Northward Bound

Grande Prairie is Much More Than a Stopover

The historical Alaska highway runs for 1,422 breathtaking miles, with over 1,100 of them lying in Canada, winding their way through Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon. The drive north is considered bucket list material by many, and it’s not hard to see why thousands make the pilgrimage in RVs or other vehicles each year.

Whether from Highway 40 from Jasper or  Highway 43 from Edmonton and eastern Canada, Grande Prairie is a major stopping point before saddling up for the long road ahead.   Grande Prairie is in the heart of the Peace Country – it’s a land of untapped and unfiltered experiences waiting for you to explore!

Amenities in Grande Prairie

As a city of 69,000, Grande Prairie offers all the modern amenities. Whatever you need for the road ahead, you can find it here. From gas stations, hardware stores, grocery stores, and laundromats to specialist sporting equipment and offroad vehicle rentals, every necessity is covered. If you’re looking to stock up on snacks and supplies in bulk, our Costco is ready to deliver.

RV and Campground Accommodation

The Grande Prairie region has plenty of spots to park your RV for the night, catering to every taste and pursuit. Want peace and serenity away from the beaten path? We’ve got just the site for you. Fancy a morning round of golf after your bacon and eggs? We can take care of that, too.

Here are five campgrounds we highly recommend:

• Grande Prairie KOA Journey – Play horseshoes, walk the labyrinth, enjoy blooming wildflowers and explore rolling sand dunes on foot or ATV.
• Grande Prairie Rotary Campground – Adjacent to the Muskoseepi Park System, which runs through downtown Grande Prairie, here you can enjoy city amenities by day and campfires by night.
• Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park – Run wild on a mountain bike through Nitehawk Adventure Park’s carefully maintained trails.
• Hommy Park Campground – Swing for the fences at the ball diamond, and let your kids scale the climbing equipment at the playground.
• Country Roads RV Park – Cast a line in nearby Bear Creek, get lost in a cornfield maze, and even enjoy unlimited high-speed internet.

Hotel Accommodation

We’ve written about some of the best places to stay in Grande Prairie before, so if you’re traveling in a smaller vehicle (or if you’d prefer a night off the road in a good hotel room), Grande Prairie has plenty of options, such as:

• Four Points By Sheraton – Enjoy comfortable accommodation while sipping on regularly-rotated local brews on tap, thanks to the Four Points’ Best Brews™ program.
• Delta Hotels by Marriot – Located close to downtown Grande Prairie, the Delta also boasts an indoor pool with a water slide to let your kids have a splashing good time.
• Sandman Hotel Grande Prairie – Grab a hearty breakfast at Denny’s, a heartier dinner at Earls Kitchen + Bar, and a quiet nightcap at Bar One Urban Lounge, all located on-site.
• Canadian Motor Inn – A budget-friendly option for those more interested in exploring what’s out there than relaxing inside, the Canadian Motor Inn also offers special senior rates.
• Sheep Creek Back Country Lodge – Nestled deep in the Rockies by Grande Cache and Willmore Wilderness Park, these lodges and cabins are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Recommended for those coming up on Highway 40 from Jasper through Grande Cache. Reservations must be made in advance.

On The Road Must-Dos

If you’re on the road, be sure to visit these local sights as you’re passing through. Remember – when you’re driving long distances, it’s always good to take frequent breaks to keep you alert and aware. If those frequent breaks happen to feature donuts and dinosaurs, then that’s even better:

• Just east of Grande Prairie on Highway 43 stands one of the Peace Country’s best-kept secrets – Crooked Creek General Store, famous locally for their delicious homemade donuts.
• A little further along, explore Grande Prairie’s human history at the picturesque Kleskun Hills, where a museum offers the chance to explore authentic European settler artifacts and buildings. At the same time, a guided walk through the nearby park will reveal Indigenous sites of note (Psst! They also have campsites if you want to park the RV for a night).
• Ever wondered where our logo comes from? The iconic sundial at Centre 2000 stands close to the Grande Prairie Visitor Centre, where you can find the latest information about what’s happening in the region from our tourism team.

• Head west out of Grande Prairie towards Dawson Creek (Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway!) and step way back in time at the renowned Phillip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum – plus experience life as a paleontologist for a day with an excursion to Pipestone Creek to hunt for actual dinosaur fossils.
• If you’re more into giant mammals than giant reptiles,the giant beaver of Beaverlodge is an unmissable photo opportunity. Standing at 15 feet tall and weighing in at a little over 3,000 lbs. Remember to salute this icon of Beaverlodge.

Food, Drink, and Even More to Experience

If you decide to stay a while longer in the Peace Country, we’re your number one resource for local activities. We’ve written about the best local restaurants, where to sample local craft brews, wines, and meads, fun for every season, how Grande Prairie can indulge you in retail therapy, the cultural opportunities awaiting you in our city, and even the best golf courses in the area!

Take a Piece of the Peace Country With You

As you’re heading onward to Fairbanks or beyond, don’t forget to bring a little memento with you. It can get pretty bright up in Alaska – a cowboy hat from Keddie’s Tack and Western Wear can help keep the sun out of your eyes.  And a unique knickknack from the Hidden Gem Gift Shop sitting on your dashboard can help remind you where you’ve been. if you are crazy about dinosaurs and palentology, Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum, 20 minutes west from the City of Grande Prairie offers a unique gift shop and experience.

Wherever you’re headed, however long you’re staying – safe driving, and come back soon! Don’t forget to hit us up on social media at #GPTourism, we’re always looking to share the best content and photos from our region.