Tucked away in the northwest corner of Alberta is Mackenzie County, with its somewhat isolated handful of unique communities. The 80,000 square kilometres of farmland and forest surround a number of lakes and rivers, including the mighty Peace River, and boast spectacular views.
Offering a great way to explore this diverse area, the High Level Circle Tour is a 260-kilometre jaunt encompassing High Level, La Crete and Fort Vermilion. Be sure to set aside a full day for this trip, as there is a long list of things to see and do, including historic buildings, museums, walking trails and a ferry ride.
Kicking the tour off in High Level, you will take the flat, scenic Alberta Highway 35 south to the junction with Alberta Highway 697, where you will head east to Tompkins Landing. Here you will catch the La Crete ferry across the Peace River, then continue out of the river valley northeast on Alberta Highway 697 to La Crete.
Extended Stop 1: La Crete
A Mennonite community, the hamlet of La Crete is located at the north base of the Buffalo Head Hills. The Mennonite Heritage Village is a must-see, where the community’s culture and history is preserved. For lunch, try authentic, homestyle Mennonite cooking at one of the local restaurants. Before getting back on your bike, check out the paved walking trails that start in La Crete and branch out east and northwest.
The High Level Circle continues northeast on Alberta Highway 697 with a windy, curvy stretch of road to the junction with Alberta Highway 88, the Bicentennial Highway, where you will go east to Fort Vermilion.
Short Stop: Fort Vermilion
Situated along the Peace River, Fort Vermilion is a gorgeous place to visit. The combination of lush riverbanks and heritage buildings make it a truly picturesque setting, with endless photo ops. It’s also a perfect place to have a coffee or ice cream before getting back on the road.
Next, the tour takes you across the Peace River via the Fort Vermilion Bridge, along Alberta Highway 88 northwest and finally to Alberta Highway 58 West.
Short Stop: Machesis Lake
About half an hour west of Fort Vermilion is the remote Machesis Lake Campground. With a designated day use area, picnic tables and dock, it’s a worthwhile stop to enjoy peace and quiet next to a pristine lake.
Finally, the High Level Circle resumes west on Alberta Highway 58 back to High Level.
Extended Stop 2: High Level
With small-town hospitality that welcomes visitors, High Level is the ideal place to wind down after completing the tour. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a pub or a burger joint, the options are there. After supper, check out the Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitor Centre, see live entertainment, play a round of golf at Fox Haven Golf Course or head out to the walking trails at Footner Lake.
Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitor Centre supervisor Darlene Anderson said members of the Mackenzie Highway Motorcycle Association ride the High Level Circle Tour frequently.
“We often do the loop on our Sunday rides,” she said. “It’s very relaxing because it’s quiet and isolated, as there’s not too many places along the way. It’s a peaceful ride that I really enjoy.”
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