O’Brien Provincial Park in Grande Prairie, Alberta

O’Brien Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, and it is located on Highway 666, about 15 kilometers south of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. The park is 0.6 km2 and is nestled in the Wapiti River valley at an elevation of 520 meters (1,710 feet) (0.23 sq mi). Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation manages it. It was founded on June 29, 1954. Lewis O’Brien was a pioneer doctor in the Grande Prairie region and a former member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly; the park is named after him.

The park has a mixed forest of spruce, fir, and aspen. The Wapiti River runs through the park, and there are a few lakes in the park, including O’Brien Lake. The park has open meadows, which are great for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Over 100 species of birds have been seen in the park, including grosbeaks, woodpeckers, juncos, and nuthatches.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, O’Brien Provincial Park is the perfect spot. The park is open year-round for day use. Services available in the park include picnic areas, firewood for sale, outhouses, an unsupervised swimming area, and a boat launch. There are also interpretive programs available in the park. The park has a variety of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.

Things to Do in the Area

The area around O’Brien Provincial Park is full of things to do. Here are some ideas:

Canoeing and Kayaking

The Wapiti River is a great place to paddle. A lot of the river is gentle and easy to paddle, but there are some sections with faster water where you can test your skills. You can rent canoes and kayaks from several outfitters in Grande Prairie.

Fishing

The area is world-famous for its trout fishing. You can fish for trout from the shore or in a boat. Anglers come from all over to try their luck at catching. You can also fish for pike, whitefish, and walleye in the lakes in the area.

Hiking

There are several hiking trails in the park and the surrounding area. The O’Brien Shoreline Trail is a great option if you’re looking for an easy hike. The trails range from easy to challenging, so there is something for everyone.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, bears, coyotes, and birds. You might even see some beavers or otters in the river. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’re sure to see some amazing animals.

Camping

If you’re looking to stay overnight, there are several campgrounds in the area. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at one of the campgrounds. O’Brien Provincial Park has a campground with electrical hookups, flush toilets, and showers.

Powerboating

Enjoy a day out on the water, cruising around and taking in the scenery. The lakes in the area are perfect for powerboating. You can rent boats from several marinas in Grande Prairie.

Swimming

There is an unsupervised swimming area at O’Brien Provincial Park. The water is usually quite warm in the summer months, which is perfect for relaxing. People also come to the park to tube down the river.

Picnicking

O’Brien Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic. There are several picnic areas scattered throughout the park. The park also has firewood for sale if you want to have a campfire.

Enjoy the views

The park has some beautiful views. You can see for miles from the top of the valley. The green meadows and forests are especially beautiful in the summer months. Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture the stunning scenery.

Visit nearby towns

There are several small towns in the area that are worth exploring. The city of Grande Prairie is the largest town and has plenty of shopping and dining options. Other towns include Sexsmith, Beaverlodge, Hythe, and Wembley. Each town has its own unique charm. You can find everything you need in these towns, including restaurants, grocery stores, and shops.

Visit the O’Brien Provincial Park Today!

O’Brien Provincial Park is a great place to spend a day, a weekend, or even longer. There are activities for everyone to enjoy. The scenery is beautiful, and the wildlife is abundant. Make sure to add O’Brien Provincial Park to your list of places to visit in Grande Prairie, Alberta. You won’t be disappointed!