Leaving the beaten track far behind, intrepid explorers who venture north are rewarded with an Alberta experience as authentic as it gets. Grande Prairie, 460 km (290 mi) northwest of Edmonton, is the biggest city between Edmonton and Fairbanks, Alaska. From its humble beginnings as a Hudson Bay trading post in 1881, Grande Prairie has prospered to become the economic heart of the region. If you are heading further north, this is the last best place to provision before you leave Alberta.

Witness the dazzling brightness of canola fields in full bloom, or the flight of the biggest bird in North America, the trumpeter swan. Savour the impossibly pure air along the hiking trails of a forest in a sea of farmland. Visit a working bison ranch and discover a lean and yummy beef alternative. See for yourself why locals call this region “The Peace Country”.

Midnight golf. Wildlands. Wild rivers. Dinosaur bones. Here’s your insider Grand Prairie checklist!

Off to the rodeo

Catch the thrills and spills of steer wrestling, bronc and bull riding, roping and chuck wagon races at the annual Grande Prairie Stompede.

Get hooked

Peace Country’s over 50 lakes and rivers means a great fishing spot is always nearby. Trout, grayling, walleye and pike are the region’s main bait gobblers.

He shoots, he scores

Join the locals and cheer on the home team at a Grande Prairie Storm hockey game.

Fore!

In the summer, Grand Prairie’s northern latitude means you can practise your swing until close to midnight at Dunes, Bear Creek and Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club.

Perfect powder

Downhill junkies can hit the slopes at Nitehawk ski hill, home of the only natural luge track in North America used for international competitions.

Get outta town!

You’re within an hour’s drive of 10 provincial parks, including Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and Kakwa Wildland Park. Explore endless trails by horseback or ATV in the summer, by snowmobile or showshoes in winter.

Cross the footbridge over Pipestone Creek to the dinosaur bonebed, one of the richest in the world. It’s 45 minutes southwest of town, and soon to be home to the new Phillip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

Get out into the Peace Country and discover the towns of Hythe, Beaverlodge and Clairmont.

You’ve ventured this far - more unforgettable adventures are just around the corner in Northern Alberta.