Where your journey begins
Don't just drive past Mile 0—take the time to explore the wonderful offerings in Dawson Creek
If you've ever dreamed of travelling the legendary Alaska Highway, then Dawson Creek, B.C., will be the start of your journey. In town you can snap some photos of the Mile 0 post and brush up on your history at the nearby Alaska Highway House. It would be a mistake, however, to let your discovery of this northern community stop here.
Dawson Creek provides lots of option for those who want to get out and about. If you`re off to discover the Alaska Highway, it`s almost guaranteed that you already have some appreciation for the wildness in the area. Dawson Creek can offer perfect opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Walk about the historic downtown
A great start will be to undertake the Historic Downtown Walking Tour. It’s a helpful way to familiarize yourself with the area and pieces of the rich story behind it. Approximately an hour long, the tour makes for an enjoyable, leisurely discovery. Your walk will take you past murals and plaques featuring original photos of the area. Pamphlets guiding you through the tour can be picked up at the visitor centre or the art gallery in town.
Your tour through downtown will be all the better if you take time to visit the eclectic shops here. You'll be thrilled to find boutiques, second-hand stores and one-of-a-kind gift shops. When you've seen all there is to see, then scout out the unique coffee shops to sit with a latte and consider life in the North.
Mingle with the animals
If a day in the country sounds like fun to you, then check out the Sewell Valley Game Farm. You'll get to wander around the farm and feed the animals. Buffalo, musk ox and mountain sheep are just some of the creatures you’ll find here. If you're not an animal person, you can reserve a hayride or enjoy a ride on a paddleboat.
Work out your way
Just because you're headed north doesn't mean you have to pack away your swimsuit. The Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre will have everything you're looking for, and then some. With a leisure pool, hot tub and sauna—the options leave nothing lacking. If you're looking to keep fit on the road, you can take advantage of the walking track or drop-in water-fit classes. For anyone feeling more adventurous, there’s a climbing wall. If you really want a unique workout experience, however, visit the outdoor fitness park; it's like a playground, only it's geared towards (but not limited to) seniors. Now doesn't that sound like fun?
Birdwatching, picnicking, hiking—oh my
Dawson Creek boasts several lakes in the surrounding area as well as an array of hiking and walking trails. Try Radar Lakes Walking Trails or Rim Rocks Hiking Trails. Maps are generally available at the visitor centre. If you're interested in birdwatching, the visitor centre has information for this as well; McQueen's Slough is a prime spot for observing the area's birdlife.
After all of this, you'll only have just begun to discover the experience that is Dawson Creek. Depending on the season, you can also participate in viewing the awe-inspiring northern lights. This is something that is certainly bucket-list worthy. Other attractions to check out are the farmers market and the Walter Wright Pioneer Village.
