June 30, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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We love to take our out-of-town visitors on Sunday Drives for picnic lunches. We are really lucky here in the Peace River Country, because we have so much history and a lot of great scenery to choose from.
We took our cousins for a drive and picnic lunch to the
Kiskatenaw Park. This trip is a guaranteed hit with all visitors.
The park is in a canyon right below the famous
Kiskatenaw Curved Wooden Bridge that was built in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway.
It's about 20 miles north of Dawson Creek on the Alaska Highway. You have to pay attention to the signs, because it is off the beaten path. The curved bridge can still be driven across but had to be protected from modern heavy trucks so a new section of highway and new bridge were built to bypass the original. The old one is now a historical site.
The wooden bridge is amazing and quiet enough to stroll across and enjoy the river far below.
In the late summer, the river is often quite low and you can walk across it. There is a sandy area, a swimming hole, a playground and campground. We found some great hiking trails and walked for a couple of hours.
Although we didn't bring any fishing gear, I've heard that the river has pike, bull and rainbow trout. Maybe next time.
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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One of our favorite rest stops on the Hart Highway is on the west side of the Pine Pass at Bijoux Falls. It's easy to miss if you aren't paying attention. You have to watch for the sign on the north side of the highway.
Bijoux Falls is about the half way mark between
Dawson Creek and Prince George and the perfect spot to take a break from driving, get out, stretch your legs and breathe in the cool mountain air.
There is something special about the feel and smell of air around a waterfall isn't there?
The falls themselves are quite high and cascade quite dramatically down the side of the mountain. The last time we stopped, the sun was hitting the mist of the fall just right and we saw a rainbow.
There is a viewing landing surrounded by a chain link fence, but if you look, you will also find a well used short path that ducks in behind the fence and leads down to the shallows and rocks at the bottom of the falls.
If you are adventurous, you can pick your way up the creek a bit on the rocks. Chances are, you will end up getting your feet wet, I always do. The water is cold even in the middle of the summer.
The outhouses are very clean and well maintained. There is plenty of parking for RVs and several really nice picnic spots with tables.