A little-known side of Grande Prairie is its thriving downtown core, home to a vibrant arts and festival scene. While larger Alberta centres like Edmonton and Calgary are often considered the province’s go-to urban destinations, Grande Prairie deserves a place on the list, too. Take a walking tour through its streets, and you’ll quickly understand why.
Explore impressive art galleries, sip locally roasted coffee, and enjoy the charm of an urban experience without the stress of big-city crowds. A walk through Grande Prairie’s downtown will give you a fresh perspective on the city and all it has to offer.
Length: 1 Day
Know Before You Go:
This itinerary is perfect for those who love to get their steps in or don’t have access to a vehicle. Whether you’re here on a business trip, dropping in to visit family, or you’re a local looking to enjoy Grande Prairie’s downtown core on a hot summer Saturday, this is the plan for you!
As with all plans, some information may change. If you see a place you’re really excited about visiting, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and make sure it’s open and ready for visitors.
If you’re visiting the city, first things first: welcome to Grande Prairie! We know you’ll have a great stay at one of our excellent hotels. The most central option is the Sandman Hotel, located at 9805 100 St., right in the heart of the downtown area. Just a bit farther from the city centre, you can also stay at Encore Suites, near the Great Northern Casino.
On the south end of the city, the Four Points by Sheraton offers an exceptional stay with an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. It’s also conveniently located across the street from the state-of-the-art recreational facility, Eastlink Centre, which is perfect for families!
For this day plan, it’s best to pack a few things to keep you comfortable. Make sure you bring a good pair of walking shoes, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Keep an eye on the forecast, too. If rain is in the forecast, an umbrella is obviously a good choice as well.
Itinerary:
Morning
Rise and shine! Enjoy breakfast and coffee at your hotel before heading out. Then, take a stroll (or a cab if you’re staying outside the downtown core) to the Montrose Cultural Centre. This one-of-a-kind building spans more than 100,000 square feet and features cultural displays, events, and information. It also showcases artwork and other pieces by local and international artists.
The building houses the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, the largest art gallery in the Peace Region. Did we mention admission is free? This Category A gallery is a must-see for any art lover. The same complex is also home to the Grande Prairie Public Library, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, with multi-storey architecture that draws the eye.
From there, head down 100th Avenue and explore the shops along the way.
Afternoon 
If the weather isn’t ideal or you’re looking for more arts and culture, the Grant Berg Art Gallery is nearby. Grant Berg is Cree-Métis, and his gallery showcases local and international art, pottery, sculpture, jewellery, and photography.
While exploring downtown, take a moment to browse the shelves at Second Chance Reads, an independent bookstore offering a welcoming space for book lovers. You can also stop by The Blue Building Project, a downtown community hub featuring local vendors, coffee, food, and events. It’s a great place to discover more of Grande Prairie’s creative side.
Another option is to head over to Muskoseepi Park for an afternoon stroll along the creek, a visit to Mini Links – Mini Golf and Ice Cream, and a stop at the Grande Prairie Museum, conveniently located within the park.
Evening
After a busy afternoon (or if you’ve just come from a business event), you’ll want to grab something to eat. Downtown Grande Prairie offers something for every appetite, whether you’re looking for a casual meal at Earls, complete with a covered patio, or a full dining experience at The Sawmill Steakhouse.
Just looking for a drink and an appy? Visit Latitude 55 Distillery, located in the historic Old Fire Hall, or stop by 92 Bev. Co for craft cocktails and a relaxed downtown atmosphere.
