Grande Prairie in Alberta's Peace Region is a gateway to the northern Rockies. The land here is dotted with Indigenous footprints swept away by the sands of time and hadrosaur fossils from tens of millions of years before people walked these parts. The Peace Region is the continent's northernmost major agricultural area; fittingly, Grande Prairie has a countryside feel with modern amenities. Attend the Bear Creek Folk Music Festival at beautiful Muskoseepi Park or predict the victor at the Grande Prairie Stompede. Between it all, savor stunning natural landscapes and a warm community spirit.
01 Explore Muskoseepi Park
Muskoseepi Park has so many amenities that you could be there all day, especially if you take little ones along. The park's extensive trails through the serene Bear Creek, with its abundant wildlife, allow locals to enjoy nature while cycling, dog-walking, fishing in the pond, or just strolling. Accessible bathrooms, separate playgrounds for older and younger kids, a water park, a skate park, mini golf, and picnic areas make this a wholesome place for the whole family. Take a book and read on the grass, buy some ice cream, catch a performance at the outdoor theater, or attend seasonal events. The fireworks here on New Year's Eve and Canada Day are awesome. In winter, you can go sledding or loop the ice rink. The Grande Prairie Museum within the park has no admission fee and is kid-friendly, with some fantastic artifacts.
02 Visit the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
Alberta is famous for its fossils. You can explore some of this rich natural history at the world-class Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. This attraction makes paleontology accessible to all ages, whether you're a tourist just passing through or a local attending exciting educational programs and camps. Prepare for an immersive experience with interactive exhibits and lots of kid-centric activities, such as digging in the bone bed sandbox and scavenger hunts. Grown-ups will appreciate the building's architectural design, the Alberta oil field displays, and the museum's restaurant serving delicious food and overlooking the play area. The lab lookout allows visitors to see professionals working on samples.
03 Experience the Grande Prairie Farmers' Market
The friendly vendors at the Grand Prairie Farmers' Market are generous with their samples, so try the various bites on offer and leave with a stash of yummy homemade products. Get a tarot reading for fun, buy some farm fresh eggs to stock your Airbnb, and admire the intricate handicrafts on offer. Don't leave without ordering a serving of the sensational fish tacos at El Norteno. Your purchases support small businesses and local agriculture.
04 Take a walk through the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie
The Art Gallery of Grand Prairie is located in the Montrose Cultural Centre and showcases contemporary and historical art collections. You can look forward to free admission and an airy, pleasantly quiet two-floor space full of different mediums. The thought-provoking exhibits change often, so you can come back every few months and see something fresh and often timely. A kids' art area and summer programming for children make this a family-friendly attraction.
05 Enjoy the thrills at Eastlink Centre
Eastlink Center in South Grand Prairie is one of the top sports and recreational facilities in the region. Here, you can work up a sweat, come to relax, or meet like-minded individuals. The aquatics area has waterslides, simulated surfing, a dino-themed waterpark for kids in elementary school or younger, and hydrotherapy facilities. The Fieldhouse provides courts, equipment, and fitness classes, and day passes are affordable if you want to drop in.
06 Take in the thrills at the Hythe Motor Speedway
For those who feel the need for speed, the Hythe Motor Speedway offers an exhilarating escape into the world of racing. Located a short drive from Grande Prairie, this local speedway hosts a variety of high-octane events that will get your adrenaline pumping. From stock car races that bring the local community together to cheer on their favorite drivers to special events that attract competitors from across the region, there's always something exciting happening on the track. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great outing for everyone, whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or just looking for a fun, new experience. With food stalls serving up delicious snacks and a view that puts you right in the heart of the action, a day at the Hythe Motor Speedway is guaranteed to be full of thrills.
07 Attend a performance at the Grande Prairie Live Theatre
Get your fix of live entertainment at this cozy 161-seat venue with a wonderful atmosphere and excellent acoustics. Grande Prairie Live Theater showcases a variety of performances, from plays to concerts and community events—it's been an integral part of the community's cultural life for over six decades. Watch local talent flex their comedic and dramatic muscles, or sign your kids up for scheduled programming during the summer.
08 Adventure in Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is close to the city but feels like a world away. Escape the rat race and go birdwatching, hiking, or kayaking on the lake. Sweet Saskatoon berries are ripe for the picking in summer, too. The well-maintained campground has showers and pit toilets, and trees provide privacy and shade. You'll also find fire pits and a playground for the munchkins, but currently, there is no off-leash area for dogs. Put a chair out and enjoy the views of the water, but skip swimming here and consider Pipestone Creek Park for a dip instead.
09 Shop and dine at the Prairie Mall
Prairie Mall's sizeable food court offers a wide range of dining options. The mall is a central hub for shopping and entertainment in Grande Prairie, and you'll see lots of younger people congregating here on the weekends. The stores offer a mix of products from international brands to local retailers, so if you're in the mood for a sale or need to buy a gift, this mall is where it's at.
10 Participate in the Grande Prairie Stompede
This annual summer event is a highlight on the local calendar and a significant northern cultural tradition. Going on 50 years, the Stompede signals the beginning of rodeo season. Feel the buzz in the air when the competitions, including chuck wagon races, get underway. Live entertainment and food stalls add to the festive ambiance.
11 Explore the Wapiti River Valley
The Wapiti River Valley is fab for some quality time outdoors. You can go fishing for Arctic grayling and mountain whitefish, kayaking, or hiking and enjoy the scenic beauty of Peace River Country. Splash in the clear waters and walk the hillside forests, retracing the steps of ancient First Nations people.
12 Visit Bonnetts Energy Center
Formerly known as Revolution Place, Bonnetts Energy Center is a multipurpose arena that hosts major concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and conventions and adds to Grande Prairie's vibrant entertainment scene. Catch an Alberta Junior Hockey League game at the home of the Grande Prairie Storm. The venue has a seating capacity of 2939 people and can accommodate up to 4500 concert-goers.
13 Eat at The Finch Restaurant
When you're in Grande Prairie and craving a culinary adventure, The Finch Restaurant is a must-visit. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this gem offers a delightful dining experience with a menu that boasts a fusion of local flavors and international cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast to kick-start your day, a leisurely lunch with friends, or a romantic dinner under the soft glow of ambient lighting, The Finch caters to all tastes. Their locally sourced ingredients ensure that each dish is fresh and flavorful, promising a memorable meal every time. Don't forget to pair your meal with one of their exquisite wines or craft beers, curated to complement the menu perfectly.
14 Go golfing at Bear Creek Golf Club
Bear Creek Golf Club is an excellent, challenging course in a beautiful setting. The facilities cater to golfers of all skill levels, and discount rates offer value for money. A nearby airport and low-flying planes make for quite the diversion when you're waiting for party to tee off, and the golf club is also a popular wedding and events venue.
15 Experience winter sports at Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park
During winter, you can go skiing, snowboarding, or luge riding at Nitehawk, a family-oriented year-round adventure park. Their Aquatera Tube Zone for snow tubing is a winner, too. The amazing staff members conduct informative lessons to welcome beginners to the thrills of winter sports, so if you're a newbie wanting to learn, you know where to go. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking trails, and camping. This venue's chairlift was affected by a landslide, so some parts of the park aren't accessible, but T-Bars have helped keep things moving.
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