Dawson Creek is Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway and with a population of about 12,000 people and a trading area of 60,000, it is the service centre for the Peace River District. The community was one of many farming communities established by European-Canadian settlers moving into the Peace River Country.

The Canadian government began issuing homestead grants to settlers in 1912 and the pace of migration increased. With the opening of a few stores and hotels in 1919 and the incorporation of the Dawson Creek Cooperative Union on May 28, 1921, it became the dominant business centre in the area.

The Northern Alberta Railway built its western terminus in Dawson Creek and the golden spike was driven on December 29, 1930. The first passenger train arrived on January 15, 1931. The arrival of the railway and the construction of grain elevators attracted more settlers and the need to provide services led Dawson Creek to incorporate as a village in May 1936.

Alcan Highway Sign in Dawson Creek

Northern Alberta Railways Park in the heart of Dawson Creek hosts the Visitor Centre, the Train Station Museum, the iconic Grain Elevator Art Gallery, the Mile 0 Cairn, 2 gift shops, public washrooms, free Wi-fi, and plenty of large vehicle parking.

Visitor Info Centre provides travel information on Dawson Creek, the Yukon and Alaska as well as Alberta and Northwest Territories. Free Alaska Highway Gas Station & Campground Guide and Dawson Creek City Service Guide is also available.  900 Alaska Avenue. Open Year Round. 250-782-9595 or 866-645-3022
www.tourismdawsoncreek.com

 

RV Sani Dump

There are 2 RV Sani Dumps in Dawson Creek. One is located at Mile 0 RV Park and the second City operated Sani Dump is at 212 115 Ave.  The City Sani Dump has 4 dump stations and is free to use. They also have potable and non-potable water available.

The Northern Alberta Railway built its western terminus in Dawson Creek and the golden spike was driven on December 29, 1930. The first passenger train arrived on January 15, 1931. The arrival of the railway and the construction of grain elevators attracted more settlers and the need to provide services led Dawson Creek to incorporate as a village in May 1936. A small wave of refugees from the Sudetenland (Northern Czechoslovakia) settled in the area in 1939. Be sure and visit the Walter Wright Pioneer Village at Mile 0 Park to learn more about these hard working Immigrants.

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Best Places to Stay in Dawson Creek

Mile “0” RV Park

Mile ‘0’ Park is home to Mile 0 Campground and Walter Wright Pioneer Village. Beautiful treed sites with large pull-throughs with full hookups. Amenities include laundry, Wi-fi, showers, and an RV Sani-dump.

Best Western Dawson Creek Inn

The Best Western in Dawson Creek has an Indoor pool, hot tub, and waterslide. Located just minutes from the airport.

Super 8 Motel

All rooms offer free Wi-fi, in-room coffee, fridge/microwave. Conveniently located off Alaska Highway near shopping, restaurants, and area attractions.

 

Things to Do in Dawson Creek BC

The Mile 0 Cairn

The Mile 0 Cairn is where the U.S. Army surveyors designated the beginning of the Alaska Highway. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a picture of the Mile 0 Post. This renowned landmark celebrates the Alaska Highway and is one of the most photographed subjects in the North.

Stroll the streets of the city with a complimentary Self-Guided Downtown Historic Walking Tour brochure (available at the Dawson Creek Visitor Centre).

Walter Wright Pioneer Village

This historic village shows Dawson Creek as it was before the Alaska Highway construction period. Pick up a complimentary Walking Tour brochure that describes the 1900s frontier life of the area.

N.A.R. Station Museum

The Northern Alberta Railway Station Museum is in the Dawson Creek Visitor Center. Visitors will see the staionionmaster quarters and learn about tens of thousands of troops that arrived here in 1942 to help build the Alaska Highway.

Dawson Creek Art Gallery

This famous art gallery is housed in a renovated 1930 grain elevator annex and should not to be missed!

Bear Mountain Wind Park

Tour Bear Mountain Wind Park and get as close as possible to wind turbines. Pick up a free driving map at the Visitor Information Centre and explore, picnic, hike, and take photos of the turbines and nature at its best.

Dawson Creek Golf & Country Club

This is a public, 18-hole golf course. The course may be short, but it’s been known to challenge all who play it.

Dawson Creek Trail

Dawson Trail is a 4.5 km paved path that follows the creek and meanders through the entire city of Dawson Creek. The trail is a favorite for walking, jogging, and rollerblading.

The Dawson Creek Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8:30 am–2 pm at 1000-102nd Avenue. The market is indoors so you can shop no matter what the weather. Local arts & crafts, home baking and preserves, garden produce, and a lot more!

 

Shopping and Services in Dawson Creek BC

Health Food Centre

This is your one-stop shop for Natural foods, trail mixes, vitamins, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, natural beauty products & a great selection of gluten-free foods.

Brass Scissors Hair Designs

Brass Scissors Hair Designs is a full-service salon with experienced stylists and estheticians. Tanning and complete barbering are also available. A wide selection of products is available, including Merle Norman..

Dawson Creek Art Gallery

The Dawson Creek Art Gallery is housed in a renovated 1930 grain elevator annex and features local artists and tour art shows.

 

Getting Around in Dawson Creek, AK

Dawson Creek Airport

The Dawson Creek Regional airport has regularly scheduled flights to Calgary and Vancouver with WestJet. The airport is located conveniently located close to downtown.

BC Bus North

BC Bus North is The province of BC’s bus service for the north. it will include two round trips per week between Prince Rupert and Prince George; Prince George and Valemount; and Prince George and Dawson Creek-Fort St. John. It will also offer one round-trip per week from Fort Nelson to Dawson Creek-Fort St. John.

 

Dawson Creek FAQs

When can I see Northern Lights in Dawson Creek?

It is very common to see the Northern Lights in Dawson Creek. However it will have to be during the fall, winter or spring, when there are more hours of darkness. The days are long in the summer, with the sun setting after 9 pm from early May to early August, making it unlikely you will see the Northern Lights during a summer trip. However, as long as it is dark out, the sky is clear and there is solar activity it is possible to see the northern lights.  To learn more about the Northern Lights click here.

How much sunlight can I expect in summer?

Summer in Dawson Creek sees very long days,. From May to August the average amount of Daylight is over 15 hours. At the Summer Solstice, there is over 17 hours of sunlight in Dawson Creek

When is the best time to go to Dawson Creek?

Summer is the best time to visit Dawson Creek. It is warm, and there are long days to explore this historic city at the start of the Alaska Highway.

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