Peace River Adventures | Peace River, AB
Alana and Felix Bergeron have a passion for adventure—especially when it comes to fun and excitement on the mighty Peace River. So, in August of last year, they launched Peace River Advertures (PRA), a company dedicated to scenic jet boat tours and paddle board rentals.
This husband-and-wife duo was inspired to start their business venture after visiting Peace Island Resort and contemplating how amazing it would be to share their love of the valley, rivers and boating with locals and out-of-towners.
“We started this business because we want to share our love for the river with others,” said Alana. “We want to offer something unique and exciting for locals and visitors to experience in the Peace Region.”
Alana, 35, grew up on BC’s Lower Mainland. She moved to the Peace River area in 2015 and continues to expand her tourism and marketing career locally.
Felix, 45, is a marine mechanic who was born and raised in the nearby hamlet of St. Isidore.
The Bergerons have spent years enjoying and exploring the area and becoming familiar with the Peace and Smoky rivers.
“I’ve always been an aquaphile and a motorsports enthusiast, so naturally river boating has been one of my favourite activities,” said Felix. “I’ve been navigating the Peace and Smoky Rivers since I was 14, and I really enjoy sharing the experience with others.”
As parents to four daughters—Isla, Indy, Myley and Madyson—it was important for the Bergerons to create a business that allows them to spend more time together as a family of six.
“Peace River Adventures is a passion business. It’s a way for us to spend more time together as a family doing what we love,” said Alana. “Our twin girls are homeschoolers, so this is a great way to give them fun, hands-on learning experiences.”
Once their idea was in motion, Felix set out to find the right boat for their needs. He ultimately decided to modify an existing vessel and immediately started working on creating something specifically tailored for PRA.
“I ended up creating ‘The Wanderer,’ which is a 27-foot, twin engine vessel that comfortably seats 12 passengers along with a captain and a first mate,” said Felix. “It’s wheelchair accessible, has a washroom, big windows that slide open, and a rear open cabin for a fresh air feel—all while protecting the passengers from the elements.”
PRA also has a smaller boat called ‘The Little Wanderer,’ which can accommodate up to four passengers. It is ideal for couples, families or small groups that want a more intimate and personalized experience.
Last August, the Bergerons started with a soft launch of PRA to test the market and see what would interest locals and visitors the most.
After a successful kickoff with plenty of positive feedback, they are now looking forward to another great season on the water. They also plan to expand their offerings to include rentals of canoes, kayaks, rafts and bike rafts.
“We offer an adventure of a lifetime,” said Alana. “We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality service and unforgettable experiences at an excellent value.”
Offering accessible and bilingual tours that cater to different needs, abilities and preferences, Alana explains how PRA follows the highest safety standards on their riverboat tours.
“Our boats are well maintained; our equipment is checked regularly, and our staff are trained and certified,” said Alana. “This allows all our passengers to feel safe when travelling on the water with us.”
Providing bilingual tours is vital to the Bergerons as it allows them to showcase the history of the region more thoroughly.
“Felix is French Canadian, so it is very important for us to celebrate the Francophone culture and preserve it as much as possible,” said Alana.
All tours at PRA are totally customizable to allow guests to create a one-of-a-kind experience. They also offer a unique “foodie experience,” which provides passengers with a special delicious menu from the local restaurant Board ‘n’ Barrel.
“We’re excited to offer special tours during the Peace River Gold Cup as well as a Rock Hounding and a Flora and Fauna Tour. For these unique experiences, we partner with local experts to provide insightful and engaging tours,” said Alana.
When booking a tour, guests can expect to marvel at spectacular landscapes and wildlife unique to the Peace Region. They can also enjoy the white sandy beaches on the Smoky River and perhaps even come across a treasure trove of fossils and rocks from different geological eras.
PRA aims to provide passengers with an experience they will remember for a lifetime.
“The Peace River is one of the longest and most scenic rivers in Canada, flowing through some of the most diverse landscapes,” said Alana. “Our goal is to showcase the unparalleled uniqueness of the river valley to anyone seeking an unforgettable river boat tour experience.”
When trying to decide which tour to book, the Bergerons recommend opting for a chartered tour as it provides guests with the freedom to tailor the tour entirely to their group’s preferences.
“Whether you want to unwind on a pristine sandy beach, indulge in fishing, island exploration, hiking or games, the possibilities are endless with a chartered tour,” said Alana.
Hoping to increase positive economic impacts for the region by bringing visitors to the area, the Bergerons are grateful to operate in a supportive community with one of the largest tourism assets in the region.
“From Day One, we’ve had full support from the Town of Peace River, Mighty Peace Tourism, Travel Alberta, local operators and so on,” said Alana. “We love that we’re making it easier for visitors and locals to experience the river.”
To book a tour or rental, visit www.peaceriveradventures.ca
By Dani Wearden | Photography submitted
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