Nicknamed the “Swan City”, Grande Prairie lies adjacent to a sprawling prairie that was originally inhabited by the Dane-zaa (Beaver) people. It’s home to a fascinating heritage museum and recreational park and is near the bird sanctuary at Saskatoon Island.

Things to do

Browse the paintings, sculptures and photography at the Grant Berg Gallery, which represents more than 30 artists from the Grande Prairie region. Purchase stunning original jewellery or customise a piece of unique furniture from their skilled craftspeople.

Delve into the local history at the Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village that lies in picturesque Muskoseepi Park. Learn about life for the town’s first homesteaders and early traders, see a replica paleontological dig site with bones of an Edmontosaurus and browse the prehistoric stone artefacts used by the region’s indigenous inhabitations.

In addition to the Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village, Muskoseepi Park is home to a children’s playground and skatepark. Follow one of the walking trails that hug Bear Creek or fish for rainbow trout in the Muskoseepi Park Pond, then test your skills on the family-friendly mini-golf course.

Bird watchers should visit the Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, which provides a habitat for tundra swans, northern harriers and Canada geese. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, moose and groundhogs, together with the threatened trumpeter swan.

Getting around

Grande Prairie is a 10-minute drive from Grande Prairie Airport, which has regular flights from Calgary and Edmonton. The downtown area can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle, but having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of visiting the surrounding sights.