Peace River
Nestled within the majestic valley of the Peace River, the Town of Peace River enjoys one of the most beautiful physical settings in Alberta, Canada. Situated near the confluence of the Peace, Smoky and Heart rivers, the town is located 486 km northwest of Edmonton and 195 km northeast of Grande Prairie, being the second largest centre in northwestern Alberta and functioning as a thriving regional and service trade centre.The Town of Peace River and its surrounding forests, streams, rivers and moderately mountainous terrain is the perfect setting for those just looking for a place to relax and enjoy life while on vacation, or taking a weekend excursion. The Peace, Smoky and Heart rivers converge near the town and from surrounding outlooks and observation areas, such as Sagitawa Lookout and Kaufman Hill, visitors will be treated to the outstanding scenic display of the river valley below.
Along with great shopping, restaurants, dance clubs and lounges, visitors to the Town of Peace River can always find accommodation to suit their needs with more than 400 rooms available at local hotels and motels. Campers will also find an abundant selection of outdoor facilities, many just minutes away from bowling alleys, riding stables, picnic areas, interpretative trails, nine and 18-hole golf courses, secluded fishing spots and much more. Hiking, cycling and just plain walking are the order of the day in Peace River country, where the breathtaking beauty of the natural valley hills offers the ideal setting for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts to capture the moment forever.Winter visitors can ski the slopes of Misery Mountain, located on the west side of the town, go cross-country skiing along one of the many trails in the valley, or toboggan down several area hills.
Peace River is steeped in history. One of its most famous citizens was Henry Fuller Davis, more commonly referred to as “Twelve Foot” Davis. A native of Vermont, Davis was born in 1820 and was know for his generosity, hospitality and good fortune. He achieved great social prestige when he mined over $15,000 worth of gold from a twelve-foot plot of land between two gold plots near Barkerville in the Caribou country of British Columbia. When he moved north because of the lure of gold in the Yukon, he established trading posts at Dunvegan, Peace River and Fort Vermilion. He was known to always leave the doors of his posts unlocked and a supply of fresh dry firewood for trappers to spend a night out of the dark and cold.
Another tie to the community’s past is located at the Peace River Centennial Museum. By 1916, the river was the commercial highway of the north. Steamers and York boats were a commonplace sight. One of the most famous steamwheelers to be built was the SS D.A. Thomas, named after Viscount Rhondda, a munitions and mining magnate. It measured 162 feet by 37 feet wide and was originally built to transport oil and coal deposits out of the Peace country. It was active as a passenger and freight steamer but was decommissioned in 1930 because of continually running aground on sandbars. The wheel shaft of the D.A. Thomas can be viewed at the Centennial Museum.A Beaver Indian legend says “Drink the waters of the Peace River and you will return.” Over the years people have continually returned to spend time in this valley and to experience the warm, friendly hospitality and beauty that is Peace River. We invite you to visit this all year round, safe and relaxing destination and discover the beauty of our valley. The Town of Peace River – a true Northern Jewel.