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.

The Mission is located between Rycroft and Spirit River and a few kilometers south. This cemetery was started by local natives in the early 1900's and was later served by priests from Dunvegan until that mission closed in 1903. the Spirit River/Rycroft Mission was then established at this site. The church was moved to Spirit River in 1941 and now the cemetery continues to serve the Rycroft parish.

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. 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 including the Grande Prairie Athletics, High Prairie Regals, Falher Pirates, Fort St John Flyers, Peace River Stampeders, Hythe Mustangs, Fairview Kings, Valleyview Jets, and the Lakeland Eagles (from McLennan). Spirit River Arena (780) 864-4191. .
2008-2009 NPHL Hockey Schedule

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.

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.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 72. 4822-46 Avenue. (780) 864-4481.

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.

2009 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Spirit River welcomes everyone to their strong grain farming community.

The Centennial Hall - Spirit River Culture and Recreation Centre. Has been a hub of activity since it was built in 1967, includes a hall, swimming pool, library and joins the curling rink.

The Central Peace General Hospital located in Spirit River was constructed in the early 1960's. Serves both Spirit River residents as well as Rycroft (located 8 km east of town) The areas first hospital was the Holy Cross Hospital built in 1941 and eventually torn down in 1965. (780) 864-3993.

GPREMS Spirit River Station 3 was officially opened in June of 2004.

Town of Spirit River website
Town of Spirit River (780) 864-3998.

Dave Ross Chrysler and Dave Ross Equipment. One of the long term businesses of Spirit River opened in the fall of 1943. (780) 864-3731.

Years ago, this building was known as the Avalon Theatre, that featured the latest movies. Opened in 1945 and closed in the mid 1960's.

This building located on mainstreet Spirit River was the home of the MacLeods Store for many years until it eventually closed in 1988. The first MacLeods opened in 1958.