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.