February 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Anyone who lives here in Dawson Creek is used to driving carefully through downtown so as not to run over the frequent tourists jaywalking into the middle of the intersection to have their photo taken on our world famous Mile O Post.
Its quite common to see local residents offering to take the photo so that everyone gets in the picture. I wonder how many photos of our post exist... Do you have one?
The Mile O Post is one of the most recognizable and frequently photographed landmarks in the country. It symbolizes the beginning of the Alaska Highway and lists the distances to major destinations along the highway in miles.
- Fort St. John 48
- Fort Nelson 300
- Whitehorse 918
- Delta Junction 1398
- Fairbanks 1523
The original post sat a couple of blocks away at the traffic circle, but apparently someone ran into it in 1946 so it was replaced and moved to the center of town especially for visitors to our community.
Make sure you touch a piece of history when you come to Dawson Creek and have your picture taken at the Mile "O" Post. Don't hesitate to ask one of us to take the photo, we're always glad to do it.
"Rolling out the red carpet..."
February 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about Dawson Creek - Historic & Heritage Sites
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I took a tour of our
Alaska Highway House located right beside the World Famous Mile 'O' Post in downtown
Dawson Creek the other day.
I was transfixed and transported back in time to the building of the Alaska Highway. The story of this astounding feat is woven as you walk through the museum of artifacts.
I learned that 30,000 US Army troops and civilians built the highway through ice and mud and mosquitoes in just nine short months in 1942.
I saw an original Willys Army Jeep on a recreation of a "corduroy road". Nothing like the comfort of the vehicles we enjoy today.
No power steering, seat warmers and air conditioning, satellite radio or cushion seats... just steel and mud, inside and out...There is a life size model of a Quonset hut that has been designed as a movie theater where you can watch films and actual footage of the construction.
There is also a large impressive scale model of the famous Kiskatinaw Bridge, the longest curved bridge in North America.
While you are in the Alaska Highway House, you can sit in a customized RV and record a video message for your friends and family.
When you come to Dawson Creek, make sure you take the tour...you'll be impressed... this is a top drawer experience...
"Rolling out the red carpet..."
February 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about Dawson Creek - Historic & Heritage Sites
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We have a remarkable statue sitting atop a tower in the middle of the traffic circle in the center of Dawson Creek.
Known as "The Surveyor" he was created by one of our local artists, Karl Mattson.
Karl used old rusty scraps of metal he found laying around the region to create this monument to the building of the Alaska Highway. The iron clothes and transit are replicas of those from the 1940's.
Powerful and haunting, "The Surveyor" stands outside in all elements, pointing north showing all the way to Alaska just as his real life counterpart did all those years ago.
Dawson Creek is proud of the artistry behind our landmarks.
You'll see for yourself when you get here.
February 23, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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My Dad used to talk about how brutal life was working on the Alaska Highway, but as a kid, I had no context to understand what that actually meant.
I slept in a warm bed each night and ate Mom's home cooking every day.Did anyone you know work on the Highway?The building of the Alaska Highway; the daily life faced by the men who built it and the conditions they endured rival any Olympic games in diversity, endurance, spirit, teamwork, speed and challenge.
Endurance and Spirit: Those men were tough! They had to be. Pushed till they dropped day after day after day in the harshest weather conditions through an untamed wilderness with supplies and equipment that would be considered even less than sub-standard today.
Mud, muskeg, icy waters, freezing/frostbite in the winter, being tormented by mosquitoes and black flies in the summer, 3 meals a day of army-rationed food from tins, cold steel and daily back-breaking labor.
Speed: Over 1500 miles of road was punched through vast untamed wilderness in 9 months.
Challenge: Some of the toughest and most unforgiving wilderness in the world. One example was "Suicide Hill" where the marker read "prepare to meet your maker."
Teamwork: Seven regiments of American engineers (approximately 11,000 men including three regiments of men with African American heritage) 16,000 civilians from Canada and the United States, and 7,000 pieces of equipment.
Make sure you check out the amazing story at the Alaska Highway House museum in Dawson Creek when you come on holidays. Step back in time, relive the epic story and see what it was like for yourself.
You'll gain a whole new appreciation for your air conditioning.A Gold Medal Accomplishment for sure!
February 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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Ask anyone who lives in the Mighty Peace River Country and you'll hear that we've always had plenty of wind.
We decided to do something worthy with all that power...The next time you are driving into Dawson Creek on the Hart Highway, from Prince George, Vancouver and all points south, you'll know you are getting really close when you see our Bear Mountain with its
34 brand new wind turbines... turning... turning... producing clean, renewable energy. You can't miss them!
Our city has watched the installation with fascination and amazement. The turbines are very impressive to say the least. They stand like bright sentinels on our ridge and you can see them from practically everywhere around.
Each one stands 78 meters (256 feet) to the hub with a rotor diameter of 82 meters (269 feet). The equivalent of 50 loads of concrete was poured for each foundation.
The land they sit on has been used for hikers, cross country skiers and other recreational users for years as well as providing both private and community cattle grazing as well.
Great care was taken to respect the environment and leave as little impact as possible. Cattle still graze there, and restoration of the habitat is ongoing and the public is very welcome to visit.
Make sure you plan a picnic on Bear Mountain... feel the wind on your face and enjoy the presence of our wind towers.
"Rolling out the red carpet..."
February 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Arts, Culture & History Tours
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Everyone loves their homes and we are no exception here in Dawson Creek. It's true... our winters are long, but there is so much to balance that out. I thought I would make a short list of the things that we love about our community and our region.
1. The change of seasons. Winter is winter, spring is spring, summer is summer and fall is glorious! As I write this, I am enjoying my winter activities while anticipating the promise of spring and the return of the heat around the corner...
2. We are Friendly! There's something special about Northern People! We have great manners and welcome visitors! You can count on us to say hello, take your picture at the Mile "O" Post or give you directions.
3. We are a city of the perfect size! Tons of amenities while maintaining our unique small town closeness. We share a growing commitment to shopping and eating locally.
4. We are clean and green and proud of it! Everywhere I look I see green energy and innovation in use, from solar powered traffic lights to the magnificent wind park adorning our ridge. We have won awards for our environmental commitments. Green is beautiful!
5. We have a choice of lifestyles. Country homes, city homes, motor homes... there's a place for everyone to hang their hat in Dawson Creek.
6. A relaxed pace by design! Rush hours are reasonable and you'll see new cars and farm equipment sharing the roads. There isn't much horn honking going on here, unless it's to say hello to a friend.
7. We have a top drawer Events Center! Big name concerts, equestrian events, walking track, swimming, sports! We hosted the Canadian Women's Olympic Hockey Training Camp! Go Canada Go!
8. We are connected! You can get anywhere from here... Alaska is right up the road and all points south... well... point south... We have a great airport. You can be in a major city in a very short period of time... from there... the world is yours!
9. There is nothing like harvest time in the Peace. Songs have been written about the gold color of wheat... Have you ever seen a field of big round straw bales glistening in the afternoon sun on a warm September day? Sublime.
10. We have a history to be proud of. From the welcoming of the American Troops in 1942 for the building of the World Famous Alaska Highway, to the settling of the Sudetan German Immigrants who sought refuge from Hitler's Germany here in 1939 and have contributed so much.
For this Mile O Citizen... there is nothing like the Mighty Peace River Country. Anywhere else is great to visit... but I know where I hang my hat.
February 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Cross-Country Skiing
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There is something very special about a morning walk during the winter months here in Dawson Creek.
The other day, I bundled up and set out for a walk just as the sun was rising in the east sky. It promised to be yet another bright blue-sky day and I was struck by the beauty and peacefulness that surrounded me.
Have you ever walked through a forest when the hoar frost crystals cover every branch and every needle? When the air is so clear it crackles, sounds carry for miles... and your boots crunch with each step? It's magical isn't it?
I was delighted to meet a cross-country skier who obviously had the same morning inclination to fill up with the fresh crisp Peace Country air. She stopped for a few minutes and told me that Dawson Creek is a wonderful community for cross-country skiing.
"We have miles of groomed trails and a very active ski club." In typical Dawson Creek friendly fashion, she told me her name and invited me to contact her if I would like to try my hand or should I say feet at skiing.
If you happen to come here during the winter, make sure you bring your mittens and be ready to refreshed with a winter wonderland wander... there's lots to do here... winter family fun for all!
For this Mile O Citizen, I just might take up cross-country skiing...
February 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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Let's face it, here in the Peace River Country, we don't fool around when it comes to winter. We are a hardy lot and we know how to thrive in our northern climate.
Ask anyone who lives here and they will say that with an adventurous spirit, some planning, a positive attitude and a sense of humor, winter is an enjoyable season.
Have you been here in the winter? Did you get around OK? Did anyone give you some basic advice on how to prepare your self and your vehicle?
Here are 5 Down to Earth Travel Tips:1. Make sure your vehicle is winterized. Make sure you have a block heater and extension cord, ice scraper etc. There's nothing like the satisfaction of turning the key on a cold winter morning and being rewarded with an easy start. You'll also want winter antifreeze and good winter tires.
2. Make sure you keep a cell phone, extra warm clothes, a blanket and a flashlight etc in your vehicle. It's like insurance... you hope you never need it, but it gives you peace of mind. We all do this.
3. Drive smart. If you aren't familiar with winter driving conditions... adopt a slower is better attitude. Take your time and keep your distance.
4. Keep your gas tank filled. Winter is not the time to be living on the edge with a near empty tank.
5. Please watch for wildlife. Our moose are really big and really plentiful. Our deer are really big and really plentiful too. We like them and we want to keep them safe. You should know they have a tendency to hang around the roads when the snow is deep in the bush.
For this Mile O Citizen, winter is an adventure and being prepared makes it fun!
February 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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Just ask anyone who lives here now or has lived here in the past what comes to mind first when they think of the Peace River Country and sure-as-shootin' they will bring up our incredible big blue skies, sunshine, clean air and Northern Lights.
Nestled in a lovely valley, we are so spoiled with our panoramic view above and our easy access to complete solitude a couple of minutes out of the city.
Have you gone for a walk in the country on a clear Peace Country night? With every star vying for your attention? With the full moon lighting the fields for miles and miles? With the Northern Lights dancing in brilliant colors above?
Have you ever just stood in the silence... away from all sounds of humanity and listened?
I did a couple of nights ago... and I heard some crashing in the bush way off in the west... it was probably a moose moving about... I heard the coyotes yipping and I heard... silence... no motors, no sounds...
The next time you come to Dawson Creek, make sure you take a night drive out into the country, park and go for moonlight walk...
For this Mile O Citizen this is heaven here on earth...
February 13, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Everywhere I went in Dawson Creek on Friday, Feb 11, the main talk was about the
Olympic Games and especially the
Opening Ceremonies.People here in the Peace River Country have a special appreciation for the importance of winter.
We live in a winter wonderland ourselves. I heard more than a few chuckles about our abundance of snow this year and willingness to donate some to the Olympic venues.
• We watched in
respect as the Georgian athlete who lost his life was paid tribute by the whole world
• We watched with
high regard as our First Nations Peoples opened the ceremonies and welcomed the world
• We watched in
excitement as we were introduced to the best athletes on the planet
• We watched in
great pride as our Canadian athletes made their entrance into the stadium
• We watched in
delight as we were dazzled by an amazing show of Canadian Talent and Spirit
• We watched in
reverence as the Olympic Torches were carried and lit by Canada's Favorite Athletes
• We watched in
anticipation for the coming days!
Way to Go Vancouver! We Love You Canada! Welcome World!This Mile O Citizen will certainly be following the 2010 Winter Olympics! Anyone want some snow?