Grande Prairie, Dunvegan and Shaftesbury Ferry Loop
Route Details: This all paved route heads north from GP into the heart of Peace country and crosses this extraordinary river valley in two distinct spots, once via the unique tug driven Shaftesbury Ferry. As a bonus the extended route also crosses the Smoky River twice as well. Expect beautiful scenery and opportunities to experience the history of this area while on this ride along with a couple great pit stops to keep you and your bike fueled up.
Leaving GP you head straight north on Highway 2 through Sexsmith, Webster and Rycroft and travel 90km before you drop into the gorgeous Peace River valley at Dunvegan where you may want to stop for a break and take a few photos. From there stay on Highway 2 until you reach Fairview where you can find fuel and a couple places to grab food if need be. If you don’t need either then carry on eastward until you reach Grimshaw where once again you can find fuel, food and refreshments. This is as far north as you will go on this route and will retrace your last few kms turning off onto Highway 684 south back into the river valley and a left hand turn onto Highway 740 which you follow for a short while along the river to reach the Shaftesbury Ferry. This unique ferry ride will return you to the south side of the Peace River where you will parallel the Smoky River until reaching Highway 49 east. Follow this highway for 23 km across the Smoky River and watch for Highway 744. Take a right on 744 which ends at Highway 676 and a left will take you back onto Highway 49 where you head south into Valleyview. From Valleyview Highway 43 will return you to GP but I highly recommend a stop at Crooked Creek for a burger or donuts, which ever you decide on (or get both) you will not be disappointed. This loop is long and with a couple well deserved stops will take up most of a solid day of riding.
Highlights: Dunvegan Bridge, Peace River, Shaftesbury Ferry, Smoky River
Local Businesses: Krooked House (Grimshaw), Scotty’s Burger Shack (Crooked Creek), Crooked Creek General Store
KM/Hours of Riding: 470 km, 5.5 hours of riding.
