August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Hiking
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If you look over the skyline in Dawson Creek you are bound to notice the wind turbines turning away on Bear Mountain. This beautiful scene is part of the Bear Mountain Wind Park, located 12.5 km outside of Dawson Creek. This wind park is the first of its kind in British Columbia and one of the most technologically advanced wind parks in the world. The type of turbines installed on Bear Mountain are called Enercon E-82’s which are gearless turbines that emit virtually no mechanical sounds making it the quietest wind technology available globally today. The wind turbines in Dawson Creek produce between 2,000 and 3,000 megawatt hours each in a year, that’s enough energy to run up to 300 households per wind turbine! With 34 turbines currently on Bear Mountain that means that in total the wind park produces enough electricity to power 10,200 households per year! The turbines are also outfitted with the most modern blades possible. These turbines are not only a marvel of modern technology they also provide an opportunity to experience the great outdoors while learning more about the benefits of green energy. Along the wind turbines (starting around turbine 24) there is a 9km walking trail. This trail provides some of the most spectacular views of Dawson Creek and the Peace Region. On a clear day it is possible to see all the way out to the Rockies. I have been out there a few times myself and I have to say that turbine 14 has the most amazing view a person could hope to see. If you’re lucky enough to arrive for sunrise or sunset it is incredible to watch the sky, valleys, mountains and of course turbines be painted with orange, purple, pink and red in the warmth of the sun. A picnic lunch, dinner or breakfast are definitely all options up on the mountain and make for a beautiful and memorable day.