DUNVEGAN PROVINCIAL PARK

Located on the banks of the Mighty Peace River just off Highway 2, 90 km north of Grande Prairie, Alberta or 26 km south of Fairview, it will be a very memorable place to visit either just for the day, or stay overnight.

The site of one of Alberta's earliest fur trade posts and missionary centres dating back to 1805. The Beaver Indians were some of the earliest inhabitants of the area with the first European explorers passing through in the 1700's. In 1805, Archibald Norman Macleod established a trading post naming it Fort Dunvegan, after his family's ancestral castle in Scotland. Dunvegan became a Hudson Bay Company post and operated until 1918. The Factor's House and the St. Charles Rectory and Church (1867) are the only two buildings remaining from that time.

The Manitoba Maple is found near the Factor's House which may have been planted by James McDougal in 1883. He was the Chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company. The Manitoba Maple originated in southern Manitoba, and the sap was used to make syrup and sugar. The bark and leaves were believed to have medical benefits.

A ferry was used to cross the Peace River at Dunvegan as early as 1909 and ended ended in 1960 when the longest spanning bridge in Alberta was built.	Looking up at the banks, makes you feel you are surrounded by mountains. It is home to a wide variety of prairie wild flowers, birds and butterflies.

DUNVEGAN BRIDGE 50th ANNIVERSARY August 2010- Many people gathered Saturday (August 28, 2010) at Dunvegan for the 50th Anniversary of the Bridge Opening. It was a fun filled day which included many speeches from dignitaries and guests including Cannon RSH Greene who also spoke at the bridge opening in 1960. History of the Bridge. Play VIDEO> 18:30min.

The Peace River flows from the mountains of British Columbia through this valley all the way to the Arctic Ocean. The Peace River got its name because it was along these banks the peace was finally settled between the Cree and Beaver Indians.

Dinosaur footprints were discovered on the south bank of the valley. A cast was made of the 4 toed prehistoric creature and can be seen at the Interpretive Centre and Tourist Centre.

The Hudson's Bay Company Factor's House built in 1879 still stands today. Just a short distance to the west of the bridge along the banks of the Peace River. Located at the Maples is the grave sight of Caroline, who died April 20, 1888. She is the daughter of Alfred and Agnes Garrioch. The seeds planted by Reverend A. Garrioch flourished and gave this place its name: the Maples.

Factor's House in the Winter (enlarge picture) Bridge in wintertime with ice build-up (enlarge picture)

St. Charles Mission Church

In 1867, a Roman Catholic Order, established the St. Charles Mission near Fort Dunvegan. Next to it is the Rectory which was constructed in 1889 and still stands today.

Father Emile Grouard originally decorated the altar area with his own paintings.

Our Lady Of Peace Statue erected by the Knights of Columbus is located only a short distance from the church has overlooked the Peace River since 1985. It is a statue of the blessed Virgin Mary. (Summer of 2007 the statue received a full restoration)

Collectibles of those early years displayed.

Tours are offered. Hours of Operation May-Sept. 10am to 6pm Monday to Sunday.

(enlarge picture)
1908 Revillon Freres Trading Store returns to its original location at Dunvegan. Was moved by P.J. Foster, the last Dunvegan Ferry Operator to the Larsen Farm in the 1930's. (2010 undergoing restoration)

2010 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY