A Vibrant Central Alberta Community of 50,000

Grande Prairie boasts a lot of positive features that one would not expect in North Central Alberta. For instance, did you know that you can play golf until 11 p.m. on three beautiful 18 hole golf courses and couple of 9 hole courses within the city limits on those long summer days? And did you know that excellent bike trails and preserved wetlands for bird watching are easily accessible. Grande Prairie is also home to a professional musical theatre company for the enjoyment of Broadway lovers who come to the area. Who knew? Well now you do!

A Brief History and Some More Information

As with so many communities in Western Canada, Grande Prairie was founded by the Hudson Bay Company as a trading post in 1880. The railroad construction of the late 1800’s brought people and goods in during the “land rush” that started the expansion of the city. Of course, the Beaver First Nation had been hunting and trapping on this land for many centuries prior to the arrival of the European settlers and Cree and Iroquois also call this region their home.

As you may be able to guess, the name “Grande Prairie” is French of course, aptly describing the vast surrounding grasslands that run for great distances to the north, east and west of the city. Great place for horse-back riding and hiking! Besides grasslands, the area is home to many large farms and to the south the land is covered with vast tracts of aspen, black spruce, jack pine and tamarack that extend south and west to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

The economy of Grand Prairie is driven by the oil and gas industry, pulp and paper and farming as well as tourism and manufacturing. Its economic strength will be bolstered by the ever increasing exploration and development of energy which ensures the future of this community.

Sunshine? Your bet!

Did you know that Grande Prairie boasts an average of 314 days with sunshine? This has got to be some kind of record. The sunny days will allow you to enjoy your golfing, downhill and cross-country skiing, curling and more. The city hosted the 1996 Canada Winter Games and the many venues are still there for recreation fun. Live theatre and yummy food will round out your pleasant experience in this truly great prairie city.