Peace River – a complete community to call home

Peace River, Alberta is a thriving community both family and business will enjoy calling home. Industry is mainly agriculture, forestry, oil and gas but retail, however, comprises the largest sector, with Health and Social Services, and Construction all ranking in the top five.

For the sportsman, skiing, fishing, boating, swimming, golfing and camping are all close by. Curling and hockey are played at various levels, while other amenities include an indoor arena, swimming pool, a water spray park and many acres of parks and playgrounds. In conjunction with neighbouring Grimshaw, Peace River is host to the 2010 Alberta Summer Games. Held every two years this is Alberta’s largest sporting event, with approximately 3000 athletes participating. A local fitness faciliy offers weight room equiptment, cardio and fitness classes for all levels and for those that desire extra help or attention there are fitness trainers available also.

The town offers several schools to choose from K-12, with both English and French available for the lower grades in both the public and the Catholic systems. Residents have convenient access to facilities including the Peace River Community Health Center, the Public library and a museum. Adults and children alike will find a wide array of clubs and organizations for every interest.

Travel is convenient with the Peace River airport found just 6 km outside town. Flights are offered to British Columbia and other Alberta destinations. Charter flights are also available. Bus service runs six days a week and Hwy 2 runs right through town. In addition to the various restaurants, travelers will find a fine selection of hotels and motels for lodging.

Historic sites include an RCMP cabin built dating back to 1899, a cairn honoring 12′ Davis a local historical legend, one of the Hudson Bay Company’s original forts, and a monument established in 1929 to honour Alexander Mackenzie and his men, and the difficulty they faced traveling the Peace River Canyon. According to the Indian lore, visitors drinking the waters of the Peace river are sure to return.

More than one celebrity has called Peace River home, including Jillian Harris of the Bachelor and then The Bachelorette, as well as former NHL players Kelly Kisio, Chris Osgood, and Brian Skrudland.

With annual events ranging from a Santa Clause parade to an air show and two different music festivals, the town, which celebrated 90 years of incorporation in 2009, lives up to its Vision Statement; “Beautiful by Nature. Diverse by Culture. Vibrant by Choice.”