July 30, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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One thing I have grown to absolutely adore while out riding my bike in the Dawson Creek and the surrounding areas is the rolling fields of canola, barley, wheat, etc. I am from Vancouver Coast so this is a treat! By being in the region for the summer I have been given the opportunity to see the patchwork of crops created to bloom this time of year. I sit on one of the peaks of the hills on Sweet Water Road just north of Dawson Creek and admire the many shades of yellow (canola fields), greens and browns. The back drop of the Peace Region skies amazes me as well, clouds forming and moving in many ways and speeds. My imagination can just go wild in the sky. Not to mention while riding the back roads of the area, is also the sweet, fresh smell of the farmlands. With the views and fresh air all for free in the backyard of Dawson Creek, I am very lucky to have the opportunity to observe and experience this season here in Dawson Creek. Until next time… Happy Chains!!
July 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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When you are visiting Dawson Creek be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center, and ask for the Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour. This pamphlet will give you a great ‘low down’ on the community, taking you on a tour that can take you from 45 minutes to a couple of hours to complete. The length of the tour depends on how much you want to explore and take in what is offered.
The tour starts off at the Northern Alberta Railway Park, takes you through the downtown core, giving you a taste of the lively history of the city. There are murals upon murals (one of which is in this picture); there are statues and the Mile 0 post to take pictures by. There are also original photos and brief descriptions of old businesses and buildings. I particularly enjoyed the color of the downtown core which was accented with hanging baskets and flower pot on the curbs. One place you have to check out in the tour is 17A (in the tour guide pamphlet) – the Alaska Highway House. It is a wonderful collection of stories and artifacts related to the building of the Alaska Highway – they even show a video. All in all this is definitely something for your ‘back pockets’ if you are taking the adventure up the Alaska Highway. I found this walking tour even more interesting when I met some of the locals in the area! Looking like the tourist I am, they were all very friendly and helpful.
So remember whether it is you first time, you are returning or even if you live in Dawson Creek, ask about the tour, it is a great way to get to know the community.
July 11, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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In my couple of months here visiting Dawson Creek there has been a copious amount of times that I have biked past this café on the side of the highway about 20km south of Dawson Creek and it always has numerous trucks parked outside. I thought to myself where there is many, many work- trucks stopping for food there must be great food. So I planned it the other day to stop in at the Lone-Wolf Road House Café for breakfast. It is only an hour long ride up and out of Dawson Creek which definitely works up an appetite, or a 5-10 minute drive. Here you will find the biggest and best omelet made, on the spot and to your liking. The pricing will definitely be to your liking as well! The café has a nice patio to sit on and enjoy your meal. They have daily specials to indulge in and leaving you feel super satisfied. Not to mention they have fresh baked goods for sale and always a fresh cup of coffee to go. I recommend this place to the hungry individual who likes to get a good ‘bang for their buck.’ Until next time Happy Chains!!
July 02, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Camping
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While out riding the other day I came across Matthews Centennial Park, which is located approximately 1 hour biking or 10 minutes driving north of Dawson Creek just off Highway 97 on the corner of Road 237 and Sweetwater. This little park is ideal for families or friends to get together and camp, have a wiener roast and of course pull out the s’mores & or marshmallows. You can take the short trip to the out-skirts of the city and stay for an hour or a couple of days! There was even wood chopped and sitting by the outdoor site campfires. The park has a couple of public washrooms, lots of room for parking and a huge ball diamond. Matthews Centennial Park would be a great little vacation outdoors, without having to travel too far. You can really enjoy the ‘royalties’ of outdoor adventures; fresh air and no city lights or traffic. Once again, while out biking the rolling country-side of Dawson Creek I have stumbled across a little treasure in Dawson Creek's backyard. Until next time Happy Chains!!
July 02, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Farms & Markets
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Starting at 8:30 am in the Coop Mall parking of Dawson Creek is the Farmers Market which runs through to 12:30pm. This attraction has become a ritual for myself, going down weekly to one of the local vendors to purchase homemade oatmeal raisin cookies (which are to die for!!). I love coming to this market because I have the opportunity to buy top-quality farm-fresh products directly from the person who produces them. These products stem from jewellery, to wool, to wood carvings to homemade pies/jams, and bath soaps. Another bonus to going to the market is that you will not find these products anywhere else!! I also like the fact that you can actually see and talk to the person who made or grew the product I am purchasing.
What is great about this farmers market is that it is an attraction that brings people together, tourists, local businesses and the local people. It generates activity in an otherwise quiet parking lot, hosting a friendly & welcoming atmosphere. They even set up picnic tables so you can mingle with family and friends.
This farmers market is a great way to support locals in the area and connect with them. They love what they sell and put so much time and hard work into it. So in my effort to help farmers and local vendors keep doing what they do and bring fresh products to the community and I am sharing this tid-bit with you, to check it out. There is something at the Dawson Creek Farmers Market for everyone!!