Welcome to the ultimate guide of 55 free things to do in Grande Prairie, where adventure and frugality go hand in hand. Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Peace Region, Grande Prairie offers a treasure trove of activities. Whether you are a local looking to explore your hometown without breaking the bank or a traveller seeking to experience the city’s charm, this guide is your perfect companion. 

55 Free Things To Do In Grande Prairie

Let us unveil the top 55 free attractions and hidden gems that make Grande Prairie a delightful destination for frugal fun seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Visit Muskoseepi Park and explore its extensive trail system: Muskoseepi Park is the central hub of Grande Prairie’s green spaces, with over 1100 acres that stretch across the city. Its vast trail system caters to walking, jogging, biking, and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. The park also features a pond, playgrounds, and sports facilities. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers and those looking to stay active. 

Take a tour of the Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village: The museum showcases the history of the Grande Prairie area through various exhibits and artifacts. The adjacent Heritage Village has historical buildings restored to their original condition, providing a glimpse into the past. 

Check out the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie: This contemporary art gallery is one of the largest free admission galleries in Western Canada. It offers a range of exhibitions, artist talks, and educational programs and is an excellent venue for art enthusiasts and those interested in local and national art scenes. 

Walk, bike, or rollerblade along the Bear Creek Reservoir trail: This trail offers a scenic route along the Bear Creek Reservoir, ideal for a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or rollerblading: a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

Visit the Grande Prairie Public Library for free programs and activities: The library offers many resources, including books, digital media, and various programs for all ages. It’s a hub for community learning and engagement. 

Attend the Street Performers Festival held annually in July: This festival brings together street performers from around the world, showcasing a variety of acts such as juggling, magic, and acrobatics. While the festival is free, donations to performers are encouraged. 

Explore the Eastlink Centre during their free community events: The Eastlink Centre is a multipurpose facility that occasionally hosts free community events. These events can include access to swimming pools, fitness areas, and more. 

Watch airplanes take off and land at the Grande Prairie Airport observation area:Attend free concerts and events at Revolution Place: Revolution Place is a venue for entertainment and sports events. They sometimes offer free community events, such as concerts and family-friendly activities. 

Join in on a free yoga session at a local park during community wellness events: Grande Prairie often hosts free community events that include free yoga sessions. These events promote health and wellbeing and are a great way to meet people in the community.

Visit the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion in Muskoseepi Park for educational displays: The pavilion offers educational displays about the natural and cultural history of the Grande Prairie region. It’s an informative experience for visitors of all ages.

Play disc golf at South Bear Creek Park’s course. This well maintained park has a free disc golf course. Bring your own discs and enjoy a game.

Watch airplanes take off and land at the Grande Prairie Airport observation area: Aviation enthusiasts can watch aircraft take off and land at theenthusiasts can watch aircraft take off and land at the Grande Prairie Airport observation area. It’s an exciting free activity for families and plane spotters.

Take a historical walking tour of downtown Grande Prairie: Discover the city’s history by taking a walking tour of downtown. It’s a great way to learn about Grande Prairie’s heritage buildings and the stories behind them. You can download a map for your tour at Memory Lane.

Play basketball or tennis at one of the many public courts in the city: Grande Prairie has several public courts available for basketball and tennis enthusiasts. These facilities are free to use and exercise and enjoy friendly competition.

Visit the Coca-Cola Centre during public skating times: The Coca-Cola Centre is a premier ice sports and skating facility in Grande Prairie. General skating sessions are a fun way to spend time with family or friends and stay active during the winter. While admission is often free, skate rentals may be charged.

Attend community workshops and lectures at local institutions when available: Grande Prairie offers a variety of educational seminars and lectures through local institutions like the Grande Prairie Public Library, the Centre for Creative Arts, and Northwestern Polytechnic, formerly Grande Prairie Regional College. These events cover many topics and are often free to the public. 

Attend free family friendly festivals and cultural events throughout the year: Grande Prairie hosts numerous festivals and cultural events that are family friendly and free to attend. These events celebrate the city’s diverse culture and often include music, food, and entertainment. Keep an eye on the local events calendar for upcoming festivals.

Enjoy bird watching at Crystal Lake: Crystal Lake is an ideal location for bird watchers, with many bird species that can be observed throughout the year. It’s a peaceful activity for nature enthusiasts, twitchers and birders. 

Check out the local farmers market: The Grande Prairie Farmers’ Market is a lively place to browse local produce, handmade goods, and artisanal products. While purchasing items costs money, browsing is free and offers a chance to engage with local vendors and experience the community’s culture. For hours and location, visit Grande Prairie Farmers’ Market.

Go sledding at one of the many hills in the winter months: Grande Prairie has several popular sledding hills that provide hours of fun during the snowy months. This is a free and exhilarating activity for children and adults alike.

Visit Keddie’s Tack and Western Wear to see the unique western-themed store: Keddie’s Tack and Western Wear is a local store that offers a wide range of Western apparel and accessories. Even if you’re not looking to buy, it’s an exciting place to browse and experience the local cowboy culture.

Go on a geocaching adventure around the city. Geocaching is a real world, outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices to find the geocache hidden at a location. It’s a fun and adventurous way to explore Grande Prairie and its surroundings. For more information and to get started, visit the official geocaching website: Geocaching.

Go for a jog around the reservoir at South Bear Creek Park: The park offers a scenic route around the reservoir, which is ideal for jogging. It’s a popular spot for runners of all levels and a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying fit.

Visit the Centre for Creative Arts for various free events and gallery viewings. The Centre for Creative Arts in Grande Prairie is a vibrant hub for local artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with the arts. They offer free gallery viewings and a variety of events throughout the year, making it a go-to destination for art enthusiasts. For more information, visit the Centre for Creative Arts.

Enjoy a game and a picnic at one of the city’s many parks: Numerous parks throughout Grande Prairie offer plenty of picturesque spots for a picnic with family and friends. Pack a lunch and enjoy the outdoors in one of the city’s green spaces.

Participate in a community clean up day to help keep Grande Prairie beautiful: Grande Prairie clean up days, called City Scrub, are organized to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of Grande Prairie. Volunteering for these events is a free way to give back to the community and help the environment.

Enjoy the outdoor workout equipment at a local park: Many parks in Grande Prairie are equipped with outdoor fitness stations where you can engage in various exercises. This is a free and convenient way to incorporate strength and cardio training into your outdoor activities.

Explore the Wapiti River trails and natural area: The Wapiti River area offers a network of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and nature observation. It’s a great way to explore the local flora and fauna and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Enjoy the Peace Country Gleaners’ Open House events. Learn about this organization’s work in food recovery and distribution and participate in its community driven events.

Explore the community gardens and orchards and learn about local plant species: Community gardens and orchards in Grande Prairie offer a chance to learn about gardening and local plant species. These gardens are often free to visit and can be a source of inspiration for your gardening projects.

Check out the summer outdoor movies in the park: During the summer months, Grande Prairie hosts outdoor movie nights in various parks. These events are free; bring your seating, like blankets or lawn chairs, and enjoy a film under the stars.

Attend public lectures at the Grande Prairie Live Theatre: The Grande Prairie Live Theatre occasionally hosts lectures and talks on many topics, providing educational and cultural enrichment. To find out about upcoming lectures, visit Grande Prairie Live Theatre.

Join a free walking or running club in the city: Community groups in Grande Prairie organize free walking and running clubs. These clubs are a great way to stay motivated, meet new people, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Take your dog to an off leash dog park for some exercise and socialization: Dog parks are excellent places for your pet to run freely and socialize with other dogs. Grande Prairie has several off-leash areas that are perfect for a pet-friendly outing.

Explore the Nordic trails for cross-country skiing in the winter: The Wapiti Nordic Ski Club manages the Nordic trails, providing an excellent venue for cross-country skiing. You’ll need to bring your equipment, but using the trails is free. 

Take a self guided public art tour to appreciate sculptures and murals. The city has a variety of public art, including sculptures and murals that add vibrancy to the urban landscape.

Visit the Heritage Discovery Centre for interactive displays on the region’s history: This museum offers interactive displays and exhibits that tell the story of the Peace Region from the age of the dinosaurs to the present. It’s an educational experience for all ages. For more information, visit the Heritage Discovery Centre.

Go ice skating on outdoor rinks during the winter: Grande Prairie has several outdoor rinks maintained by the city and free for public use. It’s a great way to enjoy the winter season. Just remember to bring your skates.

Visit the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre to learn about Indigenous culture: The centre provides programs and services to promote Indigenous culture and heritage. It’s an educational resource for anyone interested in local Indigenous communities. For more information, visit Grande Prairie Friendship Centre.

Attend a free workshop or seminar at the Centre 2000: Centre 2000 is a tourist and trade centre that also serves as a venue for various workshops and seminars. These events can range from business development to personal enrichment topics and are often free to the public. 

Enjoy the fall colours and go for a nature walk: Autumn in Grande Prairie offers a beautiful fall foliage display. Take a nature walk in the city or a provincial park nearby: Muskoseepi Park, Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, Two Lakes Provincial Park, O’Brien Provincial Park, Big Mountain Creek Provincial Park or Crystal Lake during this season is a great way to enjoy the vibrant colours and crisp air.

Take advantage of free admission days at local attractions: Many local attractions have special days when admission is free throughout the year. This can include museums, galleries, and recreational facilities. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore new places without the cost. 

Visit the Montrose Cultural Centre and enjoy the public spaces: The Montrose Cultural Centre is a focal point for the arts, culture, and heritage in Grande Prairie. It includes the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, the Grande Prairie Public Library, and the Teresa Sargent Hall. It’s a place to enjoy exhibitions, reading, and public events. 

Go wildlife spotting in one of the natural areas around the city. Grande Prairie’s natural areas are home to a variety of wildlife. You may spot birds, deer, and other wildlife with patience and luck.

Join a local fishing enthusiast group for a day on the water: While you may need your gear, local angling groups often welcome newcomers to the sport and provide tips on the best fishing spots in the area.

Explore the Dunes area for unique landscapes and vegetation: The Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, located west of Grande Prairie, features sand dunes and distinctive vegetation. It’s an excellent place for hiking and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Go stargazing on a clear night away from the city lights: The clear skies of northern Alberta offer fantastic stargazing opportunities. Head out of the city to areas with less light pollution for the best views of stars, planets, and the Milky Way. The Grande Prairie Astronomy Club sometimes hosts public nights at their observatory. 

Participate in the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada Unit 389 for historical military displays. This veterans’ unit offers a glimpse into Canada’s military history with displays and memorabilia. It’s an opportunity to learn about the contributions of Canadian servicemen and women. 

When offered by community organizations, participate in a free cooking or nutrition workshop: These workshops are a great way to learn about healthy eating, cooking techniques, and nutrition. Community health centers, local markets, or non-profit organizations often host them.

Explore the Old Bezanson Townsite for a glimpse into the area’s early settlement: The Old Bezanson Townsite is a historic site that tells the story of an early 20th-century settlement that was never fully developed. It’s an exciting place for a self-guided tour to learn about the history and the settlers’ dreams for the region. 

Watch a local amateur sports game: From soccer to baseball, you can often catch a spirited game at local fields and facilities.

Join in on a community potluck or barbecue event (bring something to share): Community potlucks and barbecues are great ways to meet neighbours and enjoy a variety of foods. Community associations, churches, or local groups often organize these events. Join and bring a dish to share and enjoy the spirit.

Take a scenic drive around the countryside surrounding Grande Prairie: The area around Grande Prairie is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rolling farmland, forests, and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A scenic drive is a great way to enjoy the views and explore the region. The Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association provides information on scenic routes and attractions in the area.

Visit the Grande Prairie & District Old Timers’ Association. Step back in time and learn about the region’s pioneers through the stories and artifacts preserved by the association.

Visit the Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning: The council frequently offers free learning opportunities and workshops on a wide range of topics.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our extensive journey, we hope you have been inspired to explore this vibrant city’s rich, no cost activities. From picturesque parks and engaging cultural hotspots to community gatherings and outdoor adventures, Grande Prairie proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fabulous time. Remember, whether you are

 a resident or a curious visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover without spending a penny.

Frequently Asked Questions