Grande Prairie - Things to Do and See

Located in northwest Alberta, Grande Prairie is a great place for families to visit. In September this year, my mom and I enjoyed a lovely road trip and time spent in Grande Prairie. It is a pleasant five-hour drive from Edmonton driving past forests and open fields along the way. On our way to Grande Prairie, we stopped in Edmonton and went on a segway tour. With things to do and places to visit year-round, make sure to set aside some time to spend in Grande Prairie, northwest Alberta’s largest city.

Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park - With downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter and biking, camping, hiking, and walking in the summer, the whole family can partake in outdoor pursuits at Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park. It is about a 30-minute drive south from Grande Prairie. 

Muskoseepi Park - The perfect place for any outdoor activity, Muskoseepi Park is a perfect spot for family time. The paths and trails are perfect for walking, bicycle riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and skating on the pond in the winter. There are tennis and basketball courts, a spray park, the Grande Prairie Outdoor Pool, a playground, a skate park, disc golf, fishing in the pond, lawn bowling, canoe polo, and more. Your family can also learn about nature by identifying birds, trees, and shrubs while walking around the park. An outdoor picnic is a fun way to wrap up a day or afternoon spent outside exploring Muskoseepi Park.

Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village - Located in Muskoseepi Park, the Grande Prairie Museum &  Historical Village includes an indoor history exhibit section (Museum) that is open year-round and an outdoor exhibit (Historical Village) that is open from May to September (weather dependent). It is an awesome place to visit and learn about the history of the area. With the buildings ranging in date from the 1890s to the late 1940s, the Historical Village includes buildings such as a one-room schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, and Hudson’s Bay outpost as well as heritage gardens. The buildings show what life was like - the struggles and successes encountered - for settlers to the Grande Prairie area.

Centre 2000 & Heritage Discovery Centre - Also located in Muskoseepi Park (There is lots to do in the Park, both indoors and outdoors!) is the Centre 2000. Centre 2000 is home to a cupola where you can enjoy 360 degree views of Grande Prairie. You can also bring your lunch and take in the scenery of Muskoseepi Park through the large windows. On the lower level of the Centre is the Heritage Discovery Centre. The Heritage Discovery Centre has displays, documentaries, and exhibits on history from various eras as well as a gallery with exhibits that change on a regular basis to offer new exhibits for visitors.  

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie - The gallery has ongoing exhibitions and themed displays for visitors to view. Exhibits include a variety of media such as paintings, sculptures, and etchings and showcases artwork from local, national, and international artists alike. Visit the Gallery’s website to learn what your family might like to discover, see, and learn. 

Jeffrey’s Cafe - Whether it is time for lunch, dinner, brunch, or an afternoon snack, Jeffrey’s Cafe is a lovely place to dine at. Their menu offers a very good selection of items to order, and there is also a nice gift section to peruse after enjoying your snack or meal. Across from Jeffrey’s Cafe is an ice cream store The Scoop, owned and operated by the same family that owns Jeffrey’s Cafe. A family-run business since 1999, make room in your schedule for a relaxing break and time at Jeffrey’s Cafe.

Within a 30-minute drive north of Grande Prairie is the town of Sexsmith which you may like to visit. If your family likes to camp, there is the Heritage Park Campground which has a playground, 9 hole mini-golf, and horseshoe pits. While in Sexsmith, things to do include going to the Sexsmith Spray Park, The Sexsmith & District Museum Society (open mid-May to the beginning of September), on a walking trail, and other sites waiting for your family to discover.

After my family’s time in Grande Prairie, we drove home along the Rockies, first driving south on Highway 40 through Grande Cache, staying overnight in Hinton, and then continuing south on Highway 93 through Jasper before arriving home. Plan your next family trip for Grande Prairie and enjoy a wonderful time of fun, adventure, learning, and adventures! 

Written by Barbori Streibl

Barbori Streibl is a writer, author, and musician. She is a Marketing Assistant at The Canadian Schoolhouse. Barbori blogs at Barbori Garnet and enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.