High Level, Fort Vermillion and La Crete Loop (with Ferry)
Route Details: By the time you stop and check out these historic towns on the route and maybe grab a slice of homemade cheesecake or some delicious ice cream this ride will take up the entire day, but trust me it will be a day well spent.
From High Level it takes almost an hour to get to Fort Vermillion. Riding East from High Level you will be surrounded by farmland which is very different than the boreal forest that you encounter south of High Level on Highway 35. Once you arrive at Fort Vermillion make sure you stop and take a few pictures in and around Alberta’s oldest community set on the banks of the mighty Peace River. After taking in the history of this town it’s only about half an hour ride south to the community of La Crete which is a perfect spot for lunch. I recommend the Homestyle Bakery where local Mennonite women make some truly delicious homemade fare and brew a good cup of coffee to go with it. If you are in need of fuel at this point be aware that almost all ‘service stations’ in town are cardlocks except for the La Crete Car and Truck Wash which has one lonely (pay at the) pump. It is another 45 minutes to the La Crete ferry that will take you back across the Peace River. This is a very cool ferry and the river is huge and crazy powerful at the crossing and it is great for some cool photos, just make sure to check ahead of time that the ferry is running since low water can force it to be closed for operation and it is a very long backtrack all the way to the bridge across the Peace just north of Fort Vermillion which is the only other way across the river. Once you are back on the road it only takes a few minutes to reach the main Highway (35) to get back to High Level. And if you are looking for some supper and a drink once you reach town make your way to the Best Western Mirage Hotel where the meals served in the lounge are truly exceptional and will satisfy even the most discriminating palate.
Highlights: Peace River, La Crete Ferry
Local Businesses: Lime Blu (Fort Vermillion), Homestyle Bakery & Lunch Center (La Crete), Best Western Plus Mirage Hotel & Resort (High Level)
KM/Hours of Riding: 272 km, 3.25 hours riding
