The Visitor Information Centre and Heritage Discovery Centre within Centre 2000 is the focal point for visitors wishing in-depth and accurate regional information. The Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association (GPRTA) promotes tourism and events within the Grande Prairie region. It is also responsible for publishing the annual Visitors Guide and other tourism marketing publications.
Open year round in Centre 2000, the GPRTA also provides regional information on attractions, activities and events, accommodations, campgrounds and more to visitors from around the world. In the summer months, 'knowledgeable counselors from Travel Alberta complement the GPRTA staff to operate the most northerly point of entry visitor information centre in Alberta. The visitor centre has an extensive inventory of free local, regional and provincial travel publications for the traveler.
Amenities within Centre 2000 include washrooms, travel and video displays, snacks and complimentary coffee, the Museum gift shop, a look out tower, RV parking, and rest areas. A bank of computer terminals is also provided free of charge for those tourists wishing to either search information or contact friends or relatives back home via high speed internet access.
Located in the lower level of Centre 2000, the Heritage Discovery Centre is a focal point for any visitor touring the Peace Country. Newly opened in August 2003, this facility is operated by the Grande Prairie Museum and is a popular attraction for visitors wishing to learn more about northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia.
The centre is a museum for traveling expositions, and works with interactive displays using the latest technologies and mini-theatres to showcase the region's history throughout the years.
Displays include geomorphology,geology including marine fossils, prehistoric megafauna, Treaty 8 and aboriginal culture, the pioneers of the region up to the early twentieth century, and the development of the forestry, petroleum and agricultural industries in the Peace region. Of particular interest to young and old is Piper, the animatronic Pachyrhinosaurus dinosaur.
The fossilized remains of this and other dinosaurs and ancient marine life were discovered at Pipestone Creek in the County, just minutes west of the city.