ythe Mo ing Pool H m im 0 w 3 S p ty May - Se Ag Socie e Hythe 1 3 bster Nit g u A k and Lo May Elks Stea l Fair gricultura Jun k Open Hythe A rling Rin u C d n a 9 rena Aug 1 ft Sale Hockey A monies stmas Cra ri r h p C A ’s t d c Day Cere n O e u c m n d ra E b St. 3 Remem iness Fair gion # 9 Nov 2 and Bus ft ra C Hythe Le s ristma nnual Ch Nov 11 Dance Hythe A ine and D s a tm s hri Nov Annual C Nov
Village of Hythe
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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.
Old Fashioned Main Street
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Sexsmith
Sexsmith Blacksmith Shop
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 (1911) 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 and also a provincial historical site. Each year the Town of Sexsmith holds many annual events including Chautauqua Days in June. This event has been held for over 75 years, and is an old fashioned community celebration inspired by the travelling entertainers who first came to the prairies. It’s a great time to visit and exchange stories. The very active Museum Society is working to rebuild the old lumber yard that was destroyed by fire in 2009. To replace the 1916 Roman Catholic Church that also burned, they are purchasing the beautiful Anglican Church, built in 1936. There is also discussion on saving an elevator, which would preserve the unique skyline.
ns o i t c a Attr ampground
C ark and itage P r e H i House useum zkowsk Shop M ’s h it Pas lacksm smith B Sex tation h Rail S it m s x e S
Featur May 12
e Even
ts
Town Garage Jun 2 Sale Da Chauta y uqua D Sep 15 ay Terry Fox Run Nov 11 Reme m brance Nov 30 Day Ser Down vice t o w n Chris Dec 1 tmas Lig Reverse ht-Up Santa P arade
Old Train Station
Town of Sexsmith
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Travelling south and east from the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 is an area of fertile farmland which gradually transforms into mixedwood forests. This vast territory known as the Municipal District (M.D.) of Greenview No. 16 covers 32,915 square kilometres 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.
Kakwa Falls
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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 favourite 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 Park. Two Lakes consists of three campgrounds and 87 campsites. The lakes are popular for sport fishing. About 15 kilometres south of Two Lakes via a rugged, fair-weather forest company gravel road is the remote Kakwa Wild-
Attrac
tions
LITTLE SM
OKY W askahig an Recreatio River Provincial n Area VALLEYV IEW Edso n trail Olde Country Inn Sturg eon Lake Valle yview To urist Cen Youn tre g ’s Point Provincia l Park
ts
en Feature Ev DEBOLT Aug
DeBolt Fair
CHE GRANDE CA Death Race Aug LITTLE SMOKY ff Chili Cook O Jan 29 ic Jamboree us M i Country Fr d 3r y er Ev d Corn Bake Pig Roast an TBA n Supper Harvest Moo ct O VALLEYVIEW se Show All Breed Hor Jun 1-3 d Rodeo nnual Fair an A 2 -1 10 Aug
land Provincial Park. Within the park, the Kakwa River cascades 30 meters over Kakwa Falls, rushes through a 4 kilometre canyon and then plunges over a second set of falls. Access to the falls is via a 20 kilometre unimproved trail suitable only for hikers, horseback or ATV. The Wildland also boast a 100 kilometre remote trail system from the early 1900s used by pack teams, 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. 45 kilometres south of Grande Prairie and just east off of Highway 40 is the Musreau Lake Provincial Recreation Area. This spring-fed lake and camping area is a popular locale offering camping, boating and swimming plus access to ATV and equestrian trails. 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, oil and gas industry workers in the region. It is also a favourite for those campers wishing to experience a more rugged but peaceful vacation. There are numerous small camp areas holding no more than 5 or 10 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 86 in this guide. Motorists can complete a circle loop on the gravel roads and access Highway 40 about 30 minutes south of Grande Prairie or head back to Highway 43 and head further east to the Valleyview area. 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 hook-ups, hiking trails and boat launches. A little east of Williamson Provincial Park lays the historic Edson Trail. Settlers travelled the trail from Edson in the south to Grande Prairie between 1911 and 1916. The junction of the Edson Trail and Grouard Trail are located near this location on Highway 43. The early pioneers had several stopovers including MacArthurs Landing at Sturgeon Lake. 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 Recreation 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 bearproof garbage containers, functioning manual water pump, 9 new fire pits and 6 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.
M.D. of Greenview
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SOUTHVIEW PROVINCIAL RECREATION AREA
Southview Provincial Recreation Area is located approximately 45 kilometres 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.
SWAN LAKE PROVINCIAL RECREATION AREA
Swan Lake Recreation Area is located approximately 35 kilometres west of Valleyview. The lake is 140 hectares in size, with depths ranging from 3.2 to 5.6 metres. The site has a primitive boat launch, parking lot, day use area with picnic tables, fire pits and walking trails. It is a stocked water body with aerators installed since 1997 to prevent winter kill. Swan Lake is a very popular fishing destination with above average Rainbow Trout.
HAMLET of DEBOLT
Approximately 57 kilometres east of Grande Prairie on Highway 43, across the Smoky River, DeBolt is home to the DeBolt and District Pioneer Museum. The museum offers a collection of heritage buildings, including a barn, church manse, cabin, homestead, ice house, and more. All buildings are in Hubert Memorial Park in DeBolt, except the Legion hall which is on Alberta Avenue. DeBolt holds an annual Heritage festival each August featuring a parade, fair, and activities for all. ‘The Centre’ is an expanded facility that encompasses the curling rink, hall and kitchen facility, library, meeting rooms and fitness centre. Creeks Crossing offers a 53 lot fully serviced residential housing development located on the south boundary of the Hamlet.
HAMLET of RIDGEVALLEY
Approximately 15 kilometres east is Crooked Creek, which offers an excellent ice cream stand at the general store. A few kilometres south of the Crooked Creek store is the vibrant Hamlet of Ridgevalley which offers a variety of business development, a school, arena and reputable bed and breakfast, Country Cottage B and B call 1-866-462-8025.
HAMLET of GROVEDALE
Located 21 kilometres south from Grande Prairie near the Nitehawk ski hill, is the energetic community know as Grovedale which encompasses the Landry Heights subdivision. The small bedroom community of Grovedale includes general stores, a number of commercial businesses and volunteer fire department as well as a community school, hall and arena.
HAMLET of LITTLE SMOKY
The active Hamlet of Little Smoky, located halfway between Fox Creek and Valleyview off of Highway 43, is your next accommodation, camping or service stop. It is located near the confluence of the Iosegun, Little Smoky and Waskahigan rivers, with un-serviced camping at the Iosegun River Campground in the Waskahigan Provincial Recreation Area and serviced camping spots available at the Little Smoky Motel. In the summer boating, fishing, and hiking adventures await. In the winter, snowmobiling and fishing are excellent. Community members host events like the Country Music Jamboree that you will not want to miss. Be sure to stop and check out the local sites, you’ll see good things do come in small packages.
TOWN of GRANDE CACHE
On the M.D.’s most southerly boundary lies the Town of Grande Cache, 180 kilometres from Grande Prairie via Highway 40. Grande Cache with a population of about 3800 residents, is a feisty, creative community anchored by a diversified economy so that the residents can live, work and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer. Rafting companies and outfitters offer packages for all ages. Willmore Wilderness Park is a sanctuary for those who wish to explore the wilderness on foot, horse, mountain bike, or skis. The Town hosts the world renowned annual 125 kilometre Death Race every August.
TOWN of VALLEYVIEW
Approximately 345 kilometres from Edmonton, and 100 kilometres east of Grande Prairie, this community of 2000 is a flourishing service centre for the resource industries in the surrounding region. Because of its location at the junctions of Highway 43 to Grande Prairie and Highway 49 to Peace River, Valleyview has been nicknamed as the Portal to the Peace. Valleyview offers a full range of services and recreational activities. Services include hotels and motels, restaurants, gas stations, oilfield service/supply businesses, sporting goods store and more. All seasons offer fun and adventure! Within the immediate area it is easy to find excellent camping, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, boating and, for the naturalist, an abundance of birds, flowers and wildlife. The region is a sportsmen’s paradise, with winter recreation, summer events and several parks and campgrounds to choose from. Make sure to stop by the Valleyview Tourist Information Centre operated by the local Chamber of Commerce. It is a popular rest stop along the highway with gift shop, friendly staff and picnic areas. For a list of local outfitters, hunters, guides and wilderness tour operators, contact the Valleyview and District Chamber of Commerce at 780524-4535 or 780-524-2410.
Two Lakes - imageDESIGN
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It’s New Music It’s Old Music It’s Your Music
Location
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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 mid-1950s 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.
Iosegun Lake - Lucie Auclair
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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. Well-treed Provincial campgrounds on the shores of Iosegun Lake and Smoke Lake provide a quiet retreat for campers. 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 organizations. 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 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
Attractions
Don Nicolso n Trail Fox Creek Hi storical Associati on Museum Golden Tria ngle Silver Birch Golf Course Trout Pond
nts e v E e r u r Rally Feat oers Poke
d Sno-G Northlan tion Feb 10-12 y celebra Family Da ces 0 2 b Fe er Raft Ra abasca Riv ment and Beerfest th A Jun 1-3 Tourna Slo-Pitch ns elebratio ada Day c n uck Race a D C n o ssociati Jul 1 A l a c ri to His n Derby Demolitio 2 -1 1 1 ceremony g u A rance Day b m e m e R Nov 11
Iosegun Lake Sunset - M. Mylene English
Silver Birch Golf CLub - Brandi Bedson
2.4 km 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-and-release area. This rustic, family friendly recreation area supports a naturalized pond stocked with trout fingerlings every summer. Displays of local artifacts will be of interest to museum-goers. Make sure to check out the ‘moose-quito’ on exhibit. The Municipal Campground, located within town limits, offers both serviced and non-serviced sites. Public internet access is available at the Community Resource Centre and the library. Sledders travel from miles around to join Northland Sno-Goers for their Poker Rally in February and ride the beautiful trails of the Golden Triangle. The Athabasca River Raft Race as well as a Slo-Pitch tournament 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!
Golfing
Town of Fox Creek
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Summerslam
arkets Farmers M rie Grande Prai
780-814-8224 m Fridays 4-8p -3pm Saturdays 10
January 1-31
CFCA Student Show, Centre for Creative Arts
7-8
Grande Prairie Sled Dog Derby Evergreen Park
8-Feb 2
Leslie Bjur Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
10-14
Grande Prairie Mazda Car Show and Sale Crystal Centre
12-22
“Snow White and The Seven Dwarves” Grande Prairie Live Theatre
13-15
Forestry Bonspiel, Grande Prairie Curling Club
15, 16
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour GPRC Theatre
780-354-3013 m Tuesdays 5-8p 12-3pm Wednesdays
4
Chamber Ball Grande Prairie Inn
5-Mar 1
Grande Prairie Regional College Art Students Show Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
10
12th Annual Wine Fair and Auction EMS Foundation
10, 11
“To Be Announced” Musical Ovations Dinner Theatre
10-12
Northland Sno-Goers Poker Rally, Fox Creek
11
Build A Dream Valentines Ball, Beaverlodge
20
Grande Prairie Family Day, Muskoseepi Park Family Day Celebration, Fox Creek
20, 21
“To Be Announced” Musical Ovations Dinner Theatre
20 20
Family Day Celebration, Wembley
21
Grande Prairie Home Builders Awards of Excellence, Grande Prairie
21-23
Growing the North Conference
22
“Fearing and White” Grande Prairie Live Theatre
26
2011 Cabane à sucre/ Maple Sugar Festival Muskoseepi Park
29
Foreign Movie Night “12:08 East of Bucharest” Grande Prairie Library
22-23
Growing North Conference, Evergreen Park
25
Foreign Movie Night “Live and Become” Grande Prairie Library
27,28
“To Be Announced” Musical Ovations Dinner Theatre
28
37th Annual Malanka Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers, 5 Mile Hall
29
The Wedding Show, Crystal Centre
February
5 56 6
e Beaverlodg
1-29
Ken Housego, Centre for Creative Arts
2-18
“Here on the Flight Path” Grande Prairie Live Theatre
3,4
“To Be Announced” Musical Ovations Dinner Theatre
3-5
Peace Challenge Cup Grande Prairie Curling Club
www.gptourism.ca
March 1-31
Art of the Peace Travelling Show Centre for Creative Arts
4-29
Grande Prairie Guild of Artists Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
4
“Compadres”, Grande Prairie Live Theatre
16-18
Clairmont
780-567-4068 m Fridays 4-7p 3pm Saturdays 9-
Wembley
780-518-1261 -3pm Saturdays 10 pm -3 11 s ay nd Su
Grande Prairie Home Show, Evergreen Park
17 McNaught Homestead Fundraiser Beaverlodge 21
”Carlos Del Junco” Grande Prairie Live Theatre
23-24
Grande Prairie Women’s Show Spring Edition Crystal Centre
28
Foreign Movie Night “Mother Of Mine” Grande Prairie Library
30-Apr 1
Grande Prairie Sports Expo, Evergreen Park
30-Apr 1
Truckers Bonspiel Grande Prairie Curling Club
April 1-30
Neil Kolacz, Centre for Creative Arts
1 - 26
19th Annual Quilt Show Beaverlodge Area Cultural Centre
1, 14
Explosion Dance Rehearsal, GPRC Theatre
7
Easter Eggstravaganza, Muskoseepi Park
11
“Whitehorse”, Grande Prairie Live Theatre
11-14
Oilmens Bonspiel Grande Prairie Curling Club
12-28
“Paint Your Wagon” Grande Prairie Live Theatre
13, 14
“Sexy Laundry” Adult Comedy by Michele Riml, Ovations Dinner Theatre
3
Curl for a Cure, Grande Prairie Curling Club
8-24
“Driving Miss Daisy” Grande Prairie Live Theatre
8-10
Peace Region Ag Show, Evergreen Park
15
25th Annual Fiddlers Jamboree Grande Prairie Museum
10
Lake Saskatoon Ag Society Dinosaur Mystery Evening, Beaverlodge
20, 21
“Sexy Laundry” Adult Comedy by Michele Riml, Ovations Dinner Theatre
16-18
Vitaemo Festival, GPRC Theatre
16-18
Ladies and Mens Bonspiel Grande Prairie Curling Club
20 Ducks Unlimited Dinner and Auction Beaverlodge 21-22
Swan Festival, Saskatoon Lake
22-24,30
Music Festival, GPRC Theatre
25
Spring Shop Crawl, Downtown Grande Prairie
25
Thank You Luncheon Administrative Professionals Day Grande Prairie
25
Foreign Movie Night “The Brotherhood of War” Grande Prairie Library
27, 28
“Sexy Laundry” Adult Comedy by Michele Riml, Ovations Dinner Theatre
29-May 24 Toni Schuler Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
May
30
Rio Grande Rodeo South of Beaverlodge
30
Canada Day Fireworks Muskoseepi Park
July 1
Canada Day Parade and Celebrations Grande Prairie
20
Build A Dream Comedy Night, Beaverlodge
27
Halloween Spooktacular, Muskoseepi Park
12-15
Teepee Creek Rodeo, Teepee Creek
27
Halloween Foot Parade Downtown Grande Prairie
McNaught Art Festival, Beaverlodge
20-22
Street Performers Festival Grande Prairie
21, 22
Pioneer Days South Peace Centennial Museum
4, 5
“The Fox On The Fairway” Comedy by Ken Ludwig, Ovations Dinner Theatre
11, 12
“The Fox On The Fairway” Comedy by Ken Ludwig, Ovations Dinner Theatre
12
Town Garage Sale, Sexsmith
18, 19
“The Fox On The Fairway” Comedy by Ken Ludwig, Ovations Dinner Theatre
23-27
Grande Prairie Stompede, Evergreen Park
27-June 14 BRHS Art Students Show Beaverlodge Cultural Centre 30
Foreign Movie Night “Still Walking” Grande Prairie Library
June 1-30
The Grande Prairie Photography Club Centre for Creative Arts
1-3
Athabasca River Raft Races Slo-Pitch Tournament and Beerfest Fox Creek
2
Chautauqua Day Old Fashioned Family Fair, Sexsmith
1-3
All Breed Horse Show, Valleyview
9
Highland Games Macklin Field, Grande Prairie
10
Farmer’s Festival South Peace Centennial Museum
16
Sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale Downtown Grande Prairie
24-July 26 BACS 2nd Bi-Annual Juried Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre 27
Foreign Movie Night “Not One Less” Grande Prairie Library
29-July 1
Bud Country Fever, Evergreen Park
Dancers at Muskoseepi
Grande Prairie Women’s Show Fall Edition Crystal Centre Lantern Tours Grande Prairie Museum
22
The Reel Shorts Film Festival
12-13 19-20
ACACA, Centre for Creative Arts Music Festival, GPRC Theatre
“Fourth Dime nsion” Mary Parslow, Mary Mottishaw, Shauna Hoffos and Carrie Klukas Centre for Creative Arts
“Yellow” Juried Show Centre for Creative Arts
1-31 1-4,6
1-31
1-31
13-15 25th Annual Jones Jamboree Beaverlodge
2-6
October
29-Aug 23 Carrie Klukas Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
August
28-Nov 22 Carol Mayer, Merv Webber, Laurie Wedler, Tanya Proctor Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre 31
Foreign Movie Night Grande Prairie Library
31
Safe Halloween, Wembley
November 1-30
Peace River Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Centre for Creative Arts
1-30
Leona Cochrane, Centre for Creative Arts
11
Remembrance Day Service, Region
6
100 Flags Heritage Festival Muskoseepi Park
15-18
Festival of Trees, Evergreen Park
11-12
Demolition Derby, Fox Creek
16
Vegas Night Downtown Grande Prairie
10-12
Annual Fair and Rodeo, Valleyview
23
Christmas Festival Gala, Beaverlodge
24
Christmas Festival Family Day, Beaverlodge
18 Agricultural Fair and Trade Show Beaverlodge 19
Agricultural Fair and Trade Show Hythe
26-Sept 20 Beaverlodge Art Society Miniature Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
September 1-30
“My Diverse Diversion” Whitney Lee Hayes Centre for Creative Arts
25-Dec 20 Eileen Coristine and Melanie Hellum Show and Sale, Beaverlodge Cultural Centre 28
Foreign Movie Night Grande Prairie Library
30
Christmas Craze, Beaverlodge
30
Downtown Christmas Light Up, Sexsmith
December 1
Reverse Santa Parade, Sexsmith
Demolition Derby, Wembley
11
Anniversary of the Statute Westminister
9-10
Autumn Festival South Peace Centennial Museum
1-31
Christmas Light Show, Evergreen Park
2
Santa Claus Parade, Grande Prairie
15
Fireman’s Steak and Lobsterfest Beaverlodge
2-3
Wonderland of Trees and Snowfall Gala Wembley
16
Terry Fox Run, Sexsmith
2-18
Christmas Show and Sale Centre For Creative Arts
9
Old Fashioned Christmas Grande Prairie Museum
31
First Footings Celebration Muskoseepi Park
TBA
23-Oct 25 Vivian Farnsworth Show and Sale Beaverlodge Cultural Centre 26
Foreign Movie Night Grande Prairie Library
29
Ride for STARS, Lake Saskatoon
Street Performers - Sheila Melon
Natural Luge
2012 Grande Prairie Location Events
57
While the magnificence of winter is reason enough to visit, most visitors don’t sit still for too long: there’s just too much to do! Whether it is cold with sunny skies, or mild and snowy, we can offer outdoor wintertime hotspots and events that will warm your winter season. If you want a real northern winter adventure watch in awe as the Aurora Borealis, the northern lights, dance across the skies. The northern lights have different meaning to different cultures. To the Inuit natives, the jumping lights of yellows, greens, whites, and reds were the spirits of their friends and parents playing a game of ball in the sky. To other people, the lights are simply the clashing of electrons drawn along magnetic lines of force at the North Pole. Other wondrous winter time activities include ice skating, shinny, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and downhill or cross country skiing. It’s all here in the Grande Prairie region! Snowy Trees - imageDESIGN
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DOWNHILL/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Along the southern banks of the Wapiti River, just fifteen minutes south of Grande Prairie, the Nitehawk Ski Area provides downhill skiing and snowboarding. Ten minutes closer to Grande Prairie is the Wapiti Nordic Centre which offers close to 35 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. Within the City of Grande Prairie, skiers can traverse over eighteen kilometres of parkland trails. Snowboarding areas are available within Muskoseepi Park and other County and municipal parks which lie on river or stream valley hills. Cross-country ski trails are also set at Saskatoon Island, Moonshine Lake and Young’s Point Provincial Parks.
NATURAL LUGE
It is called natural because the natural terrain and elements are used to form an ice track. The sport originated in the Alps where a sled was one of the main forms of transportation during the winter. The modern natural luge track resembles a switch back mountain road. National championships have been held in 15 countries and international events include an annual World Cup circuit and a World Championship which are held every other year. The accessibility of natural luge, the appeal to television audiences, the challenge for the athlete and the dynamic visual images makes the sport a 'natural' for those demanding new winter sports. This dynamic track is located at the Nitehawk facility which is located just south of the City of Grande Prairie. Lesson for all ages are offered.
SKATING
Within the City, free skating is available at the Muskoseepi fish pond at 102 Street and 102 Avenue. Other city and county rinks provide public skating on most weekends. Other great places for skating outside of the City are at Evergreen Park, Moonshine Lake, Young’s Point, and Saskatoon Island Provincial Parks.
SNOWMOBILING
Awarded Silver from the magazine “Snowriders West” as Riders Choice, northwestern Alberta is the perfect place for winter enthusiasts interested in the adventure of snowmobiling. With approximately 60 kilometres of groomed trails in the Big Mountain area south Skating at Muskoseepi
of 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 centimetres (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 6, 2012, 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 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 all the family.
Snowboarder
Grande Winter Ventures
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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: Canada Games Arena Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)
780-538-0334
Cross Country Skiing Wapiti Nordic Centre Grande Prairie Muskoseepi Park Grande Prairie Saskatoon Mountain (Does not have a set track) County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Saskatoon Island Provincial Park Young’s Point Provincial Park Moonshine Lake Provincial Park
780-539-9050 780-538-0451 780-532-9722 780-538-5350 780-538-5350 780-538-5350
Curling Grande Prairie Curling Club Beaverlodge Curling Club Bezanson Curling Club Clairmont Curling Club La Glace Curling Club Peace Curling Assoc
Grande Prairie Beaverlodge Bezanson Clairmont La Glace Grande Prairie
780-532-7221 780-354-2514 780-831-4315 780-567-4040 780-766-2266 780-532-4782
Downhill Skiing Nitehawk Ski Area
Highway 666
780-532-6637
Indoor Skating Crystal Centre CocaCola Centre Dave Barr Arena Beaverlodge Arena Hythe Arena
Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Beaverlodge Hythe
780-538-0491 780-513-5252 780-538-0469 780-354-2201 780-356-3888
Natural Luge Highway 666
780-532-6637
Outdoor Skating Muskoseepi Fish Pond Grande Prairie Greg Walker Memorial Beaverlodge Millennium Park Sexsmith Saskatoon Island Provincial Park Young’s Point Provincial Park Moonshine Lake Provincial Park
780-538-0451 780-354-2201 780-568-3681 780-538-5350 780-538-5350 780-538-5350
Snowboarding Nitehawk Ski Area Muskoseepi Park
Highway 666 Grande Prairie
780-532-6637 780-538-0451
Snowshoeing Muskoseepi Park Grande Prairie Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
780-538-0451 780-538-5350
Snowy Branches - Margot Hervieux
The Peace Country’s Destination Ski Area Enjoy Day & Evening skiing and snowboarding from December through to the beginning of April. With features such as an amazing terrain park, new 100m halfpipe, snow tube park, triple chair, platter and wondercarpet lifts. We are a full service, year round, family recreation facility.
Downhill Mountain Bike Park • Lift assisted mountain biking • Most vertical of any park in Alberta • Most diverse terrain with beginner, intermediate and advanced trails • Bike Rental Fleet (Norco & Kona) • Lessons available with certified instructors
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Celebrating 50 Years!
RECREATION AREA
1-888-Ski or RV • gonitehawk.com 10 minutes south of Grande Prairie Update & Conditions Hotline: 780-402-8977 Office: 780-532-6637 Fax: 780-532-8370 Facility Rentals available. Call or email for more information.
Wilderness RV Park
Hiking trails, clean restrooms, showers, laundry facility and sani-dump station • 21 Full Service sites • 65 Power and Water sites • 7 Wilderness sites • Large group site great for reunions and company parties • All sites include 50amp power and running water • Picnic tables, campfire pits and free firewood
Curtis Galbraith
Dave Michaels Thanks to GP Livestock Market
Thanks to the Crystal Centre
The Big Country News Team The Peace Region's Leader In Radio News
Justin Parohl
Christina Lawrence Thanks to the City Hall
Photo taken in Big Country Studio
Location
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Fly Fishing
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 online to www.albertaoutdoorsmen.org/huntingregs/ or contact Alberta Sustainable Resource Development at 780-944-0313 or www.srd.alberta.ca for more up-to-date hunting information. Moose - Marc Girard
FISHIN’ HOLES
Hunting Sheep
East Dollar Lake
Sheep Creek
North of Valleyview on Highway 49 Rainbow Trout
Via Highway 40 and 20 km north of Grande Cache Rainbow, Bull and Arctic Grayling to 2 lbs
Grovedale Pond South of Grande Prairie on Highway 40 at junction of Grovedale Road turnoff Rainbow Trout
Snipe Lake
Jackfish Lake
Spring Lake
Remote, no road access, behind Spring Lake Northern Pike
Via Highway 21 and 26 km north of Hythe Rainbow and Brook Trout
Kakut Pond
Sturgeon Lake
East of Woking on Secondary Highway 677 Rainbow Trout and Perch
Via Highway 43, Williamson and Young’s Point Provincial Parks Pike to 30 lbs, Walleye to 5 lbs, Whitefish to 4 lbs and Perch to 2 lbs
Kakwa River and Tributaries Via Two Lakes Road, Highway 40 and various logging and lease access roads Arctic Grayling, Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout to 5 lbs.
South of Ridgevalley Very large Rainbow Trout
Torrens River
Southwest of Fox Creek off Highway 43 Arctic Grayling and Bull Trout Special Regulations – see your fishing guide
South of Two Lakes on Kakwa Falls road Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout in upper river above the falls. Arctic Grayling, Rocky Mountain Whitefish and Bull Trout below the falls.
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park West of Rycroft on Highway 725 Rainbow Trout
Muskoseepi Park Pond Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie Stocked Rainbows - children and seniors only
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.
www.gptourism.ca
Swan Lake
Little Smoky River
Nose Lake and North Cutbank River
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Via Highway 669 east of Valleyview Pike to 15 lbs and Walleye to 5 lbs
Two Lakes South of Grande Prairie North Lake - Rainbow Trout South Lake - Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Wapiti River and 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.
OUTFITTERS
Hunting Bear
12 Gauge Outfitters 780-539-9067
Aurora Outfitters 780-831-9049
Bredeson Guiding and 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 Bills Outdoor Adventure 780-832-1612
Fly Fishing
Whether you just love to fish, or are looking for that once in a lifetime experience, fishing in Alberta waters offers opportunities for all anglers. The Grande Prairie area offers some great fishing, whether you’re looking for trout, pike (jackfish), walleye, perch, or grayling. Many of the lakes are stocked with rainbow, cutthroat or brook trout. Many rivers have some of these same species as well as bull trout, grayling and rocky mountain whitefish. If walleye, pike or perch is what you are after, there are plenty of sources for these as well, both lakes and rivers with camping available. Take the guesswork out of planning your next fishing adventure. Once you get started, here are a few important things you need to know before you drop your line. Fishing with barbed hooks is prohibited. One line may be used when fishing in open water, two lines when ice-fishing. Three lines is a no-no. For that matter, it is also illegal to possess live fish bait, and live game fish, unless the fish have been caught and are in the immediate vicinity of the waters from which they were taken. Snares, spring-loaded gaff hooks or devices used to attract and stun fish are also prohibited. Bull Trout is the provincial fish of Alberta and because it is still listed as a threatened species, it remains as catch and release only. For a 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 range anywhere from $21 to $60 plus GST per year. In addition, license holders must hold a valid WIN, Wildlife Identification Number that costs an additional fee but is valid for 5 years. Fly Fishing
Hunting andLocation Fishing
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Grande Prairie Bear Creek Golf Club 18 Holes 780-538-3393 Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club 18 Holes 780-532-0340 The Dunes Golf and Winter Club 18 Holes 780-538-4333 Wee Links Pitch and Putt 9 Holes780-538-4501
Wembley Pipestone Putters Golf Club 18 Holes780-766-2720
Sexsmith Morningview Park Golf Course 9 Holes 780-568-4357
Grovedale Grovedale Golf Course 18 Holes 780-539-9898
Valleyview Greenview Golf Resort 9 Holes 780-524-3673
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… the winding green fairways and rolling hills of the 18-hole championship Dunes Golf and Winter Club, nestled in the sand dunes area located south of the City of Grande Prairie. The championship clubhouse includes multi-use rooms, making it a great facility for that perfect mix of business and pleasure. Or maybe you want to bring your life on par with nature 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 • 18 Holes • Grass Greens driving ranges, but • Pro Shop most of all, our golf • 5,851 Yards courses take great • Driving Range pride in providing • Licensed Clubhouse exceptional hospitality • Club & Cart Rentals and customer service • Camping only found in Alberta!
Phone (780) 766-2720 11 kms south of Wembley off Highway 43
www.pipestonegc.ca 6 64 4
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McQueen’s Presbyterian Church
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
Grande Prairie Museum Reverend Alexander Forbes and his wife Agnes first visited Grande Prairie in 1909 and selected a site on 100 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.
Muskoseepi Park Train Tressle
Stop 4 KLESKUN HILL POST OFFICE
Grande Prairie 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
Grande Prairie 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.
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 3 FIREHALL REPLICA
Stop 7 INNES LOG CABIN
Stop 2 HERMIT LAKE SCHOOL
Grande Prairie 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.
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Hermit Lake School
www.gptourism.ca
9012 102 Street William Innes, first manager of the city’s first Union Bank, bought this building in 1914. Innes arrived in Grande Prairie in 1911 along the Edson Trail carrying his personal belongings and banking supplies consisting of two small minute books, a pocket diary, some cheques, deposit slips and bank forms, and a small amount of cash. He later moved to Carriage Lane.
Downtown Grande Prairie
Stop 8 CRUMMY AND INNES RESIDENCES
Carriage Lane, 9804 and 9810 102 Street These homes were typical of several influential members of Grande Prairie’s early commercial days: George Crummy, who would become owner of the Empire Hotel and Crummy Brothers General Merchants and later vice-president of the Board of Trade; and William Innes, the first city banker. Note the gabled roofs, brick chimneys, and long open verandas.
Stop 9 CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN
9809 102 Street Canon F.C. Smith arrived from England to open this church in 1914. The small building had a steeple completed in 1915 and other small structures (manse, barn) were added. In 1927, expansion included a chancel and placement of the building on cement foundations. This building located at the corner of 102 Street and 100 Avenue served the Anglican congregation until 1982.
Stop 10 BREEDEN’S HOTEL, NOW 214 PLACE
102 Street and 100 Avenue George Breeden and Joseph Germain built the first two buildings within the present limits of Grande Prairie in 1907. Breeden ran a blacksmith shop and operated a stopping house. Guests slept under a sod roof and on the dirt floors but these were considered elegant compared to the treacherous wilds of the Long Trail.
Stop 11 DOWNTOWN 100 AVENUE
Forbes Homestead
Central Park High School - imageDESIGN
1911 to 2004 Breeden’s dream for a civilized downtown area out of the wilds was realized. In 1912, Salmond built a new 14 room hotel at 10031 100 Street. In 1913, William Caldwell and John McAuley, fur traders, established the Selkirk Trading Company at 10028-100 Avenue. In 1919, C.L. Grisdale opened an Imperial Bank of Canada branch at 10002 100 Avenue, the present site of the CIBC. In 1928, a Provincial Court House followed. By 1940, the city’s population had grown to 1500. Models of the new Plymouth motor car sold for $1163. Women’s lingerie and panties sold for 75 cents to $3.95 but winter parkas were a better buy at 55 cents to $1.95…hmm!?
Stop 12 CENTRAL PARK HIGH SCHOOL
10209 99 Street One of the older building still standing in Grande Prairie. Opened in 1929 as Grande Prairie School this is a two-storey brick veneer building. It also served as a junior high school until 1967, and then as a venue for Grande Prairie Regional College. It currently is a Provincial Historic Resource. Recently, extreme snowfalls damaged the building and collapsed part of what was then the Prairie Art Gallery. Restoration will soon be underway.
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 travelled to ‘la grande prairie’ holding services near Beaverlodge. In 1910, he travelled with his wife over the Edson Trail in a covered caboose through snows and temperatures near minus 40C. Seventy-three days later they arrived in the Grande Prairie area. In 1911, he and his wife continued to live in their caboose but also began erecting a one-and-a-half 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!
Breeden’s Downtown Tour
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Hot Air Balloons at Muskoseepi
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 780-532-4711 for more tour information.
BAD HEART CHURCH
Hwy 43 East to secondary 733, North to TWP 750, East to RR25 and North 1.5 miles 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 or 780-568-2971 to book an appointment to view $2.00.
DEBOLT and DISTRICT PIONEER MUSEUM
Hamlet of Debolt, off Highway 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.
FORBES HOMESTEAD
10424 96 Street, Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: May to August 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.
GEO-CACHING TOUR in the GRANDE PRAIRIE REGION Look to page 73 for more detailed information.
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Straw Church at Bad Heart
GRANDE PRAIRIE HERITAGE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Centre 2000 - Lower Level, 11330 106 Street, Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: 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 Avenue, Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday and 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 with 13 buildings, 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 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.
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 780-5397688 for more information.
Kleskun Hills Museum
HOT AIR BALLOON TOURS
Grande Prairie Your Hot Air Balloon adventure begins when you meet your pilot and flight crew. The morning flights meet approximately a 1/2 hour before sunrise and the evening flights approximately 2 1/2 hours before sunset. At the launch site, your flight crew will brief you on your upcoming balloon adventure. Then, you will watch with awe as your balloon takes shape before your eyes, ultimately standing more than 10 stories tall. Once fully inflated and ready for take-off, you climb into the gondola and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Call 780-567-3198.
Grande Prairie Museum VIllage
SOUTH PEACE CENTENNIAL MUSEUM
Hwy 43, 2.5 kms north of Beaverlodge The main theme is agriculture and pioneer life in the rural South Peace from settlement to the 1960’s. The museum features one of the largest collections of working steam powered engines in the world! The museum currently has 16 display buildings and a wide assortment of artifacts. Guided or self-guided touring. For tour information call 780-354-8869.
KLESKUN HILL MUSEUM
East off Hwy 43, about 20 minutes from Grande Prairie Hours of Operation: May to October Museum: Saturday and Sunday, 1 - 4pm, Park: Daily 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 and PASZKOWSKI HOUSE
Sexsmith, 24 kms north of Grande Prairie on Hwy 2 Hours of Operation: May 1 to August 30, Daily 9am - 6pm The Blacksmith shop was built in the 1916 and contains over 10,000 artifacts. Across the street and the Paszkowski House is open for tours. Phone 780-568-3681. South Peace Centennial Museum
Location Tours
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Trumpeter Swans - Ron Davis
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 21st 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 22nd from 12:30 - 5pm. 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. Call 780-532-5482.
Diamonds in the Rough Add a sparkle to your summer vacation - tour the Deh Cho Travel route for your chance to win great prizes
Your 2012 Passport to driveable adventures in Canada’s North ! A scenic and historic route through Alberta, northeast British Columbia and the Northwest Territories
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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. Call 780-830-8848.
Tours
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The Grande Prairie region has some fantastic restaurants of all sizes, ethnicities, outdoor patios, and settings for you to enjoy. We want you to realize that there are plenty of food experiences in our region... with endless opportunities for year round savouring of the sights! Enjoy the food, our warm northern hospitality, and acquire a taste for the ‘Grande Food Adventure’ that we can offer you!
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.
A great example, when was the last time you were greeted by a threefoot troll before enjoying a meal? You have the rare privilege of doing so at Melsness Mercantile in Valhalla Centre, located 15 minutes west of La Glace on Highway 59. Three foot hand carved wooden trolls
For a complete list of dining facilities in the region stop by one of our local Visitor Information Centres. You’ve got nothing to lose but your hunger!
• 1 large two topping pizza + 2L pop
$9.99 The Best Buffet in Town! Lunch and dinner buffet 7 days a week
Sunday Special
• 1 medium pepperoni pizza
$5.00
• Lunch special everyday
Lunch and Dinner $9.99
Specialties Butter chicken, Tandoori chicken, Naan and many more! Large choice of dine in and take out menu options.
#103, 9927 - 97 Ave | 780-532-4500
2for1pizzaplus.com #102-9927 97th Ave
Dining
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GRANDE PRAIRIE
•
F O R T M c M U R R AY
Experience the Podollan difference! • Extra comfortable pillow-top beds, down duvets and large walk-in showers
•
SALMON ARM
Pamper yourself at one of Canada’s TOP 50 spas and wellness centres! www.lspa.ca
• Complimentary continental breakfast • Complimentary wireless internet and in-room coffee & tea centre • Heated, secure underground parking Casual, relaxed dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
• Long-term stays available at the condo-style Podollan Rez
10612 - 99th Avenue, GrAnde PrAirie, AB
P 780.830.2000 TF 1.866.440.2080
PODOLLAN.cOM
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 recreational facilities are available to add to any convention package and outdoor activities include golfing, skiing, biking, and hiking trails. Guided city tours are
A L W A Y S
T H E
S M A R T
a must for any convention and we have several tourism operators offering great getaway 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. • Pre and post conference packages are available. •P romotional material for the convention planners include promotional CD’s, promotional pins, videos, maps and Visitor Guides. • Bus tours available, must be prebooked.
C H O I C E
MeNtioN thiS AD to receive
SpeciAl weekeND rAteS! Located in the heart of Grande Prairie and across from the Crystal Centre + 137 comfortable guest rooms + Kitchenettes, executive and onebedroom suites + Honeymoon suites + Fitness facilities + Indoor pool and whirlpool + Complimentary wireless Internet + Business Centre + Denny’s Restaurant with room service + Shark Club -Sports, Bar & Grill + Bar One Urban Lounge
• Competitive Rates • Insurance Replacement Program • Rental Vehicles for Sale
Ph: 780-532-3761 or 1-888-532-3761 9904 - 121 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta
GATEWAY MOTOR INN STARTING FROM PER DAY ON A MONTHLY TERM
HAC’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program has awarded Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie three out of five Green Keys for their environmental initiatives!
A 44 UNIT MOTEL WITH 15 KITCHENETTES OPEN 24 HRS DAILY
9805 100 St, Grande Prairie AB, T8V 6X3 T 780 513 5555 F 780 513 5131 *Rates subject to change and subject to availability.
1+800+SANDMAN sandmanhotels.com
WWW.GATEWAYMOTORINNGP.COM
10923-100 AVE GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB PH: 780-532-8819 FAX: 780-539-3077 Accommodations
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We’re Committed To Your Comfort Every Day
Holiday Inn
Super 8
9816-107th Street 780.402.6886
10050 - 116 Avenue 780.532.8288
Best Western Hotel
Pomeroy Inn & Suites
Contact hotel directly for special packages and offers!
11710 - 102nd Street 780.831.2999
10745 - 117th Avenue 780.402.2378
Proudly Managed By
www.pacrimhospitality.com
Large rooms and suites Convenient locations Free airport shuttle service Free high-speed internet
Friendly staff Guest laundry Pool and fitness facilities Pet friendly rooms
See you in Grande Prairie...
INNS & SUITES Grande Prairie
ROOMS DESIGNED WITH GUESTS IN MIND 123 Rooms Free Continental Breakfast Wireless Internet Indoor Waterpark Pool Hot Tub Exercise Room
Other Locations 10810 - 107A Ave Grande Prairie, AB 780-538-3900
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5704 Power Centre Blvd DraytonValley, AB 780-542-4348
3503 - 114 Ave, S.E. Calgary, AB 403-256-5352
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 and Lodging Association, the Motel Association of Alberta and Alberta Economic Development to encourage, recognize and foster excellence in housekeeping and
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11115-100 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3J9 Ph: (780) 532-5900 Fax: (780) 532-5904 Toll Free: 1-888-532-5900 www.gprindustries.com
Free Hot Breakfast
maintenance. Many of our region’s Hotel/Motel properties are inspected annually for the award.
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 travelling in Alberta. Overall cleanliness and state of repair are requirements of the program. Properties are grouped into five categories based on shared characteristics such as general location, facilities, services and market appeal. Rating criteria is different for each category. Properties are then 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.
From
$89
Free Daybreak Breakfast • Wyndam Rewards Fitness Room • Games Room Free High-Speed Internet • Business Centre Pets Allowed • Meeting Space • Group Rates
780.532.2773 10218-162 Ave, Grande Prairie Accommodations
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Grande Prairie
A River Road Bed, Breakfast and Bales Best Western Grande Prairie Hotel 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 Millwood Country Inn Motel 6 Podollan Inn and Spa Podollan Rez Pomeroy Inn and Suites Quality Hotel and Conference Centre Ramada Truck Stop Redwood Inns and Suites Rotary House (Emergency beds only) Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie Service Plus Inns and Suites Silvercrest Lodge Stanford Inn Stonebridge Hotel Super 8 Motel The Lodge Motor Inn
538-1204 402-2378 532-1680 826-3336 532-2773 539-1567 532-8819 532-5221 539-2802 814-6919 402-6886 814-9446 814-8176 830-7744 830-2000 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 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 532-1245 830-1750 532-7057 539-7461 539-3077 532-5441 539-2924 814-7131 402-6835 814-9466 814-7333 830-7745 830-2902 830-2902 513-1146 532-1961 814-7459 513-3447 513-5131 532-8558 539-9333 538-3913 538-4636 532-8868 539-4700
Hot, Fresh and Healthy! Get Your Money’s Worth. 11201 - 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5M6 Tel 780.539.6000 | Toll Free 1.800.661.7954
We put comfort in a whole new environment ● Complimentary Breakfast Special ● High Speed Internet Access ● 24 Hour Business Centre ● Banquet Facilities ● Airport Transportation 8 80 0
www.gptourism.ca
● Family dining Grill Restaurant ● 18+ Snifter Lounge ● Fitness Centre ● Parking for Tractor Trailer Units ● In room coffee & tea maker
# Of Rooms
Suites Meeting / Banquet Kitchenette Allow Pets Restaurant Fax / Photocopy Laundry Shuttle Smoking Internet Wheelchair Acc. Pool Group Specials
Fax 780
Toll Free
Organization Name
Phone 780
City
3 100 86 76 90 25 44 203 513 18 146 102 4 132 103 62 66 102 98 92 137 123 95 204 126 103 52
Saskatoon Lake - Margot Hervieux
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 15 - 30 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 floatation 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.
O’Brien Provincial Park
11 km south of Grande Prairie off Hwy 40 780-538-5350
Moonshine Lake
30 km west of Spirit River off Hwy 49 780-538-5350
Pipestone Creek Park 17 km south of Wembley 780-766-2391
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
21 km east of Grande Prairie off Hwy 43 780-538-5350
Musreau Lake
70 km south of Grande Prairie off Hwy 40 780-538-5350
Simonette River
55 km east of Grande Prairie off Hwy 43 780-524-3362
Bear Lake
Northwest of Clairmont west of Hwy 2 780-512-0722
Young’s Point
90 km east of Grande Prairie off Hwy 43 780-538-5350
Spring Lake
West of Grande Prairie and 30 minutes north of Hythe 789-356-2498 Saskatoon Lake
Saskatoon Lake
Sandy Places in the Location Region
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Bear Lake
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, 7 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 11pm to 7am. 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.
Camping
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Alberta’s Northern Parks... closer to home than you think. PROVINCIAL PARKS and RECREATIONAL AREAS
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.
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.
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 non-motorized 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. Lake Boats
Sturgeon Lake Camping - imageDESIGN
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.
EVENTS
Take in special events year-round including winter fun at Moonshine Lake PP on Family Day, and Parks Day in July at Saskatoon Island PP. Saskatoon Island is also the place to be for the annual Swan Festival on April 21st and 22nd.
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 while self-guiding trails at Kleskun Hill Natural Area and Saskatoon Island PP explore the region’s rare native prairie landscapes.
HIKING and MOUNTAIN BIKING
Whether you prefer summer hiking and mountain biking or winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, trails await in all of our provincial parks. Dial toll free 310-0000 or 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 1-877537-2757. Kayaker - Margot Hervieux
County and Provincial Parks Location
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CAMPING May 1st - October 1st
80 sites
Fire pits, wood available
Convenient, clean and modern washrooms
Laundry facilities
Convenience store
Water and electrical service
Dumping station
Free wireless internet
Onsite Casino Cafe and Lounge, watch and wager on horse racing from around the world
Onsite casino with 99 slot machines
Onsite race track with live horse racing in July and August
Short walk to Grande Prairie Minor Baseball diamonds
Horse Boarding with indoor and outdoor riding arenas
Home to Grande Prairie Stompede
Home to Bud County music festival
Nestled in the pine forest of the South Peace Country
www.EvergreenPark.ca
Country Roads RV Park OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND - FULLY SERVICED SITES P: 780-532-6323 or 1-866-532-6323 E: rvpark@countryroadsrvpark.com • Extra large fully serviced 50 amp sites for big rigs with slides • New gift shop, convenience store, rec room • Clean washrooms & shower facilities • Coin laundry, RV supplies & LP gas • WIFI highspeed Internet
• Picnic tables, fire pits & firewood • Tipi camping • Old Barn Hall for meetings, gatherings & weddings • Log Gazebo for group gatherings, BBQ’s & day use • Indoor RV pressure wash • 8 acre cornfield maze (weather permitting)
7.5 km N on 116 St. from Hwy. 43 (100 Avenue) to 2nd intersection, left 1 km on TWP Rd. 722
• Five minutes south of Grande Prairie on Highway 40 • Located in pine and aspen forest • 89 full service sites • 52 pull-thrus 35 ft x 75 ft • 37 back-ins 35 ft x 60 ft • Dump station • 50 amp/30 amp/15 amp electric service • Satellite cable TV hook-ups • Picnic tables, camp fire pits and firewood available • Clean restrooms and private showers • Laundry • Convenience store and R.V. services • Recreation room • WiFi High Speed Internet access and guest fax machine available • R.V. pressure wash • 18 hole championship golf course and driving range, 2.5 km/1.5 miles 7.5/10/10
www.CountryRoadsRVpark.com 84
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Smoke Lake - Margot Hervieux
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 travelling 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 780-539-7688 or toll free 1-866-202-2202.
Regional Campgrounds
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Hommy Park 780-512-0722 Pioneer Campground 780-354-2201 Old Townsite 780-538-3544 Clairmont Park 780-512-0722 Debolt Golf and Country Club 780-957-2150 Demmit Park 780-512-0722 Red Willow Park 780-512-0722 Economy Lake - Canfor Frying Pan Creek - Canfor MacLeod Flats - Canfor Simonette PRA 780-538-5350 Westview - Canfor Fox Creek RV 780-622-3896 Iosegun Lake 780-538-5350 Poplar Ridge Smoke Lake 780-538-5350 Bear Creek Golf Course 780-538-3393 Bear Lake 780-512-0722 Big Mountain Cr. PRA 780-532-2378 Camp Tamarack RV 780-532-9998 Country Roads RV 780-532-6323 Happy Trails RV and Cabins Kakwa River PRA 780-538-5350 Kakwa Wildland Park 780-538-5350 Kleskun Hill Park 780-512-0722 Musreau Lake PRA 780-538-5350 Rotary Park 780-532-1137 Saskatoon Island PP 780-538-5350 Shuttler Flats PRA 780-538-5350 Stompede Campground 780-532-4568 Two Lakes PRA 780-538-5350 Wee Links 780-538-4501 Nitehawk 780-532-6637 Hythe Municipal 780-356-3888 Spring Lake 780-356-3888 Little Smoky Motel and 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 Greenview Golf Course Sturgeon Lake Campsite Williamson PP 780-538-5350 Young's Point PP 780-538-5350 Valhalla Park 780-512-0722 Sands Wilderness 780-844-1560 Sherk's RV Park 780-524-4949 Pipestone Creek 780-512-0722 Sunset Park 780-766-2269
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Beaverlodge Beaverlodge Bezanson Clairmont Debolt Demmit Elmworth Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Forestry Trunk Road Fox Creek Fox Creek Fox Creek Fox Creek Grande Prairie Grande Prarie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie Grande Prairie South Grande Prairie Grovedale Hythe Hythe Little Smoky Little Smoky Nose Mountain Road Rycroft Sexsmith Spirit River Spirit River Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Sturgeon Lake Valhalla Valleyview Valleyview Wembley Wembley
43 43 43 2 43 43 722
43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 2 40 40 2 2 40 40 43 40 43 43 40 40 40 40 40 43 43 43 43 6 49 2 49 49 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43
22 19 23 22 20 5 9 6 19 9 5 30 52 35 47 15 Grp
89 65 150 5 5 9 69 59 96 Grp
80 86 23 94 24 12 24 6 17 13 12 110
67 92
5 49 56 99 10
Horseback Trails
Playground
Hiking/Cycling
Swimming
Fishing
Horseshoe Pits
Concession
Boat Launch
Firewood
Sani-Dump
Laundry
Phone
Showers
Privies
Flush Toilets
Water
Electricity
Kitchen Shelter
Day Use Sites
Camping Sites
Location
Highway #
Name/Phone #
Location
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We are OPEN! SWIM PLAY SURF SPLASH SLIDE FLOAT SHOP RUN DIVE EAT WALK WORKOUT ... and so much MORE!
Come see why everyone’s talking about Grande Prairie’s newest...biggest... BEST reason to visit!
Hours: 5:30am - 10:30pm 780-830-5000 www.themultiplex.ca #10 Knowledge Way
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8W 2V9
Book your holidays! Family Drop - In Rates and Punchcards available!