March 05, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Art Galleries & Artists
Find more information about Dawson Creek - Art Galleries & Artists
View a larger image on flickr.com
It's pretty hard to miss all the wonderful murals while walking or driving around Dawson Creek. These murals bring the history of our city, agricultural roots, local wildlife and the building of the Alaska Highway alive. They tell our story in art and color.
The Dawson Creek Art Gallery, the South Peace Art Society, and the City of Dawson Creek have been sponsoring the annual mural project in the business center of Dawson Creek since 2000 and a diverse selection of talented artists of all ages have created them.
Local residents and tourists watch with fascination the creation of a new mural during the warm summer months.
It's not uncommon to see a group of artists in paint-splattered clothes climbing up and down scaffolding, wielding paintbrushes and carrying paint buckets.
We never know what's in store for the upcoming season and where the next mural will be created.
I guess we'll just have to watch for the signs... a bunch of people standing in front of a blank wall, sketch books in hand, making sweeping arm movements with contemplative looks on their faces... what else could it be?
March 03, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Museums
View a larger image on flickr.com
I just found out how Dawson Creek came to be in its present location. Quirky indeed!
Back in 1930, Northern Alberta Railway (N.A.R.) decided to extend the railway beyond Alberta and into British Columbia.
They wanted to build the rail end and depot in Pouce Coupe, a small town about 6 miles south of present day Dawson Creek but couldn't come to an agreement over price of the land with its owner.
Tired of the money dispute, the railway decided to pass on the Pouce Coupe land and go another 6 miles north within 2 miles of the village of Dawson Creek. They bought a prize oat field from a local farmer.
So, there was Dawson... close... but not close enough...
Thrilled about the railway, and realizing the vital benefits of being close... in true northern fashion, the pioneers of Dawson Creek simply up and moved the whole town.
They put all the buildings on skids and moved them by horse and by caterpillar to the site of the rail end. The whole kit and caboodle!
The original town site slowly melted back into the forest and only hints of it remain today. Present day Dawson Creek grew around the center point of the railhead.
Our beautiful Visitors Center and museum is located in the original (1931) structure of the railway station and stationmasters residence. It's filled with historical accounts and artifacts for your enjoyment.
Make sure you stop in for a visit when you come to Dawson Creek.
Parking is free and plentiful in the N.A.R. Park and the welcome mat is always out for you!
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.