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Dinosaur tracks and dams are two of Hudson’s Hope’s major draws, and the two attractions have a surprising historical link.
The W.A.C. Bennett Dam is one of the world's largest earth-filled structures, a hydroelectricity-generating wonder stretching 2 m (1.25 miles) across the Peace Canyon. Further downstream, the Peace Canyon Dam began construction in 1980, and set the scene for more remarkable discoveries.
During the dam’s construction, a fossilized partial skeleton of a plesiosaur (a giant marine reptile that swam here 100 million years ago) was found. Additional fossilized skeletal remains and prehistoric footprints were uncovered. Stop in at the Visitor Centre to inspect the world's oldest bird footprints and see two life-sized models of duck-billed dinosaurs (hadrosaurs). For more fossilized footprints, visit Hudson’s Hope Museum.
Outdoor lovers have a range of activities to explore. Spectacular hiking as well as fishing and wildlife viewing can be found at Butler Ridge Provincial Park. Moberly Lake Provincial Park is popular for swimming, paddling, fishing and vehicle-accessible camping. Lakeside and riverside camping is popular at several area campgrounds.
Anglers can cast for Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, whitefish, Dolly Varden and Northern Pike in many rivers and lakes in the area.
In winter, Hudson’s Hope is blessed with an average annual snowfall of about 13.7 m (45 ft) of dry champagne powder. Heli-skiers come to explore powder filled bowls and magnificent tree runs. Downhill skiers can try out 21 marked trails at Powder King Mountain Resort. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can also make tracks in the area.
Follow the natural flow of life while walking the banks of the Peace River or stroll through the 79 ha (195 ac) Jamieson Woods Nature Preserve. Or tackle the steep trails found around Dinosaur Lake, which was created when the Peace Canyon Dam was completed in 1980.
There are several campgrounds in or near the community, including those at Gething Park, Alwin Holland Park, Dinosaur Lake and Cameron Lake. Lake or riverside campsites are available. Moberly Lake Provincial Park has a vehicle-accessible campground featuring over 100 sites. Venture into the wilderness for backcountry camping at Butler Ridge Provincial Park.
When completed in 1967, the W.A.C. Bennett Dam became one of the world's largest earth-filled structures. An engineering marvel, the dam holds back BC's largest reservoir - 1,761-sq km (680-sq mi) Williston Lake. Stop by the on-site Visitor Centre, featuring an audio-visual theatre, to learn more about the dam’s construction and hydroelectric production.
Peace Canyon Dam, also a short drive from Hudson’s Hope, is situated downstream from the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. The region is famous, not just for the 50-m (164-ft) high dam, but for the area’s natural history. During the dam’s construction in 1980, a fossilized partial skeleton of a plesiosaur was found - a giant marine reptile about 12 m (40 ft) long that swam here 100 million years ago. Footprints of hadrosaurs (duck-billed dinosaurs), horned dinosaurs and birds were also found. Learn more about the dam’s construction and the dinosaur discoveries at the onsite Visitor Centre.
Built in 1938, St. Peter’s Church is a charming small log church that recalls construction during Hudson Hope’s pioneer era. Stop by in summer, except during Sunday services. Located next to the Hudson’s Hope Museum.
For some of the finest examples of fossilized footprints in North America, visit Hudson’s Hope Museum, housed in an old Hudson's Bay Company store.
When the Peace Canyon Dam was constructed, many fossilized skeletal remains and prehistoric footprints were uncovered. Explore the Visitor Centre to inspect the world's oldest bird footprints and see two life-sized models of duck-billed dinosaurs (hadrosaurs).
Located on the north shore of Williston Lake, Butler Ridge Provincial Park is a fine wilderness escape, ideal for wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. The ridge extends 15 km (9.3 mi) south to north throughout the entire length of the park and is accessed via a trail on the park's south side. Launch your boat into the lake or watch for Stone Sheep in the canyon.
Between the Rocky Mountain foothills to the west, and the Peace plateau to the east, you’ll find Moberly Lake Provincial Park. Its location on the southern side of Moberly Lake draws visitors for swimming, paddling, fishing and vehicle-accessible camping. Wildlife spotting is always possible as Black Bears, Moose and a variety of bird species frequent the park. You may also see Mule and White-tailed Deer, and, less commonly, Elk, Caribou and Grizzly Bear in the area.
Anglers who cast their lines in area lakes and rivers can make a variety of catches including Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, whitefish, Dolly Varden and Northern Pike. Williston Lake, Moberly Lake and Dinosaur Lake—the latter named for the dinosaur tracks that were covered up when the area was flooded after the dams were built—are all popular fishing spots. Swimming is also possible at these lakes.
Moberly Lake has a swimming beach with a designated swimming area and is also a great place to canoe and kayak. You can also kayak Williston Lake, though drifting debris and strong winds mean you need to exercise caution.
Ski the gentle groomed slopes and breathtaking drops of Powder King Mountain Resort. Amid pristine wilderness, you’ll find 615 m (2,017 ft) of vertical and 21 marked trails in the Rocky Mountains. Located at Pine Pass on Highway 97, approximately two hours from Hudson’s Hope.
The Hudson’s Hope area gets an average annual snowfall of about 13.7 m (45 ft) of dry champagne powder. Stunning, powder filled bowls and magnificent tree runs attract adventurers to the over 1,100 m (3,600 ft) of vertical in the area. Choose from 200 heli-ski runs. Contact the local operator based in Hudson’s Hope.
Generous snowfall in the area creates plenty of opportunity for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Popular, maintained trails can be found in the cross-country area at Cameron Lake.
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