Major city · Canada
Peace RiverPeace River, Alberta
Give Peace River one night, two if you paddle or hike: the valley viewpoints, museum and riverfront take half a day, the rest is driving country.
Peace River is a town of about 7,000 on a river bend 486 km northwest of Edmonton, sitting nearly 300 m below the surrounding farmland. It is a working government and forestry town, not a resort: come for the valley, the fur-trade and steamboat history, and the drive-through position on the way to Grande Prairie or the Mackenzie Highway. Most travellers pass through in a day; one night is enough unless an event is on.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, ice on the river), late Mar–Apr (mud and breakup)
- Airport
- YPE
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Peace River911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Peace River, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYPE Peace River Regional Airport (No scheduled passenger service; nearest scheduled airports are Grande Prairie (about 2 h 30 min by car) and…
- Getting aroundNo public transit in town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealLunch or dinner mainC$15–30 (≈ US$11–25)
- Beerdraught in a lounge / can at a liquor storeC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedSuite with kitchen (up to 4), a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$130 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YPE Peace River Regional Airport (No scheduled passenger service; nearest scheduled airports are Grande Prairie (about 2 h 30 min by car) and Edmonton (about 5 h).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
Feb
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Avoid*
0°C (31°F)31°F (0°C)
Apr
Avoid
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
Nov
not flagged
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−8°C (17°F)17°F (−8°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Apr (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Peace River: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
10 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
8 rd
Mar
0°C (31°F)31°F (0°C)
−12°C (11°F)11°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Apr
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (38°F)38°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Aug
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
11 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (38°F)38°F (3°C)
10 rd
Oct
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Nov
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (11°F)11°F (−12°C)
9 rd
Dec
−8°C (17°F)17°F (−8°C)
−18°C (−1°F)−1°F (−18°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No public transit in town. Everything central is walkable in 10–20 minutes, but the valley slopes are steep; you need a car for the airport, the Shaftesbury Trail and day trips. Cold Shot runs intercity buses from Edmonton with stops in High Prairie, Slave Lake and Westlock.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Grimshaw
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Highway 2 west, about 25 km (16 mi)Highway 2 west, about 16 mi (25 km)
Small town stop; the 29-km Friendship Trail links it to Peace River for cyclists and walkers.
Valleyview
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Highway 49 east, about 100 km (62 mi)Highway 49 east, about 62 mi (100 km)
The faster route to Edmonton joins Highway 43 here.
High Prairie
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Highway 2 east, about 120 km (75 mi)Highway 2 east, about 75 mi (120 km)
Useful stop on the Cold Shot bus line to Edmonton.
Fairview
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Highway 2 west then Highway 64A, about 120 km (75 mi)Highway 2 west then Highway 64A, about 75 mi (120 km)
Farm country and the Peace Country's western edge.
Falher
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Highway 2 east then Highway 49, about 100 km (62 mi)Highway 2 east then Highway 49, about 62 mi (100 km)
French-Canadian farming town; combine with a Valleyview run.
Grande Prairie
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Highway 2 west, about 198 km (123 mi)Highway 2 west, about 123 mi (198 km)
The region's airport and big-box base; too far for a comfortable return day.
High Level
overnightDoor to door: About 5 h 30 min
Highway 35 north (Mackenzie Highway), about 490 km (304 mi)Highway 35 north (Mackenzie Highway), about 304 mi (490 km)
Gateway to the Northwest Territories; sleep on the way.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / 100 Street
Walk to the museum, Riverfront Park and most restaurants; the Sawridge Inn and Third Mission Heritage Suites are here.
Highway 2 west / 74 Street
Chateau Nova and Nova Inn: free parking, easy in-and-out by car, a short drive from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$130 | C$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Rental car, one day1 × C$90 | C$90 |
| Fuel, Edmonton–Peace River return1 × C$120 | C$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$69 |
| Trip total≈ C$380 per person per day, bed included | C$759≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Lunch or dinner main | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Beer: draught in a lounge / can at a liquor store | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Paddle the Peace community paddle daymid-August | C$20 (≈ US$15) |
| PeaceFest single nightsecond Friday and Saturday in July | C$75 (≈ US$55) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transit: plan on walking the centre or driving.
- Winter cold is severe and the river ices over from January to early March; summer brings thunderstorms and occasional small hail.
- Fog often fills the river valley while the land above is clear; it usually lifts within a few hours.
- The St. Augustine Mission site sits inside the Peace River Provincial Correctional Centre grounds: check access before driving out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Peace RiverPeace River, Alberta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Peace River; the US consulate-general is in Calgary and most others are in Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver. For passport help, contact your embassy before travelling.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Cold Shot bus, Edmonton → Peace River: check current fare and days; stops in High Prairie, Slave Lake and Westlock
- Fuel, Peace River → Grande Prairie return: about 400 km (249 mi) round trip (check current pump price)about 249 mi (400 km) round trip (check current pump price)
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Where is the riverfront? — Where is the riverfront?
- Is there a bus to Edmonton? — Is there a bus to Edmonton?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Peace River. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, ice on the river), late Mar–Apr (mud and breakup) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport and bus contract for YPE and the Cold Shot stop: field-checked arrival times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown and the museum, Riverfront Park and Twelve Foot Davis, the Shaftesbury Trail.
- Place pages with verified hours (museum, NAR station tourist centre, arboretum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Event fixtures for the jet boat championship, PeaceFest and the pond hockey tournament so date-driven trips can go green.