News You Can Use: News items from external sources that might be useful to MDSR residents.
Discover the Heart of Peace River
A Scenic Tour Through Some of Northern Alberta’s Hidden Gems
In the vast, rolling landscapes of northern Alberta’s Peace Country, where the Mighty Peace River carves through ancient valleys and history whispers from every hillside, an unforgettable adventure awaits. Leave the ordinary behind and embark on a tour that blends rugged natural beauty, living pioneer spirit, and panoramic vistas. Ride the Shaftesbury Ferry, wander Riverfront Park, meet the legendary Twelve Foot Davis, delve into the past at the Peace River Museum and Archives & Mackenzie Centre, then climb Judah Hill to the breathtaking Sagitawa Lookout. These interconnected stops in and around the Town of Peace River offer a perfect day of exploration that will leave you captivated by the region’s charm.
On August 14th, the MD Summer Bus tour will be heading to the Shaftesbury Ferry—one of only a handful of free-floating ferries still operating in Alberta. The bus will board this working ferry (part of Highway 740) for a short, roughly five-minute crossing of the wide Peace River. Operating roughly from mid-spring through mid-to-late fall, the ride delivers spectacular river-valley scenery and frequent wildlife sightings, from bears cooling off along the banks to soaring birds. It’s more than transportation; it’s a nostalgic, uniquely Albertan experience that connects the historic Shaftesbury Settlement flats—once home to early gardens and missions—with the far shore near Tangent Park.
Once back on solid ground, we will make our way to Riverfront Park in downtown Peace River. Nestled right along the waterway with easy trail access, this lively greenspace is the community’s gathering heart. Stroll the paths, relax in the gazebo, or simply watch the river flow past. It’s the ideal spot for a moment of riverside calm.
Standing proudly in the park is the iconic wooden statue of Twelve Foot Davis. Henry Fuller Davis, the larger-than-life (if short in stature) Vermont-born gold miner and free trader, earned his nickname in the 1860s Cariboo Gold Rush by staking a precise 12-foot claim between two larger ones—and striking it rich. He later became a beloved fur trader along the Peace River, competing with the Hudson’s Bay Company while winning friends with his hospitality and shrewd character. The Town of Peace River is sometimes called the “Land of Twelve Foot Davis” in his honour.
Deepen your connection to the region’s past at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre. Housed in a welcoming space overlooking the rivers, this museum brings the Peace Country’s story to life through engaging galleries. Explore the Sir Alexander Mackenzie Gallery, featuring artifacts from Fort Fork (where the explorer overwintered in 1792–93 before his historic journey to the Pacific), fur-trade relics including a period fur press and canoes, and exhibits on local Indigenous history, settlement, sternwheelers, and the growth of the town. Changing feature exhibits and a gift shop with local products round out the visit. Admission is by donation. It’s a perfect indoor complement to the outdoor adventures.
We’ll be capping the bus tour by ascending Judah Hill via Highway 744. This dramatic climb rises more than 200 metres from the valley floor, offering ever-changing perspectives of the landscape. At the top, step out at Sagitawa Lookout. The Cree name means “where the rivers meet,” and the view delivers exactly that: a spectacular panoramic sweep of the Town of Peace River and the dramatic confluence of the Peace and Smoky Rivers (with the Heart River nearby). Picnic tables, interpretive historical panels, and space for quiet reflection or photography make it an essential stop. Whether you’re capturing the layered valley walls, watching the rivers merge, or simply breathing in the vast northern air, Sagitawa rewards every visitor.
These locations form a natural loop through the Peace Country, allowing you to take in the region’s open skies, fertile river flats, and layered history of First Nations, explorers, traders, and settlers, creating an atmosphere of discovery that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Come ride the ferry across the Mighty Peace, stand in the shadow of Twelve Foot Davis, uncover stories at the Mackenzie Centre, and take in the world from Sagitawa Lookout. The Peace Country is calling—answer it, and you’ll leave with memories as wide as the northern horizon.
Call the MD office at (780) 864-3500 to save a spot on the bus!
Bus Fare: Age 16+ $25.00; Under 16 $5.00
Fare is due upon registration. Riders are responsible for all expenses over and above the bus fare.
Bus leaves the MD garage at 8:30 AM to pick up passengers at designated locations and will be returning between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM.
Priority given to seniors and people with limited mobility.