Complete Travel Guide to Valleyview, Canada

Valleyview Valleyview is a town in northwest Alberta, Canada. It is surrounded by the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16 and in Census Division No. 18. Positioned at coordinates 55.06673°N, -117.28585°E, Valleyview occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Valleyview place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 700.0 meters above sea level, Valleyview benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Valleyview creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 1673 residents, Valleyview maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Valleyview represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Valleyview reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Alberta province, Valleyview contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of Valleyview in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Valleyview discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Valleyview

History Main Street The area around Valleyview has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years due to the area's rich hunting and fishing grounds The local Cree population has lived in the region since at least the 18th century In the early 1800s the first visitors to the area arrived, seeking natives to exchange goods for furs.

The trading was good and a Hudson's Bay Company post was established on Sturgeon Lake in 1877 Peace River Jim' Cornwall established the Bredin and Cornwall Trading Post nearby The area was surveyed in 1900 for a possible settlement, but little developed of it.

The following year the area was surveyed again by Fred Young who was particularly impressed with a piece of land on the northwest shore of Sturgeon Lake By 1916 the first pioneers settled in the area nearby as its soil was rich for farming The community that formed to serve the growing population was initially named Red Willow Creek.

Only when the first post office was opened in 1929 did the community change its name to Valleyview In late 1950 oil was discovered near the hamlet The Whitecourt Cutoff project was completed in 1955, significantly reducing the travel time between the Peace Country and Edmonton.

In 2020, the Town of Valleyview and Chamber of Commerce renamed a stretch of the highway to recognize the 65th anniversary of the cutoff's completion By the late fifties Valleyview had firmly achieved boomtown status having been incorporated as a village in 1954 and then a town only three years later in 1957.

South Peace Regional Archives "Fonds 175 Valleyview & District Chamber of Commerce Millennium Photograph collection" Retrieved 10 February 2019 Discover the Peace Country "Town of Valleyview" Valleyview & District Chamber of Commerce "Town Supports Crocus Hill Gasoline Alley".

Retrieved 16 June 2020 Daily Herald Tribune "Highway History: Valleyview Christens Service Corridor as Crocus Hill Gasoline Alley" Retrieved 16 June 2020 Town of Valleyview "Story of Valleyview" (PDF) Retrieved 10 February 2019.

The historical trajectory of Valleyview demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Valleyview reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Valleyview remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography The town is located in the southern Peace Region between the Little Smoky River and Sturgeon Lake. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Valleyview, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. As noted by its name, the town is elevated and overlooks the surrounding valleys. The valley location of Valleyview provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. Sturgeon Lake is located approximately 15 km west of the town and is home to Young's Point Provincial Park, a popular provincial park in the area. Residing next to the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation reservation #154, within the land of Treaty 8. Valleyview lies on the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin known for some of the largest coal and oil deposits in the world and the Duvernay Formation a rich source of natural gas and oil. The valley location of Valleyview provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. The town is also located in an active geothermal area. #Climate Valleyview experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification _Dfb_). The valley location of Valleyview provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. Summers are warm with cool nights. Winters are long and severely cold. Climate data for Valleyview Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16. The valley location of Valleyview provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. 6) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −6. 0) Daily mean °C (°F) −11. 8) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −16. 3) Record low °C (°F) −43 (−45) −40 (−40) −42 (−44) −27 (−17) −15 (5) −4 (25) 0. 0) −29 (−20) −32. 0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 33. 87) Source: Environment Canada 1. Municipal District of Greenview. "Council Meeting Highlights May 9, 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 10 February 2019. "Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 Station Data – Valleyview RS". The valley location of Valleyview provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. _Environment Canada_. Government of Canada. Retrieved 26 January 2019.

The topographic characteristics of Valleyview result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Valleyview region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Valleyview area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Valleyview has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Valleyview demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Valleyview create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Valleyview experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). Summers are warm with cool nights. Winters are long and severely cold. Climate data for Valleyview Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16. 6) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −6. 0) Daily mean °C (°F) −11. 8) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −16. 3) Record low °C (°F) −43 (−45) −40 (−40) −42 (−44) −27 (−17) −15 (5) −4 (25) 0. 0) −29 (−20) −32. 0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 33. Rainfall patterns in Valleyview determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 87) Source: Environment Canada 1. “Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 Station Data – Valleyview RS”. Environment Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 26 January 2019.

The climatic regime of Valleyview reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Valleyview create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Valleyview determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Valleyview create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Valleyview demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Valleyview include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Federal census population historyYearPop. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 1956973— 19611,077+10. 8% Source:Statistics Canada In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Valleyview had a population of 1,673 living in 661 of its 782 total private dwellings, a change of -10. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2% from its 2016 population of 1,863. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 9. 54 sq mi), it had a population density of 182. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 5/sq mi) in 2021. In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Valleyview recorded a population of 1,863 living in 747 of its 833 total private dwellings, a 5. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 8% change from its 2011 population of 1,761. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 9. 60 sq mi), it had a population density of 199. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 7/sq mi) in 2016. The Town of Valleyview’s 2013 municipal census counted a population of 1,972, a 4. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 7% change from its 2007 municipal census population of 1,884. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. “Table 6: Population by sex, for census subdivisions, 1956 and 1951”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Census of Canada, 1956. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. “Table 9: Population by census subdivisions, 1966 by sex, and 1961”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1966 Census of Canada. Western Provinces. Population: Divisions and Subdivisions. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. “Table 3: Population for census divisions and subdivisions, 1971 and 1976”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1976 Census of Canada. Census Divisions and Subdivisions, Western Provinces and the Territories. Population: Geographic Distributions. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. “Table 2: Census Subdivisions in Alphabetical Order, Showing Population Rank, Canada, 1981”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1981 Census of Canada. Census subdivisions in decreasing population order. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. ISBN 0-660-51563-6. “Table 2: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions, 1986 and 1991 – 100% Data”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Population and Dwelling Counts – Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. ISBN 0-660-57115-3. “Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, and Census Divisions, 2001 and 1996 Censuses – 100% Data (Alberta)”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 25 May 2019. “Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 25 May 2019. ^ a b “Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)”. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 8 February 2017. “Population and dwelling c. The demographic composition of Valleyview reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life.

The cultural landscape of Valleyview represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Valleyview reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Valleyview continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Valleyview provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Valleyview demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Valleyview provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Valleyview's economy is primarily resource driven with oil and gas being the predominant industry. Multiple oil and gas companies operate in the area with several pipelines in the vicinity. Tervita began in Valleyview as Concord Well Servicing in 1979, founded by David Werklund and Gordon Vivian, and still has operations in the area. Pembina Pipeline has an office in Valleyview and operates a terminal facility south of town along with managing other assets in the area. The industry also supports a variety of well service companies and related businesses. The travel industry is also a major component in Valleyview. Situated along the CANAMEX Corridor and at the junction of two major highways, a service corridor has developed to cater to the needs of travelers. Hotels/motels, gas/service stations and fast food establishments have been built adjacent to the portions of Highway 43 and Highway 49 that pass through town. This section is called Crocus Hill Gasoline Alley. Another notable employer in Valleyview is the Municipal District of Greenview, which has its main administrative office and several departments situated within town limits. The town is also a regional hub for medical services. Retrieved 16 June 2020. My Grande Prairie Now. "Pembina Pipeline Working on New Projects in GP Region". Retrieved 16 June 2020. Cite error: The named reference `Daily Herald Tribune` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

The economic structure of Valleyview reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Valleyview often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Valleyview serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Valleyview demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Valleyview has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Valleyview focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

#Transportation Valleyview is situated on the junction of Highway 43 leading to British Columbia and Alaska via Grande Prairie and the north south stretch of Highway 49 towards Donnelly and Alberta Highway 2 towards Peace River. The town is served by Valleyview Airport (TC LID: CEL5), located south of the community. The Valleyview airport primarily provides air ambulance flights and serves as a hub for recreational pilots and charter flights in the area. As of 2022 a capital upgrade initiative is underway to improve infrastructure at the Valleyview Airport. There are no regularly scheduled flights. Valleyview & District Chamber of Commerce. “Valleyview Airport”. Retrieved 11 September 2022. Town of Valleyview. “Valleyview Airport Cost Estimate”. Retrieved 11 September 2022.

Transportation infrastructure serving Valleyview reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Valleyview.

Regional connectivity from Valleyview provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Valleyview has three public schools, operated by Northern Gateway Public Schools, which combined serve students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Valleyview also has St. Stephen’s, a Catholic school serving students from Kindergarten to Grade Nine operated by the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division. Northern Lakes College provides post-secondary education at their Valleyview Campus. 1. Holy Family Catholic Regional Division. “Our School – St. Stephen’s School”. Retrieved 11 September 2022. 2. Northern Lakes College. “Locations”. Retrieved 11 September 2022.

Educational institutions in Valleyview serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Valleyview

Successful visits to Valleyview require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Valleyview often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Valleyview include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Valleyview extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.