Grande Prairie

Known as the “Swan City,” Grande Prairie is a bustling and vibrant town less than 62 miles from Alberta’s border with British Columbia. One of the larger towns at the southern end of the scenic aspen parkland known as Peace River Country, its picturesque landscape is best known as the nesting ground for the iconic birds but also boasts serene provincial parks, miles of hiking trails and world-class museums that delve into the region’s prehistoric past.

Dino Days

Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association

Visitors rave about the one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits at the Phillip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum just west of town. Dedicated to experiential learning, the museum features educational tours, fossil beds, augmented-reality videos and special events throughout the year, all of which bring guests closer than they’ve ever been to Alberta’s paleontological past.

Human Heritage

History buffs can continue their deep dive at Heritage Park Historical Village, which features 14 restored buildings, including an 1896 Hudson Bay Outpost. Tours of the grounds and adjacent museum give visitors an in-depth glimpse into the challenges and joys of life for the area’s early settlers.

Swan Lake

Douglas Plamping & Associates

Nestled on the shores of Saskatoon Lake, the Saskatoon Island Provincial Park serves up tranquil views, calm water and the chance to see migrating trumpeter swans. This bird species earned its name for its loud, trumpet-like call, but it might be best known for its graceful appearance, with a wingspan often exceeding 10 feet. The best views can be found from a canoe or kayak, but there are also hiking and mountain biking trails that wind throughout the park’s edges.

Trails to Natural Treasures

Running through the heart of Grande Prairie, Muskoseepi Park is an innovative and extensive 1100-acre green space that has been a gathering place for locals since the earliest settlers. These days, there are six distinct areas of the park, including a fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout, as well as 11 miles of paved and natural trails that wind around the reservoir and along the meandering Bear Creek. South of town, O’Brien Provincial Park lines the shore of the Wapiti River and has ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming.

Days of Music and Rodeos

Grande Prairie locals have learned how to take advantage of the region’s pleasantly mild summers. The result is a series of festivals that celebrate the rugged history and fun-loving mentality of today’s residents. Stompede, a five-day rodeo held in June every year since 1977, sees as many as 50,000 visitors converge on the city for pro-level rodeo competition. Spectators can watch thrilling chuck wagon racing, win stuffed animals on the midway, peruse arts and crafts and enjoy tasty treats. The Bear Creek Folk Festival is another summer classic, featuring 30 artists from across the country on four stages. Despite its considerable size and scope, Bear Creek is the rare family-friendly music festival.

For More Information

Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association

866-202-2202

www.gptourism.ca

Travel Alberta

800-252-3782

www.travelalberta.com