July 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
It all started off innocently enough with a lovely sunny morning stroll through peaceful streets to indulge my senses at the weekly Farmer's Market. For those of you who are wondering, the market is held Saturdays at 8am to 12:30pm from May to October at the Co-Op Mall on 103 Ave and 8th St, a short distance to drive or walk from the well equipped and very friendly NAR Visitor Centre.
The Market was every bit as eclectic as I had hoped and as I approached I was excited to see a variety of locally made goodies including everything from tie-die shirts and dresses to fresh rhubarb to hand tied fishing flies. The selection in the additional covered area was equally as eclectic and I managed to have some great chats with some of the vendors, even convincing a few to just maybe come and visit my home turf of the Yukon. Just an added bonus.
After I had spent all my hard earned cash on such irresistible items such as locally homemade Bumbleberry Jam, Black Current Syrup and some funky one of a kind jewelry that can only be bought at a street market, I decided to wend my way to points beyond.
I walked through the serene streets lined with the most beautiful hanging baskets I have ever seen over to the Alaska House on the corner of 102 Ave and 10th St - the intersection containing the historic Mile Zero monument, I spent well over an hour in the Alaska House including watching a captivating film about the awe inspiring construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. The film was above and beyond anything I have seen until now and I surprisingly learned a few things that I had not realized even after living for 20 years on the Alaska Highway in the Yukon Territory myself.
This is almost when I became a star - albeit a temporary one!
The missing link right now for this entry is the fact the 15th Annual Summer Cruise-Show and Shine Event for original, restored classic and will-be classic cars from all over BC and Alberta is happening this weekend. There are some very proud owners and sweet looking rides circulating through town all shined up and in immaculate condition. The weekend event is a must-do for everyone whether one considers themselves an enthusiast or not. The town of Dawson Creek and the Mile Zero Cruisers have definitely created an event that will last for years to come.
The Summer Cruise folks were having a scavenger hunt throughout town for what I'm assuming must be great fun due to the enthusiasm and smiles on the faces of everyone I saw participating. This is when my modeling career began!
One task for teams was to find tourists, get their names, hometowns, give a pin to and take a picture with said tourist - each team needing to find four tourists each to participate! Well, I decided to jump head first into the persona of volunteer-tourist-for-pose. I had a large stash of Yukon logo pins handily in my bag and as the pics snapped, appropriate scavenger hunt forms filled out - the pins were flying back and forth between us and I'm wondering honestly who had more fun - the great folks I met or myself - I'm thinking me!
I'm out of alloted words - so hang on for the rest of my adventures in beautiful, friendly Dawson Creek!!!
July 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
On Wednesday, July 8, 2009 my children and I decided to visit the "Walter Wright Pioneer Village" in Dawson Creek, BC. It was an amazing trip and we saw many wonderful exhibits. My children especially liked the old school house - they thought writing with old-fashioned ink pens was so cool! They had each exhibit very well displayed with many historic items to see and marvel over. The absolute best part of the trip though was the vintage style photo studio.
My girls and I went in and she had the coolest pictures and props in there. We decided to get our picture taken dressed in the 'pioneer style' and she gave us the coolest costumes to put on. After she had taken our picture, she asked if we would like to go outside and do a couple poses out there. We thought that was great! She set it up so that it looked like we were having a 'pioneer picnic'. They turned out so nice!
I was was really impressed with the service there and I thought the prices were reasonable. I'd definately recommend stopping by there to check it out!
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
The Mile 0 post in Dawson Creek is the one thing that tourists must have a picture of. I was quite intriqued to learn about the history of the post as it is not the orginal. The first post was located in the traffic circle as was foolishly run over by a drunk driver. The city felt that this post was important and decided to design a new one to honour all the hard work of building the Alaska Highway. Since then, this post has made its way to Vancouver when the engineering students stole it from UBC, been set on fire and has had endless men and women tied to it the night before their wedding. Due to all its adventures, the post is now metal and bolted to the cement. Make sure you look both ways though before you get your picture taken with post as you are jaywalking.
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
So much hard work and dedication has been done in this museum. I absolutely love animals and having the chance to see them up close and personal was amazing. My hat goes off to the South Peace Historical Society.
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Art Galleries & Artists
Find more information about Dawson Creek - Art Galleries & Artists
I think that the Dawson Creek Art Gallery is one of the neatest buildings in Dawson Creek. It is made out of an old grain elevator and has spiriling stairs to take you up to the very top. On the walls there is art displayed which focuses mostly on local talent. There is also a room in that you can go in to see all the old pictures of construction workers during the building of the Alaska Highway. This place is a must see and I will be back again.
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
The Dawson Creek train station was built in 1931 and was used mostly for the American soldiers to come to Canada and build the Alaska HWY. Now it's been converted into an interesting museum...
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
On June 27 and 28, Chris Arel's Monster Trucks came to Dawson Creek and did two spectacular shows.
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vernon, Parks
Find more information about Vernon - Parks
View a larger image on flickr.com
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park welcomes RVer’s, tenters, and day use visitors. It’s the perfect spot for a beautiful view of Kalamalka Lake against a backdrop of rolling tree covered hills. The park was established in 1990 to expand upon its featured boat launch. Now the park offers 49 campsites each with an array of shade trees, flowering bushes, and an exquisite view of the lake. As night turns into morning, the rising sun can be seen peaking its head above the hill tops for a brilliant wake-up call. Take an early morning stroll throughout the park and you will likely be accompanied by some friendly gophers popping in an out of the tall grass. Kekuli Park is not shy of offering an abundance of activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts from hiking and cycling, to swimming, canoeing and water skiing to wildlife viewing. No matter the length of your stay, you’re sure to be dazzled!
Jen
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
View a larger image on flickr.com
On July 6, 2009 Paul Brandt graced Dawson Creek with his country music at the Encana Events Center. Opening for him was up and coming country singer Jason Blaine from Pembroke, Ontario who is an amazing entertainer. He just released his second album and one day will be a big artist. Some of the songs he played include That’s what I do, Heartache Like Mine, My First Car and Give it to me. He is also very good looking, which helps the eyes a little.
Paul Brandt came on stage at around 8:15 and played for over an hour and a half. He played many of his old songs including Alberta Bound, My Heart Has a History and Canadian Man. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Brandt made his way to Nashville to get a name for himself and has won many awards for his songs. Brandt was very interactive with the crowd and talked about his experience in Dawson Creek the last time he was here. Apparently he was on stage last time and a small petit woman, who actually turned out to be a big momma, pulled him off stage but the nice citizens put him back up again to keep playing. This is just some of the humor that he shared with the crowd. Besides the turnout, the concert was far from a disappointment. Less then 2000 people filled the 5000 capacity seats, but those people who didn’t attend sure missed a good show. I will definitely be attending the next show that Paul Brandt or Jason Blaine hold in Dawson Creek.
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mackenzie, Hiking
Find more information about Mackenzie - Hiking
I have lived in Mackenzie for two years now and just started enjoying all the hiking trails they have created. Drive through Mackenzie toward Ganahaz Lake. There is a great trail around the lake with picnic tables and rest areas. It takes about one hour and very beautiful. Coming out of the lake across the road is another trail and it takes you all the way down to Morfee Lake which is situated in town. This one takes about an hour as well. Very beautiful as you get to see the other lake as well.