Peace River is a town located in northwest Alberta that sits along the banks of the Peace River at its confluence with the Smoky River, Heart River, and Pat’s Creek. With a wide variety of landscapes including swamp, muskeg, and forest, Peace River is a unique town that boasts lots of great activities that you can enjoy all summer long. Whether you’re looking to tap into the history of the region or spend time camping at one of the provincial parks, Peace River is a great summer destination to enjoy with the whole family.
If you’re planning to spend some time in Peace River this summer, we’ve put together a list of a few of the best summer activities to add to your itinerary.
Go Fishing at Figure Eight Lake
If you’re looking for a great summer activity that will get you out on the water, then visiting Figure Eight Lake Provincial Recreation Area should definitely be on your list. Located 45 kilometres west of Peace River, the lake offers a day-use area and campsite and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and canoeing. The campsite can accommodate both tents and RVs, and the wide variety of birds that call the lake home make it a great place for birdwatching. Complete with a playground, firepits and picnic shelters, Figure Eight Lake is a great place to spend the whole day with the family.
Visit the Northern Alberta Railways (NAR) Station
Built in 1916, the NAR Station serves as both a tourist information center for the community and a museum that showcases the history of the Peace River area. If you’re looking for maps, brochures and any other information on other local attractions, the NAR Station is the place to look. It also boasts several period rooms that are furnished as they would have been in the station’s early days, back in the 1920s and 1930s. The Station offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time, and during the summer and fall months, various events are held at the Station for the public to enjoy.
Hike to the Twelve Foot Davis Statue & Gravesite
One of the most unique tourist attractions in Peace River is the 12-foot-tall wooden statue that stands at Riverfront Park to commemorate Henry Fuller Davis. Davis was one of the most famous figures in the town, with the nickname ‘Twelve Foot Davis’ coming from the 12-foot land claim during the Cariboo Country gold rush that earned him almost $30,000 in gold. He took his profits and put them into a trading post close to where Peace River sits today. Aside from the statue, you can also visit his gravesite, which is located at the top of Grouard Hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding rivers and town of Peace River.
Whether you’re looking to get outside and explore the gorgeous landscape surrounding Peace River or are looking to dive into the region’s history, these are some of the best summer activities to enjoy with the entire family!