Grimshaw, a charming town nestled in northern Alberta, Canada, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Located approximately 25 km west of the Town of Peace River, Grimshaw is conveniently situated at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 2A, and along the Mackenzie Northern Railway. Known as the original starting point of Highway 35 leading to the Northwest Territories, Grimshaw proudly holds the title of Mile Zero of the Mackenzie Highway.
The town of Grimshaw was named in honor of Dr. M.E. Grimshaw, a pioneer doctor from Kingston, Ontario, who settled in Peace River (then known as Peace River Crossing) in 1914. Dr. Grimshaw served the community in various capacities, including as the mayor of Peace River, before retiring from politics in 1922.
The town's location was chosen by the Central Canada Railway in 1917 and was originally surveyed by Alfred Driscoll in 1921. The hamlet was incorporated as the "Village of Grimshaw" in 1930 and later as a town in 1953.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Grimshaw had a population of 2,601 living in 1,080 of its 1,232 total private dwellings. This represented a -4.3% change from its 2016 population of 2,718. With a land area of 7.08 km2, it had a population density of 367.4/km2 in 2021.
Grimshaw is a vibrant community that hosts several annual festivals and events. These include the Family Day Celebration and Alberta Pond Hockey tournament in February, Senior Citizens Week Celebration and Annual Country Fair in June, Pioneer Days and North Peace Stampede in August, Annual Terry Fox Run in September, and the Old Fashioned Family Christmas Event in December.
Grimshaw boasts numerous indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, an arena, a curling rink, a family fitness centre, 6 Ball Diamonds, SK8 "N" Bike Park, an R.V. Park, and a Seniors Drop In Centre.
The Historic Mile 0 Mackenzie Park and the Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum are fully landscaped passive recreational interpretive parks reflecting local and regional history. The history of the communities along the Mackenzie Highway is reflected by interpretive signs situated along the walking path.
Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park and Lac Cardinal Recreation Area on the shores of Lac Cardinal are less than 10 kilometres to the northwest of Grimshaw. Wilderness Park is less than 5 kilometres to the northeast of Grimshaw.
Museums include the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum and the Mile 0 Antique Museum, which closed in 2014.
Grimshaw is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, making it a comfortable and convenient destination for visitors. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Grimshaw, Alberta has something for everyone.
