SPIRIT RIVER

Located just 64 km north of Grande Prairie and 8 km west of Rycroft , Alberta, is the Town of Spirit River, one of the oldest towns in the Central Peace Region. Spirit River has a population 1,100 (2004 stats).

Looking south up the main street of Spirit River with Spirit River Hotel on right. Spirit River has a trading area of over 10,000 people.
MORE PHOTOS: Click on the mini-pictures above to enlarge photo.

The original town sight was the old mission located between Rycroft and Spirit River and 3 km south. The town sight was situated by the river which was known by some as Ghost River, (Chepi-Sepe) and also later as the Spirit River. In 1891, a trading post became the original settlement along the banks of the Spirit River. Because the railroad missed this location, those early settlers decided to move and it split into two communities, one to the west (Now Spirit River) and one to the east. (Now Rycroft). Spirit River took its name after the Spirit River that ran by the original town sight.

The present location of Spirit River was surveyed in 1915, and in 1916 it was incorporated as a village the same year the railroad arrived. Later it became a town in 1951.

Home of the Spirit River Rangers, (senior hockey team) NPHL , that challenges other teams in the Peace Country. MacLean Rec Centre (780) 864-4191. (Picture of inside of rink) 2009 "AA" Provincial Champions The Spirit River Rangers defeated the Grande Prairie Athletics for the Provincial "AA" gold medal game held in Spirit River March 2009.

The Spirit River Rangers defeated the Falher Pirates to win the NPHL Championship for the 2010-2011 season. The 2011-2012 NPHL (Senior Hockey Team) consists of EAST DIVISION: Falher Pirates, Grimshaw Huskies, High Prairie Regals, (Fairview Kings have dropped out), Valleyview Jets and Lakeland Eagles from McLennan. WEST DIVISION: Hythe Mustangs, Dawson Creek Canucks, Spirit River Rangers, Grande Prairie Athletics, Horse Lake Chiefs, Fort St John Flyers. 2011-2012 NPHL Hockey Schedule-Scores-Stats

Introducing The SPIRIT RIVER RANGERS - 2011-2012 Team Players, Coaches introduce themselves on camera. PLAY VIDEO> 2:45 min

Visit the Spirit River Settlement Museum. 48 Street and 44 Avenue. Includes 11 historical buildings of the area. Reed House was built in 1918, Whinchel Cabin from 1914, The Flourmill from 1800, Charlie Orformis Cabin built in 1934, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church from 1930, Bronco Creek School from 1920 (area northeast of Spirit River), Spirit Valley Hall from 1932 (area northwest of Spirit River) and also the Blacksmith shop built in 1919 from the Devale area near Spirit River. (780) 864-2180. Open May to September from 1pm to 5pm Monday to Sunday.

Spirit River has its own Mall featuring a grocery store plus a variety of other small business.

Events: Spirit River June Jamboree is held mid June of each year at the Centennial Hall and arena. Also includes Trade Show, Slow Pitch Tournament and a Parade with dozens of floats. Knights of Columbus Valentines Dance is held every year. Mid-November the Christmas Crafts Show and Sale is held each year (780) 864-2020. NOW POSTED: 2012 Events of the Peace Country

Spirit River Halloween Many homes in Spirit River get into the spirit of the season. Late October this home along 43 Avenue becomes a bit scary with a number of halloween decorations.