August 07, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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This is something that I have wanted to do since the day I came to Dawson Creek, that was to get up and see the Wind Turbines (British Columbia’s first commercial wind facility). When you are coming into Dawson Creek you cannot miss the turbines lined up on the west side of the highway. There are 34 of them, and each one will produce enough energy to power 1000 homes. From the highway these turbines seem small but when up close the power of these giants is absolutely amazing and exhilarating.
I stopped at the Visitor information center in Dawson Creek and the counselors there were helpful and gave me directions as well as an informative pamphlet of the ‘Bear Mountain Wind Park’. It takes about 20 minutes to get there. Be sure to take a lunch because there are many places that are great viewpoints (picture taking) and picnic areas. There is some good hiking up there from turbine 0 to 25 is a distance of about 8km along the Rim Rocks hiking trail. Great look out on turbine #18 too!
Did I mention the size of the turbines and the power? These guys are 78 meters tall and weigh over 215 tonnes each. The blades on the turbines are 41 meters in length and weigh approximately 7 tonnes. You really have to be there to experience the marvel of these machines.
Whether visiting Dawson Creek or a resident, if you have not taken a ½ a day to explore ‘Bear Mountain Wind Park’ be sure to do it. It is something that has to be seen and experienced up close and personal.
July 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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One of the many pleasures of working at a Visitor Centre is meeting incredible people with a unique story; those who have traveled the world and seen many faces. My name is Erin and I I have been interviewing visitors to Dawson Creek all summer. This is the story of Ian Coates, the Dawson Creek VC staff had the pleasure of meeting on a beautiful July day.
Rarely can an energetic and adventurous man like Ian Coates be found. Coates has been traveling around the world for more than 10 years, and is still riding. Around sixty years old and a native of West Yorkshire, England, Coates has traveled thousands of miles on his trusty Honda African Twin motorcycle. Coates has visited every corner of the world and is currently making his way to Siberia via Alaska. After spending some time traveling Africa, Coates set his sights on Siberia and decided Alaska was the way to get there. As a result of a life on the road, Ian and his wife, Judith, have seen each other only six times in eleven years. Judith plans on flying to Canada to be with Ian while he waits to go to Siberia. Needless to say, Judith’s visit will not only be a sight for sore eyes, but the highlight of Ian’s trip. Ian does not depend on financing or support from others unless it is from those he meets in his travels. With no support vehicle, Ian has to depend on himself and the goodwill of others to get him through tough times. Beginning in 1999, Coates decided to tour the world, but did not set a date for when he wanted this feat accomplished. It seems as though Ian is perfectly content being a world traveler for now. Those who are curious to know how Ian’s travels are going can see many of his adventures on YouTube and Google.
Good luck, Ian, and happy trails to you!
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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On Sunday July 12, I made my way across the bumpy road to the longest wooden curved bridge in North America. It is located off of Highway 97N between Fort St John and Dawson Creek, close to the Farmington Store. I was surprised by the amount of motor homes and fifth wheels that were parked on the road, right beside Kiskatinaw Provincial Park. The owners of the vehicles were actually walking across the bridge rather then driving. So I followed suite and parked my truck. Once I got onto the bridge, I understood why people were walking. The scenery was beautiful out there! It was a gorgeous day to begin with but it is nice and quaint out there. The wooden bridge is definitely something that you can’t just drive over and keep on trekking along the highway. There is more then enough room for travelers to pull over, get out and enjoy the scenery as well as the structure of the Kiskatinaw wooden curved bridge.
July 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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Thinking of Northeastern BC for your next adventure? If not, you should! Here you will find unsurpassed nature, a rich and vibrant history, and a way of life that is addictive. Here are just some of attractions you will enjoy.
5. Natural Attractions
If you enjoy a walk on the wild side, Dawson Creek and the surrounding area are strategically located for all your outdoor and wilderness needs. While visiting Dawson Creek, you will not want to miss the waterfowl refuge at McQueen’s Slough. Here you will find a plethora of birds and waterfowl; a must see for the birding enthusiast. The Radar Lake Community Forest offers a piece of tranquility near an urban setting. This area offers numerous well-marked interpretive trails where you can learn about local flora and fauna while strolling through peaceful natural surroundings. If you are looking for something close by, why not experience our natural ‘green belt’ which takes you through our beautiful City. Looking for a picnic? Visit one of Dawson Creek’s many city parks.
4. Festivals, events and much more
With the numerous activities, attractions Dawson Creek and the surrounding area has many events and festivals that will complement anyone’s vacation. There are to many to list, however, go to our website where you will find a complete and up to date listing.
www.tourismdawsoncreek.com
3. Farmer’s Market
Pure food, pure enjoyment! The Farmer’s Market is a favourite activity and major attraction for visitors and residents alike, offering a wide variety of locally owned, grown and produced crops and crafts for your enjoyment. REMEMBER, as the old saying goes, “Those who arrive first get the best selection”.
2. Station Museum
Housed in an original Northern Alberta Railway station built in 1931, this historic museum offers a glimpse into the notable past of Dawson Creek. Dawson Creek was once the “end of the line”; the train station in the early years has been expanded to make this building unique to all the other train stations of its kind in Canada. Here you will find a wide variety of railway memorabilia, pioneer artifacts and wildlife displays. Throughout the day, a video entitled “The Alaska Highway, 1942 - 1992” is shown continuously for museum visitors. This fascinating program depicts the history of the building of the Alaska Highway using rare archival material and is a “must see” for history buffs.
1. W. A. C. Bennet Dam & Kinuseo Falls
A couple great day excursions from Dawson Creek are the W.A.C Bennet Dam and Kinuseo Fall. There’s so much to explore in Northern BC.
The W. A. C. Bennet Dam is one of the largest earth filled dams in the world. It is truly an amazing site to see, visit and experience! This dam is scenically located about two hours from Dawson Creek. This attraction is not to be missed.
Kinuseo Falls in Monkman Provincial Park is one of the great waterfalls of North America and is not to be missed by any visitor. There is much more to enjoy in this park, including the highly recommended Stone Corral interpretive hiking trail, which leads for four kilometers through a fascinating karst environment of lakes, cliffs and small caves. The twenty-four km (one way) hike in to Monkman Lake includes a short side-excursion to The Cascades, a dramatic series of ten waterfalls in Monkman Creek.
June 13, 2007 | Tips from Us >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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So instead of working today, me and two co-workers went for a small little day trip...It was so much fun. First of all we drove out to the old wooden Kiskatinaw Bridge and got our pictures taken out there as well as took in the scenery. We went on a kind of a cold day, but none the less it was still a breath taking view. The only unfortunate part of the drive was that since the bridge is located on the old Alaska Highway, the road out there hasn't been well maintained so there were a few potholes and gravel spots along the way, but it didn't seem to bother anyone. The best part was that before and after the bridge there was lots of room on the shoulders where people could pull over and take pictures as well as stretch there legs.
After we jumped back into the truck and headed to the Barnyard Petting Zoo. We were greeted by a wonderful lady who told us all we needed to know about the zoo as well as how to take care and manage so many animals... She had everything there, rabbits, chickens, geese, lambs, goats, pigs, cows, and horses. It was amazing. We were able to pet the animals, hold them, and basically do whatever we wanted with them except ride them. After that we headed over to an old hay barn where she had a tickle trunk filled with old western wear where people can dress up and get their pictures taken. So of course we jumped in on the opportunity. When we walked back to the main area we saw that she had a little park area set up. There were picnic tables where you can have lunches as well as toys for kids to play on. All three of us were quite impressed with her set up and would go back again in an instant. Just the feeling being back on a farm again brought back so many childhood memories...I just wish I could have rode the horses.