March 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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My mother always said the best things in life are free.
Dawson Creek, the Mile "O" City, has a many ways to have fun without having to spend a lot of money.
Here are my personal favorite free things to do in Dawson Creek
all while you are parked at the N.A.R. ParkSelf-Guided Historic Walking TourPick up a copy of the complimentary walking tour brochure while you are at the Visitor's Center in the N.A.R. Park. Put on your comfortable shoes, grab your camera and stretch your legs while checking out Dawson Creek's Pioneer and World War II history. Follow the map and enjoy the murals and original photos posted all around town.
Art GalleryA visit to our city isn't complete without a stroll up, up, up inside an actual grain elevator annex that has been renovated to a unique Art Gallery. Dawson Creek has a strong art community and there are year round exhibitions. Make sure you check out the gift shop and the many original photos of the building of the Alaska Highway in the back stairwell.
Railway Station MuseumI take all our visitors to the museum. It's in the original Northern Alberta Railway Station, which played an important role in the history of Dawson Creek. It's filled with artifacts and memorabilia and a great way to spend an hour or so of time.
Alaska Highway House Interpretive CenterThis is my favorite place to take our visitors. I learn something new each time I go. This is a top-drawer adventure. A real WWII Willy Jeep, scale models and artifacts from the building of the Alaska Highway, original photos from the period and a kiosk in an RV to record video messages.
Hope you enjoy these adventures when you come!
March 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about Dawson Creek - Historic & Heritage Sites
Sixty years ago, you could build a 54 room hotel for the same amount as a modest single family dwelling today.
The Windsor Hotel was a Dawson Creek landmark for 54 years. Built in 1951 at a cost of $250,000.00 the hotel had 54 rooms, a modern dining room, 2 beer parlors (one for "Men Only" and the other for "Ladies and Escorts"), a 250 seat banquet room, and room rental rates that were $2.50 a single, to $6.00 a double occupancy per night.
A hard liquor lounge was added later as it was illegal in BC during the time of the original plan.
As years passed, the 'Windsor' became a favorite spot for locals. Most of the city had probably walked through the lobby at one time or another.
Sadly, this grand Dawson Creek landmark endured years of hard times, delinquent property taxes and disrepair. The hotel was taken over by the City of Dawson Creek and unable to find a buyer, it was demolished in 2005. The whole town watched the demolition and remembered the hotel's better days.
Today a grassy lot sits on the corner where once stood the grand old Windsor Hotel, waiting for it's next occupant and new story to tell.
This is only one of the many colorful stories told in the Self Guided Historic Walking Tour Guide available at the Dawson Creek Visitors Center in the N.A.R. Park. Make sure you pick up your copy when you come to visit.
March 01, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about Dawson Creek - Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
When the United States Military Surveyors came to Dawson Creek in 1941 to decide how to build the World Famous Alaska Highway they stood at the exact spot of the Mile 'O' Cairn.
1500 miles of road had to be built/punched through rough and rugged wilderness of Northern Canada and Alaska, and it had to start somewhere.
The cairn was erected to commemorate the astonishing feat and all points along the highway are measured from there.
There is plenty of parking for your RVs and the cairn is part of the N.A.R. on Alaska Avenue park which boasts our museum and art gallery. This is another popular tourist destination... you can feel the history.
When you come to Dawson Creek, take a break, turn off the engine, grab your camera and put your walking shoes on... there is so much to take in. This is a friendly city, we roll out the welcome mat for you.
Make sure you ask someone to take your picture by the cairn and touch a piece of history.