Top Natural Attractions in Grande Prairie, Alberta

Grande Prairie is located in Canada’s Peace River Country Region, northwest. It lies approximately 456km (or 283 miles) north of Edmonton at Highway 43, and Highway 40.

Grande Prairie, Alberta’s 7th largest municipality in 2016, had a population of 63.166. It was also one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities between 2001 and 2006.

Due to its proximity to the migration route, and summer nesting areas of the trumpeter Swan, the city adopted the trumpeter, Swan, as its official symbol. Grande Prairie is also called the “Swan City” because of this nickname. 

History

Grande Prairie, city, western Alberta, Canada. It is located near Edmonton, at 286 miles (460km) from the Bear River. Named after the open parkland surrounding the townsite, it was described by 19th-century fur traders. Although a trading post was established in 1881 by the town, the real development of the settlement began with the arrival of the Northern Alberta Railway (1916). Grande Prairie was established as the regional center after the Peace River District in northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia were opened to large-scale homesteading. The modern economy of Grande Prairie is based on agriculture and forest products. Tourism is also an important part. Grande Prairie Regional College was founded in 1966. Nearby are Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, Kleskun Hill, and Kleskun Hill. This is where dinosaur fossils were discovered.

Natural Attractions Of Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie, Alberta has several natural attractions that attract visitors and residents to the area.

Muskoseepi Park: Take a stroll through the wild setting of Bear Creek Valley and explore the Grande Prairie Museum’s past. Enjoy a picnic with your family or relax in this all-season park.

Two Lakes Provincial Park: It is located about 151km (94 mi) southwest Grande Prairie, in northern Alberta. It offers outdoor adventure in the pristine wilderness. You can hike, canoe and fish, or mountain bike to see wildlife. Entry to the park can be made through an industrial gravel road. Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended.

Grande Prairie, O’Brien Provincial Park: Located among magnificent balsam poplars, O’Brien Provincial Park, just south of Grande Prairie, is a popular spot for picnicking. O’Brien’s Provincial Park can be used all year round for day use. There are also fire pits and trails for walking. There are pit toilets available.

Simonette River Provincial Rec Area: The Simonette River Provincial Rec Area is located in the deep valley where the Simonette River flows, about 10 kilometers south of Highway 43 along the Forestry Trunk Road. The park has rustic campsites and direct access to the river. Visitors should exercise caution when swimming and floating due to the changing river conditions. It is strongly discouraging. High streamflow can make it unsafe to be on the water.

Shuttler Flats Provincial Recreation Area: 25 Sites. Fire pits, cook shelters, fishing, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and pit toilets are all available. There is also a water pump on-site. Call for reservations for group camping.

Kakwa River Provincial Rec Area: It’s located 100 km south of Grande Prairie, Highway 40. This spot is perfect for camping along the Kakwa River. You can fish or hike on the trails around this park.

Saskatoon Island Provincial Park:  Located just outside Grande Prairie in northern Alberta is Saskatoon Island, Provincial Park. This beautiful spot offers camping, birding, and wildlife watching as well as outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and canyoning at Little Lake in the summer. Winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available.

Ole’s Lake Provincial Recreation Area: It is located 87km north of Grande Prairie, on Hwy. 2, and 125 km north on Hwy. 64. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or relax at the beach. Northern camping is possible on a small lake, where you can launch a canoe or boat for fishing and exploring. Keep an eye out for Ospreys, great blue herons, and other wildlife.

Grande Prairie is a charming city that offers many natural attractions. There is something for everyone here in Grande Prairie, Alberta.