The Town of Peace River is beautifully situated along the mighty Peace River and offers visitors many ways to enjoy the scenery and local attractions in the area. With a variety of eateries, pubs, and even a brewery, Peace River is well equipped to curb your hunger and keep you hydrated during your stay. Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, learn about local history, hike through the hills, or simply relax, this town has something for everyone.
Explore Peace River Alberta
The Peace River Boating Association is an excellent resource for those wanting to experience the river firsthand. This committed group of locals are always eager to assist boating enthusiasts in any way that they can. Known for organizing and supporting the Peace River Gold Cup jet boat races, this association is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to travelling on the scenic Peace River.
If you’re looking to take to the river with a guide, then check out Peace River Adventures, a locally owned and operated business that specializes in guided tours on the incredible Peace and Smoky Rivers. Choose from a wide range of tours or create your own – either way you’re guaranteed to see stunning landscapes, tons of wildlife, and learn more about the history of the region. These tours can be booked in English or French. They also provide river paddle toy rentals to adventurers who want to get out and see the sights for themselves.
Peace River Cabins & Outdoors, located on the Shaftesbury Trail, they offer guided paddle tours and paddle rentals for those who want to experience the natural wonders of the mighty Peace River while enjoying a stay along the beautiful riverbanks.
The Misery Mountain Bike Association (MMBA) is on the cusp of a major milestone for Northern Alberta: the launch of lift-accessed biking in Peace River.
The level of stoke is running higher than ever. For MMBA members, it’s been a long time coming. But they see great potential in the region, and they should know: they’ve been pedalling and paddling their way through the area for years.
Experience the adventure of a lifetime. Marvel spectacular landscapes and wildlife that make the Peace Region so special!
Hop on board with Peace River Adventures, the best river tour company in the Peace Region! Peace River Adventures has something for everyone. You can choose from our different types of tours. Learn more and book your tour today by visiting peaceriveradventures.ca
Plan Your Trip
No matter where you go in the Mighty Peace Region, our people will welcome you with open arms. We want you to feel at home here, whether you crave breathtaking vistas and local adventures, a day on the golf course followed by dinner at a uniquely northern restaurant, or the comfort of a cozy bed and breakfast before a day taking in local attractions with the kids.
Discover the natural beauty, the endless potential and the exciting opportunities the Mighty Peace Region has to offer.
Boating the Peace and Smoky River is an experience in itself! Boaters will be welcomed by sandy beaches, rolling hills, steep riverbanks, drastic changes in scenery and if they’re lucky, a glimpse of the infamous hoodoos. Known for its sheer size, the Peace has plenty of back channels, islands, and memorable stops along the way that are guaranteed to be a highlight for everyone on board.
Dunvegan Historical Site and Bridge, MD of Fairview
GPS Coordinates: N55° 54.843’ W118° 37.120’
Home to some of the richest history in the Mighty Peace, the Dunvegan area is hard to miss and is a must stop during any expedition. As you approach, you will be met by the iconic Dunvegan Bridge, which is Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge. Equipped with a boat launch maintained by the Dunvegan River Rats Society, it’s easy to dock your boat and spend time learning about the historical fur trading sites while you tour this beautiful location.
The Dunvegan Provincial Park can also be found here, which has almost 70 power RV stalls, tap water, a sani-dump station, a playground, toilets, and walking paths. Just past the campground is Dunvegan Market Gardens, where you will find a greenhouse, a mini golf course, and a restaurant in operation during the summer months.
As you leave Dunvegan, you will notice some interesting rock formations along the cliffs on the left riverbank – these natural creations are always fascinating to see!
Camp Island, MD of Peace
GPS Coordinates: N55° 55.083’ W117° 58.383’
This great camping area is just down stream from Elk Island and has many great spots to throw up a tent and spend the night. Tucked into the trees, this camping spot is quiet and offers plenty of space to dock your boat and enjoy some time on land.
KM 181 – Sand Island, MD of Peace
GPS Coordinates: N55° 55.759’ W117° 56.941’
Right after departing Camp Island, you will come across an island in the middle of the river that was once a sand-dune island famously noted in Alexander Mackenzie’s journals. Now, you’ll find that it’s covered in tall grass and vegetation and is a favourite spot among the deer population here. The current can be a bit stronger around Sand Island, so be prepared for some waves if the water is high.
Kieyho Park, Birch Hills County
GPS Coordinates: N55° 55.900’ W117° 54.633’
Kieyho Park can be difficult to spot from the river, and there isn’t a main trail to the campground from the river, but there is a road that is accessible by off highway vehicles only. This spot offers secluded camping facilities, picnic tables, fire pits, a day use area, hiking trails and a playground. If you feel like dropping a line in the river and doing some fishing, this has been known to be a great area for it.
Beer Belly Flats, MD of Peace
GPS Coordinates: N56° 05.192’ W117° 35.291’
Known to locals as “Beer Belly Flats”, the Shaftesbury Settlement has modern houses along the left shore that can be seen from the river. There is a gravel bar at the end of the last island, and there is a paved road, Secondary Highway #684, on the left shore that runs into the Town of Peace River. If needed, you can dock at any point along the shore and walk to the highway.
Tangent Park, Birch Hills County
GPS Coordinates: N56° 05.683’ W117° 33.417’
This beautiful camping and public use park is one of the most developed campgrounds along the river, and has access from the Secondary Highway #741, as well as access from the river, but it can be tricky depending on the water levels. If you can dock along the river, you will need to hike about a quarter mile to the trail that enters the campgrounds. The campground itself has RV and tent sites, power hookups, firepits and firewood, picnic tables, washrooms, tap water, telephone, playground, slow pitch ball diamond, hiking trails and an onsite caretaker.
Strong Creek Park, MD of Peace
GPS Coordinates: N56° 09.569’ W117° 25.198’
With a sign at the river, you’ll know exactly where Strong Creek Park is located. About 40m downstream from the sign is a trail that will lead you up top if you wish to stop. Situated on the left shore, this awesome spot has camping stalls for RV’s and tents, a new playground, direct access from Secondary Highway #684, picnic facilities, firewood and firepits, outhouses, a water pump, baseball diamonds, and hiking trails. It’s a favourite among locals and has some of the best scenery in the Peace Region.
Deer Island, Town of Peace River
GPS Coordinates: N56° 12.167’ W117° 18.183’
Living up to its name, Deer Island is known to have a lot of deer grazing on it throughout the year. This island is almost in the middle of the river, and you will be able to travel on either side of it. Going to the right is recommended as the left side is quite narrow and can have many gravel bars showing.
Lower West Peace Boat Launch, Town of Peace River
GPS Coordinates: N56° 13.619’ W117° 17.721’
With access to Shaftesbury Trail (Secondary Highway #684), this boat launch typically has porta potties, a large floating dock with benches and ample room to dock your boat and park vehicles. It’s common for many locals to be visiting this area throughout the summer and enjoying the scenery that comes with it. This boat launch is maintained by the Peace River Boating Association.
Bewley Island, Town of Peace River
GPS Coordinates: N56° 15.567’ W117° 18.367’
After passing under the bridges in Peace River, you will come to Bewley Island. Although it’s unknown who the island was named after, it’s a prominent part of the landscape within the town. You can travel on either side of this island, but the deeper channel is to the left. There are many gravel bars in this section of the river, so it’s important to be mindful while you travel downstream. You’ll also be able to see some incredible cliffs with vertical sandstone to the left of the island, plus, Cliff Swallow nests all along the side, which are always fascinating to see.
North End Boat Launch, Town of Peace River
GPS Coordinates: N56° 15.007’ W117° 18.202’
Just across from Bewley Island is the North End Boat Launch. Just off 84th Avenue, it’s made up of gravel and has some parking on site. This launch is maintained by the Peace River Boating Association.
Old Salty, County of Northern Sunrise
GPS Coordinates: N56° 23.464’ W117° 09.953’
“Old Salty”, or “The Well from Hell”, was one of the most notorious wells drilled along the river. Drilled in 1916, it blew out as it was being drilled and for 87 years it burned a huge torch, belched sour gas, and salty-hydrogen water. In 2003 it was finally capped, but you can still see where it burned all those years. Look for a large clearing with dead trees on the left to see its destruction, and if you feel like exploring, you’ll be able to bushwack and follow deer trails up to it.
Encampment Island, County of Northern Lights
GPS Coordinates: N56° 32.067’ W117° 05.900’
Home to some private cabins, Encampment Island used to be a historical location during the fur trade days. Located on the left side of the river, this large island is nestled among some of the most jaw dropping scenery. All along the river you will see high cliffs with sandstone and rocks – it’s worth getting your camera out for.
30 Mile Well, County of Northern Sunrise
GPS Coordinates: N56° 34.552’ W117° 06.997’
Used as a reference point, the 30 Mile Well shows where a blow out happen at the well site which can be seen from the river.
Peace Island Resort, CNL/CNSR
GPS Coordinates: N56° 38.733’ W117° 07.533’
The large island on the left bend is known as Peace Island and it is an amazing island resort that is family owned and operated. This 22- acre island has nine small cabins, with four available to rent, it has a cook house and dining hall, screened in rec room, a kitchen onsite that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests, a snack bar that is licensed to sell alcohol, and all the amenities needed for a great stay on the river. They welcome pre-booked or drop in guests, so feel free to stop in and experience all that they have to offer.
KM 298 – Whitemud Flats, County of Northern Lights
GPS Coordinates: N56° 40.345’ W117° 11.082’
Whitemud Flats are located near the mouth of the Whitemud River. These flats are fairly large and can be fun to explore.
KM 298 – Whitemud River, County of Northern Lights
GPS Coordinates: N56° 39.749’ W117° 09.926’
Flowing into the Peace River from the left, the mouth of the Whitemud River was once the location of the Northwest Company’s earliest fur trading post. There is road access to this area, and you can launch or dock boats here. You will be able to witness some of the highest cliffs here, with many that are over 1,000 feet tall. This is an excellent place to do some sight seeing and take in the natural beauty around you.
KM 309 – Cadotte River, County of Northern Sunrise
GPS Coordinates: N56° 43.444’ W117° 10.804’
The mouth of the Cadotte River is an ideal spot to take a break and drop a line in the water. Stop and splash in the clear water, do some rock hunting, and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around you while you’re here. This is an excellent place to set up a picnic and relax.
UFO Rocks, County of Northern Sunrise
GPS Coordinates: N56° 45.098’ W117° 12.307’
Definitely worth the stop, the UFO rocks are a sight to see. These unusual shaped rocks fell from the cliff due to erosion and are known as concretions – a spherical rock formed in a sedimentary host rock such as sandstone or siltstone. There are also many other large rocks in this boulder field, and the diversity in the area will wow you. Dock your boat along the rocky and sandy beach and spend a few minutes, or even hours, scoping out the natural curiosities and admiring the driftwood that is scattered throughout.
Second Area of UFO Rocks, County of Northern Sunrise
GPS Coordinates: N56° 44.620’ W117° 14.147’
Here you will find even more UFO rocks to admire. These massive, round boulders will pique your interest and leave you fascinated no matter how many times you’ve seen them.
Big Sandy Beach, County of Northern Lights
GPS Coordinates: N56° 44.344’ W117° 14.703’
This large beach is beautiful, sandy, and just across from the UFO rocks. You can stop here and pretend you’re on a tropical beach or enjoy some downtime with your toes in the sand.
KM 327 – Sunny Valley Boat Launch, County of Northern Lights
GPS Coordinates: N56° 49.550’ W117° 15.550’
Sunny Valley boat launch is set amongst a beautiful valley and is very well maintained. This launch is used by many locals during nice weather days so don’t be surprised if you see a lot of people as you approach. On the right, across from the boat launch there are privately owned cottages and cabins. Sunny Valley offers a great ending or starting point for your boating trip and is an easy place to launch or load up your boat from.
With plenty of parks, campgrounds, a ski hill, and two golf courses within easy driving distance, as well as boutiques, spas, and gift shops, in one of the most beautiful settings Alberta has to offer, the town has your next vacation written all over it.
Home to some of the richest history in the Mighty Peace, the Dunvegan area is hard to miss and is a must stop during any expedition. As you approach, you will be met by the iconic Dunvegan Bridge, which is Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge. Equipped with a boat launch maintained by the Dunvegan River Rats Society, it’s easy to dock your boat and spend time learning about the historical fur trading sites while you tour this beautiful location.
The Dunvegan Provincial Park can also be found here, which has almost 70 power RV stalls, tap water, a sani-dump station, a playground, toilets, and walking paths. Just past the campground is Dunvegan Market Gardens, where you will find a greenhouse, a mini golf course, and a restaurant in operation during the summer months.
As you leave Dunvegan, you will notice some interesting rock formations along the cliffs on the left riverbank – these natural creations are always fascinating to see!
This great camping area is just down stream from Elk Island and has many great spots to throw up a tent and spend the night. Tucked into the trees, this camping spot is quiet and offers plenty of space to dock your boat and enjoy some time on land.
Right after departing Camp Island, you will come across an island in the middle of the river that was once a sand-dune island famously noted in Alexander Mackenzie’s journals. Now, you’ll find that it’s covered in tall grass and vegetation and is a favourite spot among the deer population here. The current can be a bit stronger around Sand Island, so be prepared for some waves if the water is high.
Kieyho Park can be difficult to spot from the river, and there isn’t a main trail to the campground from the river, but there is a road that is accessible by off highway vehicles only. This spot offers secluded camping facilities, picnic tables, fire pits, a day use area, hiking trails and a playground. If you feel like dropping a line in the river and doing some fishing, this has been known to be a great area for it.
Known to locals as “Beer Belly Flats”, the Shaftesbury Settlement has modern houses along the left shore that can be seen from the river. There is a gravel bar at the end of the last island, and there is a paved road, Secondary Highway #684, on the left shore that runs into the Town of Peace River. If needed, you can dock at any point along the shore and walk to the highway.
This beautiful camping and public use park is one of the most developed campgrounds along the river, and has access from the Secondary Highway #741, as well as access from the river, but it can be tricky depending on the water levels. If you can dock along the river, you will need to hike about a quarter mile to the trail that enters the campgrounds. The campground itself has RV and tent sites, power hookups, firepits and firewood, picnic tables, washrooms, tap water, telephone, playground, slow pitch ball diamond, hiking trails and an onsite caretaker.
With a sign at the river, you’ll know exactly where Strong Creek Park is located. About 40m downstream from the sign is a trail that will lead you up top if you wish to stop. Situated on the left shore, this awesome spot has camping stalls for RV’s and tents, a new playground, direct access from Secondary Highway #684, picnic facilities, firewood and firepits, outhouses, a water pump, baseball diamonds, and hiking trails. It’s a favourite among locals and has some of the best scenery in the Peace Region.
Living up to its name, Deer Island is known to have a lot of deer grazing on it throughout the year. This island is almost in the middle of the river, and you will be able to travel on either side of it. Going to the right is recommended as the left side is quite narrow and can have many gravel bars showing.
With access to Shaftesbury Trail (Secondary Highway #684), this boat launch typically has porta potties, a large floating dock with benches and ample room to dock your boat and park vehicles. It’s common for many locals to be visiting this area throughout the summer and enjoying the scenery that comes with it. This boat launch is maintained by the Peace River Boating Association.
After passing under the bridges in Peace River, you will come to Bewley Island. Although it’s unknown who the island was named after, it’s a prominent part of the landscape within the town. You can travel on either side of this island, but the deeper channel is to the left. There are many gravel bars in this section of the river, so it’s important to be mindful while you travel downstream. You’ll also be able to see some incredible cliffs with vertical sandstone to the left of the island, plus, Cliff Swallow nests all along the side, which are always fascinating to see.
Just across from Bewley Island is the North End Boat Launch. Just off 84th Avenue, it’s made up of gravel and has some parking on site. This launch is maintained by the Peace River Boating Association.
“Old Salty”, or “The Well from Hell”, was one of the most notorious wells drilled along the river. Drilled in 1916, it blew out as it was being drilled and for 87 years it burned a huge torch, belched sour gas, and salty-hydrogen water. In 2003 it was finally capped, but you can still see where it burned all those years. Look for a large clearing with dead trees on the left to see its destruction, and if you feel like exploring, you’ll be able to bushwack and follow deer trails up to it.
Home to some private cabins, Encampment Island used to be a historical location during the fur trade days. Located on the left side of the river, this large island is nestled among some of the most jaw dropping scenery. All along the river you will see high cliffs with sandstone and rocks – it’s worth getting your camera out for.
Used as a reference point, the 30 Mile Well shows where a blow out happen at the well site which can be seen from the river.
The large island on the left bend is known as Peace Island and it is an amazing island resort that is family owned and operated. This 22- acre island has nine small cabins, with four available to rent, it has a cook house and dining hall, screened in rec room, a kitchen onsite that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests, a snack bar that is licensed to sell alcohol, and all the amenities needed for a great stay on the river. They welcome pre-booked or drop in guests, so feel free to stop in and experience all that they have to offer.
Whitemud Flats are located near the mouth of the Whitemud River. These flats are fairly large and can be fun to explore.
Flowing into the Peace River from the left, the mouth of the Whitemud River was once the location of the Northwest Company’s earliest fur trading post. There is road access to this area, and you can launch or dock boats here. You will be able to witness some of the highest cliffs here, with many that are over 1,000 feet tall. This is an excellent place to do some sight seeing and take in the natural beauty around you.
The mouth of the Cadotte River is an ideal spot to take a break and drop a line in the water. Stop and splash in the clear water, do some rock hunting, and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around you while you’re here. This is an excellent place to set up a picnic and relax.
Definitely worth the stop, the UFO rocks are a sight to see. These unusual shaped rocks fell from the cliff due to erosion and are known as concretions – a spherical rock formed in a sedimentary host rock such as sandstone or siltstone. There are also many other large rocks in this boulder field, and the diversity in the area will wow you. Dock your boat along the rocky and sandy beach and spend a few minutes, or even hours, scoping out the natural curiosities and admiring the driftwood that is scattered throughout.
Here you will find even more UFO rocks to admire. These massive, round boulders will pique your interest and leave you fascinated no matter how many times you’ve seen them.
This large beach is beautiful, sandy, and just across from the UFO rocks. You can stop here and pretend you’re on a tropical beach or enjoy some downtime with your toes in the sand.
Sunny Valley boat launch is set amongst a beautiful valley and is very well maintained. This launch is used by many locals during nice weather days so don’t be surprised if you see a lot of people as you approach. On the right, across from the boat launch there are privately owned cottages and cabins. Sunny Valley offers a great ending or starting point for your boating trip and is an easy place to launch or load up your boat from.
