Much more than just the starting point for the Alaska Highway, don’t miss out on these activities if you’re passing through Dawson Creek during summer. The city is surrounded by the agricultural land of the Peace River District, and is a beautiful area for outdoor recreation or learning about the region’s rich history.
Dawson Creek Walking Path
Summer is a beautiful season in British Columbia, so take advantage of the sunshine and stretch your legs. You’ll probably encounter joggers, bikers, or other people enjoying summer activities on this nearly 3-mile paved pathway, which follows the banks of Dawson Creek and is surrounded by greenery.
The path connects a few public parks in the city. It’s also a great place to pack a lunch or some snacks you can enjoy on one of the benches and picnic tables in the parks and along the paths.
McQueen Slough Waterfowl Refuge
One of the best parts of traveling north in the summer is taking in the beautiful environment and wildlife the wild region is renowned for. The refuge is about 10 minutes east of Dawson Creek and it’s well worth the short drive for bird lovers. The best time to visit is during migration in spring or fall, when it’s possible to spot wigeon, gadwall, shovelers, scaup, ring-necked ducks, barrow’s goldeneye, and other waterfowl. The refuge is also a year-round home for some mammals, including muskrats, beavers, minks, and foxes.
Dawson Creek Historic Walking Tour
Definitely stop in the visitor center when you’re in Dawson Creek, where the staff can give you some tips on where to find your favorite summer activities. While you’re there be sure to pick up a historic walking tour brochure.
The self-guided tour will lead you through downtown Dawson Creek. You’ll learn about the community’s pioneer days and the boom in World War II when construction began on the highway. Get a view into this past world through photos posted around town and murals painted on building walls.
Farmers’ and Artists’ Market
On Saturday’s from mid-May through mid-September, Waterfront Park on Front Street hosts a farmers’ market and an artists’ market. The artist market is in a picnic shelter and showcases a variety of work created locally. Reap the bounty of British Columbia’s long sunny days at the farmer’s market. Both start at 11. The artists’ market closes at 3 and the farmers’ market at 5.
Walter Wright Pioneer Village
If the murals and pictures of Dawson Creek’s pioneer days left you wanting more, immerse yourself in the era at the Walter Wright Pioneer Village. The village is a collection of original buildings and replicas painstakingly recreated with as much accuracy as possible. There are pieces of historic farming equipment and vintage vehicles on site. The place is even complete with gravel streets and boardwalks.
The Pioneer Village is part of the larger Mile 0 Park. The park has a camping area for tents and RVs. It’s also adjacent to the Dawson Creek Golf Club and from June 15 through Labor Day weekend there’s a splash park, which is great for family activities in the summer sun.
Kiskatinaw Bridge
About 15 minutes outside Dawson Creek, Kiskatinaw Bridge is a surviving tribute to those who solidified the legacy of the Alaska Highway. After military crews punched through the wilderness of Canada with any means possible, civilians followed suit and built a more reliable and permanent route that included many wooden bridges. Kiskatinaw Bridge is the only wooden bridge built by those crews that is still in use. The bridge is also noteworthy for its 9-degree curve.
Bear Mountain
Just south of town is a community forest on the slopes of Bear Mountain. Hike or bike the network of trails in the area during summer and ski or snowshoe the trails in winter.
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