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.