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Town of

Beaverlodge

36 minutes (42.5 km) west of Grande Prairie

The Town of Beaverlodge offers many recreational activities and opportunities for both residents and visitors.

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Attractions

  • Beaverlodge Cultural Centre
  • Elmsworth Deep Basin
  • Euphemia McNaught Homestead
  • Pioneer Campground
  • PRT Tree Nursery
  • Red Willow Gardens
  • Riverbend Golf & Country Club
  • Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
  • South Peace Centennial Museum
  • Spring Lake Summer & Winter Resort
  • World’s Largest Beaver Statue

Beaverlodge

The town was named for the Beaverlodge River, which was known as Uz-i-pa (“temporary lodge”) by members of the Beaver First Nation. The first European-Canadian settlers arried in 1901.

When your community’s name is Beaverlodge, it’s only natural that a large Beaver sculpture greets visitors.

The creature is symbolic of the attitude here and the town’s motto: A Place To Build Dreams.

The popular attraction was unveiled on July 21, 2004 to commemorate Beaverlodge’s 75th anniversary since incorporation. It’s surrounded by interpretive signage to provide history and town information as well as background about the beaver itself.

Like the namesake animal, the people here are busy throughout the year and love to welcome tourists.

Favourite summertime activities include camping at the Pioneer Campground or nearby Hommy Park, Saskatoon Island Provincial Park or Red Willow Campground, golfing, quading, hiking, and fishing.  If you enjoy fast-paced action, there’s a motocross track to go dirt biking and paintballing is another great option. The community features many ball diamonds.

Winter activities are equally abundant.  Spring Lake Campground is ideal for skiing and ice fishing. Skating, curling, or sledding on local trails are other popular activities. The Beaverlodge Recreation Centre will help you keep active, no matter the weather, with a gym, pool and track. There are seven modern playparks for the active family.

This is also a great area for the avid hunter.

Scenery

Saskatoon Mountain is a must-stop on your visit. Drive to the picnic area at the top and take in a beautiful panorama of the nearby landscape that includes mountains, foothills, forests, lakes, and cultivated lands typical of the Peace Country.

Attractions

At the Beaverlodge Cultural Centre, visitors can enjoy browsing in the art gallery, the potters and weavers studios, and the gift shop before relaxing in the tea room. The centre features several exhibits throughout the year. A variety of classes are also offered.

The McNaught Homestead heritage site was designated a Provincial Historical Resource on July 23, 2003. The property, located south of Beaverlodge on Secondary Highway 722, was donated by Noel McNaught to the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie.

Visitors can take in a replica of Euphemia McNaught’s work in the form of a mural painted on the side of the IGA building. In the 2010/2011 school year, students from Beaverlodge High School helped refresh the mural.

For a little more education on the area, visitors are welcome at the Beaverlodge research station Monday through Friday.

Researchers study soil microbiology and biodiversity, soil fertility, soil physics and management, integrating cropping systems, plant pathology, canola breeding, entomology, and forage seeds and grass production.

In the spirit of agriculture, the community also has a mid-week farmer’s market. Supper is available on Tuesday evening and you can enjoy lunch on Wednesdays.

Hungry?

Sunride Diner is a great local café with several menu options.  If you have room for dessert, the cinnamon buns are a must try.  Other options include The Green Pepper Café, for Chinese food, and BMI Restaurant.

Anna’s Pizza, Petals on Main – a flower shop and bistro renowned for its coffee – is another popular spot.

If you just need a snack, make a stop at the Beaverlodge Butcher shop.  You’ll find some of the best in-house made jerky available in three flavors and there are nine flavors of pepperoni sticks.

If you’re thirsty and are looking for a different taste sensation, the Broken Tine Winery is located southwest of the community. It produces exceptional wines combining the tangy and vibrant fruit juice of the haskap berry with honey produced from the farm’s very own beehives.

Other activities

If you have more time to spend in the area, don’t forget a visit to the Riverbend Golf and Country Club.  The 9-hole course offers a scenic experience and great play for golfers at any level.

Since the clubhouse is a historic landmark, it’s worth the visit even if you’re not a player. Enjoy the history of the area and then relax in the clubhouse for a bite to eat in a great atmosphere with a view.

A must see on your visit the South Peace Centennial Museum as well.  It is Alberta’s largest – and only – working steam powered equipment museum. Pioneer Days and the Autumn Fall Festival are held here.

Watch for the renowned nearby Rio Grande Rodeo at the end of June.

The Beaverlodge & District Agricultural Society provides a facility for the Beaverlodge Farmer’s Market, an indoor riding arena and two outdoor rings. Its arenas are used by various groups such as 4-H, Beaverlodge Roper’s Club, Mountainside Horse Club and offers many hours of public riding. Arenas are also rented out for private use.

For the crafty traveler, the Around the Block quilt shop, a family owned business that turns 20 in 2020 is a popular spot for supplies, classes and sewing machines.

If you’re in the Peace Region, you will surely hear the sound of the beaver tail beckoning you.