You will find Drayton Valley between two major Alberta rivers: the Pembina and North Saskatchewan.
Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council
You can find several ways to explore these rivers and valleys either by foot, by paddle boat, or by powerboat.
The nearby Brazeau Reservoir and Provincial Recreation/Natural Areas also provide even more recreation like hiking or camping.
Visit Drayton Valley this summer and find all the fun things to do in Brazeau County or if you are planning a road trip on Cowboy Trail/Highway 22 this summer, plan a weekend here.
Drayton Valley Summer Kickoff Party
The Drayton Valley Community Foundation is hosting a town-wide party aimed at welcoming summer for 2022. There will be market and food vendors on site, music and entertainment, and other activities; and, this won’t be the only party of the summer! Details
When: June 24, 2022
Where: downtown Drayton Valley
How much: free
Celebrate Canada Day with Drayton Valley
The celebrations kick off on the morning of July 1st with a pancake breakfast and parade. You can then head to Rotary Park in Drayton Valley for a full day of food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and a dusk firework show. Details
When: all day July 1st, 2022
Where: downtown Drayton Valley
How much: free
Celebrate Canada Day & the 65th Anniversary of Breton
Canada Day in Breton also kicks off with a parade and pancake breakfast, followed by several afternoon activities and entertainment. During the day you can shop the outdoor market, listen to music in the beer gardens, try the mechanical bull or axe throwing, walk through the Show and Shine, and stop by the kids’ zone. Details
When: all day July 1, 2022
Where: village of Breton
How much: free
Sasquatch Gathering
The 25th annual Sasquatch Gathering is scheduled for July 2022, with camping now available. The weekend is a celebration of live art and music and has a mission to keep things as green as possible. If you prefer a hotel, the even grounds are a short drive from Drayton Valley accommodations. Details
When: July 22-24, 2022
Where: Pembina Nordic Centre, Eagle Point Provincial Park
How much: Weekend pass: $90-$130
Hiking Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Recreation Area
These two provincial areas follow the North Saskatchewan River both before and beyond Drayton Valley with three main hiking trails you can try out. They range in length, difficulty, and in the views they offer. The trails offer excellent river valley views, and interpretive signage (with QR codes in some spots). Details
When: year-round (are all cross-country ski trails in the winter)
Where: access via Highway AB-39 west, or Highway AB-22 south
How much: free
Camping
Between the private and provincial campgrounds around Drayton Valley and Brazeau County, there is 15 total from which to pick a site. You can camp on the outskirts of Drayton Valley for some added convenience, near the Pembina North Saskatchewan river for water sports opportunities, as well as at several others in more forested rural areas. Details
Mountain Biking
Eagle Point Provincial Park has three trail systems which total 35 km of biking trails (shared with hikers): the Pembina Rotary Community Trails North (also known as the Pembina Nordic Ski Trails), the Pembina Rotary Community South Trails and the Hilltop/Hillside Trails. Details
Fishing
Both the North Saskatchewan River and the Brazeau Reservoir are excellent fishing spots. Both areas permit you to fish from the shores, a rowboat or canoe, or your power/jet boat.
- Willey West Campground, Eagle Point PP, Range Road 70A via Highway AB-22
- Brazeau Reservoir PRA, Boat launches at West Canal campground and North Shore Group Area
Powerboating
The North Saskatchewan offers many reasons to take your boat here including the fishing, the scenery, the deep and fast moving waters, and huge amounts of space for other boaters. A popular launch site is the Willey West Campground on the northeast side of Drayton Valley.
The Brazeau Reservoir is also a beautiful and large space where you can take on some thrills like jet boating, water skiing, and fishing.
- Willey West Campground, Eagle Point PP, Range Road 70A via Highway AB-22
- Brazeau Reservoir PRA, Boat launches at West Canal campground and North Shore Group Area
Ranch and Glamping Stays
Y-Knott Ranch
Pick from two different ranch stays in Drayton Valley, both of which offer a luxurious way to camp.
You can visit the BearPaw Ranch for a daytrip, or a weekend getaway with their cabins, camping, market, trails, and pony/trail riding.
The Y-Knott Ranch also offers an equestrian-focused vacation getaway with a few ways to stay: choose from bunkhouse rooms, teepees, glamping tents, tiny cabins, or stargazing yurts! Y-Knott also offer addons like pony/trail rides.
When: June-September
Where: 8012 TWP 505, North of Drayton Valley
How much: $50-$100 per night
When: May-October
Where: 49222 Range Rd 92, Cynthia
How much: $15-$150 per night
Off-Highway Vehicle Riding
The river valley around Drayton Valley offers superb OHV riding with over 75km of maintained trails, some with river crossings and bridges. The map marks trails which are better for family groups of riders, and those which require more intermediate skills to ride. Details
When: spring-fall
Where: north banks of the North Saskatchewan River, south of Range Rd. 71
How much: free
Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP-ing
The Drayton Valley and Brazeau areas have a few small creeks, the Pembina, and the North Saskatchewan Rivers you can explore. Keep in mind, too, that the further west you go, the faster moving the water is likely to be. But you can also find launch sites on the North Saskatchewan River throughout Drayton Valley. Details
Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council
When: best in July/August
Where: see map and Details
How much: free
Visit Museums
Explore Drayton Valley’s rich agricultural history with their central museum and its large collection of preserved buildings, cultural artifacts, and recreations. You can explore the old school or church, pretend to shop the old general store, and inquire about hosting your next family event here. A little ways east from Drayton Valley is the Breton Museum as well, which operates out of two old Breton schoolhouses.
When: year-round
Where: 6013 44 Avenue
How much: by donation
When: June-September
Where: 4711 51 Avenue, Breton
Picnics
There are a few provincial Natural Areas around Drayton Valley which offer a quiet escape for an afternoon picnic. Those with day-use areas include Coyote Lake, where you’ll encounter several types of bird species, Buck Lake NA south of Drayton Valley, or Round Valley NA, closer to the Pembina River and on the north side of Drayton Valley. Details
When: year-round
How much: free
Learn to Fly
There is a unique opportunity near Drayton Valley to see the prairies from way up above with Air Adventure Flight School. The adventures and lessons can take place on either an Ultralight Aircraft, Paramotors, Paragliders or Powered parachutes. Details
Air Adventure Flight School
When: summers
Where: Highway AB-624 between Round Valley and Northleigh
How much: $49 & up per person
Drayton Valley Farmers’ Market
This year-round farmers’ market moves outside for May to October each summer. You can grab tasty items like fresh produce, honey, preserves, or baked goods, as well as several types of handcrafted artisan goods like gifts, jewelry, art, bath and beauty, and more. Details
When: May-October
Where: 5015 Industrial Road, Drayton Valley
How much: free admission
Race or Ride the DV100
The DV100 Bike Race gets bigger and better every year with 2022 set to be the biggest yet! The DV100 is a Race or Ride, meaning you can compete in the race for cash prizes, or simply ride the scenic course at your own pace. The race is a 100km bike ride, while other rides include 20-160km options. You can also use their promo code at certain hotels for accommodation savings. Details
DV100 Bike Race or Ride
When: September 10, 2022
Where: Drayton Valley
How much: $60-$125 to register as a racer