tawâw, to experience Grande Prairie Indigenous cultures
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Check out Grande Prairie’s urban buzz: here's 4 reasons why
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Drop in to downtown Grande Prairie to explore the city’s walkable core, with a tasty urban vibe, arts scene and nature close by. #exploreNWAB #GPTourism
Grande Prairie, AB – Over the past five years Grande Prairie's newly rebranded City Centre has been in transformation, but the curtains have now been pulled back on a vibrant urban scene. Buzzing local events, a thriving arts community, shopping and nearby nature connections are winning over the city's residents and visitors with a great experience in the heart of the city and making for a great reason to visit.
The community realized that a litmus test to any successful City was the feeling a visitor or local had experiencing its downtown core. Now, $44 million dollars later, it’s a magnet for those looking for an urban fix surrounded by any outdoor experience you can think of.
Infused with new energy, Grande Prairie’s downtown is the northern Alberta urban centre you need to visit on your next getaway. Check out our top four reasons to visit Grande Prairie.
WATCH: downtown fun and events in Grande Prairie
Four reasons to explore Grande Prairie's City Centre
1. The downtown farmers market is filled with local creators and goods, unique to the region.
“I'd say the farmer's market here in downtown Grande Prairie is a huge hit. Just look at this place, it's hopping,” says local photographer Travis Isert on a sunny Grande Prairie Saturday.
“It's pretty fun down here. It's always a good time to check out free samples of all the different types of food here at the Farmers’ Market. Great tacos, live music and dancers out front on Saturdays,” Isert says.
“And if anybody loves plants, there's an amazing plant store in here as well.”
Isert was first brought to Grande Prairie for work 12 years ago, but now it is his home, “there is an outdoor aspect to the community that’s kept me here, and you can’t beat the chance to connect with great people as well.”
Photo:
Paul Lavoie
Enjoy fresh, locally grown fruit at the Grande Prairie Farmer's Market.
2. Grande Prairie's events and live music scene.
Now with Grande Prairie’s City Centre transformation making those human connections is now a whole lot easier considering all the events and hospitality venues taking over downtown.
“There's also a ton of great live music that's been brought to Better Than Fred's and other venues around here over the years, I try to make it out to as many live music events they host as they are always awesome.”
Photo:
Paul Lavoie
A concert rocks downtown Grande Prairie.
3. A lively arts and gallery scene, featuring local artists' murals.
Next to the weekly bustling farmers’ market and live music, Isert suggests many will be surprised by the look of the newly renovated downtown core and its colourful murals, installed by an array of local artists.
“Art in the Alley has been expanding over the years,” says Wendy Bosch, executive director, City Centre Business Association. "It’s a mosaic of street art and culture in our city core, our invitation to explore and take a few photos of the impressive murals produced by our local artists."
Visit Grande Prairie to see its urban revival.
“I want to see this community thrive,” explains Bosch, “It's great to see people successful, doing well and enjoying a good quality of life here in Grande Prairie.”
Bosch is a self-proclaimed urbanite and has found her spot in Grande Prairie’s city centre, home to an array of arts, restaurants, shopping and events. “As our residents and visitors from the region and beyond experience what we have to offer in our city centre, it develops that pride of place and when that is established, it will encourage more visitation to our businesses overall.”
Photo:
Paul Lavoie
Travis Isert and a friend soak up the scene at Grant Berg Gallery, in Grande Prairie's city centre.
4. Urban experiences next to nature.
Next to all of the shops, restaurants, and attractions, another gem is the nearby Muskoseepi Park. “It's gorgeous in the park, summer through fall,” says Isert.
He mentions how this ties together so well, the blend between urban and a gorgeous outdoor park setting.
The City Centre Business Association and the City of Grande Prairie have invested knowing that revitalizing the heart of the city promotes current trends and opportunities, while preserving its historical pride. Building a sustainable and vibrant future, that bolsters pride of place, quality of life, tourism and economic investment.
“We understand that people are not one dimensional, they may come to enjoy mountain biking at Nitehawk, or exploring the history of Sexsmith. But we can add to their experiences in our region by visiting our city centre, checking out festivals, our Farmers’ Market, restaurants, shopping or perhaps an event at the Art Gallery,” invites Bosch.
When you Go
Discover Grande Prairie’s City Centre before you’ve even left your computer—start the discovery here on the downtown association’s website!
Where to stay
Grande Prairie Tourism have you covered on where you’ll spend the nights, check out their accommodation listings.
Arts and culture
Check out Métis-owned Grant Berg Gallery in Grande Prairie's City Centre, and read about more Indigenous cultural experiences in this story.
Grande Prairie events
Build your visit around one of the city's awesome festivals and events. Here are a few annual event highlights:
Grande North Winter Festival / Grande Prairie, AB
The Grande Gathering Gala / Grande Prairie, AB
Grande Prairie Traditional Pow Wow / Grande Prairie, AB
Ranch Country Music Festival / Grande Prairie, AB
Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival / Grande Prairie, AB
#exploreNWAB is your invitation to experience Alberta’s North West, while discovering the region this summer or fall, use the #exploreNWAB hashtag in your posts so we can engage with you. We @ZenSeekers ideally keep you inspired to make that visit with a wide range of stories you can find here.
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