Meander near the Creek

The waterways around Dawson Creek provide prime birdwatching and wildlife-viewing opportunities

Northern B.C. is home to vast landscapes of open country that present myriad wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities, and Dawson Creek is a perfect jumping-off point from which to explore all the local wonders. 

McQueen’s Slough is a popular birding area just north of the city; here, people can expect to see various species of ducks, geese and loons. Interpretive walking trails lead through the wetlands, and signage details the different species that can be found, said Kit Fast, a local photographer.

The 138-hectare Bissette Marsh is another favourite spot, as it is one of the larger wetlands in the region and has lots of waterfowl and nesting sites. Common creatures seen in the marshlands are mallard ducks, muskrats, great blue herons and canvasbacks.

Ducks Unlimited Canada purchased the land around and including the marsh. A dike was put in and water-flow structures were added to increase water levels.

Signs describe the ecological diversity of the area.

“You can see all the species that come through during migration," said Fast, "and you can see the resident species like geese, ducks and the occasional swan at both McQueen’s and Bissette.” 

Watching the river flow

Fast suggested visiting the Kiskatinaw River in early spring and late summer, when the water levels are lower, for prime wildlife-viewing opportunities.

A provincial campground—Kiskatinaw Park—has 28 drive-in spots and is located on the Old Alaska Highway near a historic bridge spanning the river. Constructed during the Second World War, the bridge is an impressive engineering feat: it was built with a nine-degree curve to accommodate a sharp bend in the river.

Southeast of Dawson Creek flows the Pouce River, which is another wonderful place to see birds and wildlife.

Get on your boots

Hiking around the Dawson Creek area is limited, but an outing up to Bear Mountain Wind Park—a row of wind-power generators—gives the best views, said Fast.

“There used to be a hiking trail and it gets up about 100 feet above the surrounding countryside," he said, "so you can see out towards Tumbler Ridge and it’s a sandstone-conglomerate cliff, so it’s quite a beautiful spot.”