Experience Dawson Creek's rich history. The city has a number of historical and heritage sites of note and many of these are conveniently located along the Alaska Highway (Alaska Avenue). The Northern Alberta Railways Park features three attractions: the Mile '0' Cairn, the Railway Station Museum and the Dawson Creek Art Gallery. Visitors traveling north will turn right past the only traffic circle in town. Travelling south, turn left after the last traffic lights and before the traffic circle.
Mile '0' and Alaska Highway Heritage Sites
The Mile '0' Cairn beside the traffic circle is a stone monument marking the original site where Alaska Highway construction began in 1942. On a plaque near the cairn, the American Society of Civil Engineers dedicated the Alaska Highway as 16th International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in the world. The sculpture at the centre of the circle is of a surveyor scoping out the highway at the center of the traffic circle. The Mile '0' post stands in Dawson Creek's downtown intersection, established in 1946 as an iconic image of the Alaska Highway. Interestingly, the post has its own history including daring attempts to take it as a keepsake. The wooden post was replaced with steel that can endure various conditions, and the town has a lighter, inflatable replica for parades or other events.
The South Peace Historical Society Railway Station Museum
The museum and main Visitor Center (900 Alaska Avenue) are in the original 1931 Northern Alberta Railways Station. Entrance is by donation. The museum recreates the look and feel of a of an old-fashioned railway station setup, complete with luggage trunks and other memorabilia. It also has artifacts from before European settlement in the area. Stop in at the Visitor Center and be sure to collect a certificate that reads: "Been to Mile 0."
Alaska Highway House
Next to the Mile '0' post, Dawson Creek's newest attraction is the Alaska Highway House (10201-10th St.). This interpretive center documents the history and construction of this historic highway and is brimming with information, photographs, a film and other interactive features. Read soldiers' stories about their lives during construction, and get a feel for the harsh conditions and physical challenges around building this historic route. At the end of a visit, share experiences with friends and family via their on-site computer and web camera. Learn more about the Culture and History of Dawson Creek.