Dawson Creek is Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, where an amazing WWII story began. The city is centrally located between four highways: Alaska Highway (97 North); John Hart Highway (97 South); and Highway 2 and Highway 49 (to Alberta).
The city is named after George Mercer Dawson (as is Dawson City, Yukon): a 19th century railroad surveyor, geologist and anthropologist who was one of the very first white men to travel through the area.
With a population of about 12,000 people and a trading area of 66,000, Dawson Creek is the trading, transportation and service centre for the Peace River District that stretches throughout northern British Columbia and Alberta.
Northern Alberta Railways Park in the heart of the city hosts the Visitor Centre, the Railway Station Museum, a northern wildlife display, the local art gallery, the Mile 0 Cairn, 2 gift shops, public washrooms and plenty of large vehicle parking. Visitor Centre located at 900 Alaska Avenue, 250-782-9595 or 1-866-645-3022. Information on British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska as well as Alberta and Northwest Territories is all here. Also available, a free Alaska Highway Gas Station & Campground Guide-a must!
Dine and shop in unique Dawson Creek establishments with the Mile 0 Merchant Discount Coupon Book (complimentary and available at the Visitor Centre, Alaska Highway House and all local campgrounds).
Emergency only 911: Ambulance 782-2211; Hospital
11000 13th St. 782-8501
Wireless Internet Hot Spots: Enjoy free wireless Internet access at the Visitor Centre & at Alaska Highway House.
Accommodations
Best Western Dawson Creek Inn, 500 Highway 2, 250-782-6226 Located just minutes from the airport. Indoor pool, hot tub and waterslide.
Super 8 Motel, conveniently located off Alaska Highway near shopping, restaurants and area attractions. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi, in room coffee, fridge/microwave. 250-782-8899
Camping
Mile “0” RV Park1901 Alaska Ave. (Mile 1.5 of the Alaska Highway). Beautiful treed sites with 20’ by 80’ pull throughs. 20, 30 & 50 amp hookups. Free hot showers included with site rental. Laundry and sani dump. 250-785-2590
Health Food Centre, #103 - 833 - 102nd Avenue. Natural foods, trail mixes, vitamins and informational books. Natural bug repellent. A great selection of gluten-free foods. This is a good place to stock up for the trip north. 250-782-4656
Triebel Jewellers 932 102nd Ave. A large selection of diamonds, nugget jewelry, watches and coloured stones. Exceptional selection and after sales service since 1962. 250-782-4114
Dawson Co-op Mall 10200-8th St. Food: meat, deli, produce, groceries, & cafe. Gas Bar: gas & diesel in every lane. Lots of room to park your RV! 250 782 4858
Throughout the summer there are many activities to entertain you.
Every Saturday from May to October, at the Co-op Mall Parking Lot is the
place to buy fresh produce, great home baking and a variety of locally
made crafts.
Alaska Highway House: Dawson Creek’s newest attraction is situated in historic downtown Dawson Creek. See the fabulous exhibits and interactive displays dedicated to telling the Alaska Highway story. Features include fascinating WWII era propaganda, video footage, war artifacts, a Willy jeep; and showing in the film hut: the PBS documentary: Building the Alaska Highway. 250-782-4714
Alaska Highway House Dawson Creek’s newest attraction! Browse the fabulous exhibits and interactive displays dedicated to telling the Alaska Highway story. Features include fascinating WWII propaganda, vintage photos, video footage, war artifacts, a Willy jeep and the PBS documentary: Building the Alaska Highway. 10201-10th Street by the Mile 0 Post. Open year round.
Dawson Creek Art Gallery is housed in a renovated 1930 grain elevator annex and should not to be missed! 101- 816 Alaska Ave. 250-782-2601
Dawson Trail: a 4.5 km asphalt path that follows the creek and meanders through the entire city. The trail is a favorite for walkers, joggers, and roller bladders.
Rotary Lake: a man-made lake and a great spot for relaxing in the sun, swimming and picnicking.
The Farmers’ Market: Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm at 1444-102nd Avenue-indoors you can shop no matter what the weather. Local arts & crafts, home baking and preserves, garden produce and a lot more!
Step back in time at Walter Wright Pioneer Village. Pick up a complimentary Walking Tour brochure that will describe the 1900s frontier life of the area. View heritage buildings, artifacts, antique
Vehicles and vintage farm machinery.
The Mile 0 Cairn is the location that the U.S. Army surveyors designated as the beginning of the Alaska Highway. Another must is to take a picture on the Mile 0 Post; this renowned landmark celebrates the Alaska Highway and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the North.
Stroll the streets of the city with a complimentary Self-Guided Downtown Historic Walking Tour brochure (available at the Visitor Centre & Alaska Highway House).
Tour Bear Mountain Wind Park and get as close as possible to wind turbines. Pick up a free driving map at the Visitor Centre and explore, picnic, hike and take photos of the turbines and nature at its best.
Brass Scissors Hair Designs is a complete hair and esthetics salon featuring Merle Norman Cosmetics and a variety of beauty products. Dawson Creek’s favorite Salon for over 25 years. Walk-ins welcome. 10217 10th Street, 250-782-1606