Dawson Creek, BC
The City of Dawson Creek is part of the Peace Country in north eastern BC, located 102 km north of Chetwynd, British Columbia or 256 km north of Prince George. It is also 125 km west Grande Prairie, Alberta. The population is 17,878 (2021 statistics) with 7,542 occupied dwellings. In 2016 the population was 12,178 an increase of 5.1% since the 11,583 of 2011. Some of the attractions of Dawson Creek include the Alaska Highway Mile "O" Marker, Art Gallery Elevator, Train station that is a Visitors Centre and Museum and the Pioneer Village Museum.
Visitors - Museum - more info
Art Gallery - more info
Dawson Creek Campground - more info
HISTORY
The Alaska Hotel (photo above) on 10th Street - just a few feet from the Mile Zero Post, was the oldest operating business in the community. In 1930, this hotel was known as the Dew Drop Inn Hotel with 6 rooms, a lobby and cafe. In 1943, a fire and explosion did extensive damage and it was rebuilt in the fall of 1943. In September 2012, fire destroyed the Alaska Hotel for good. The Dawson Hotel located on the corner of 10th Street and Alaska Avenue was another popular Hotel in the 1940's.
Dawson Creek was named after George Mercer Dawson, a geologist who was mapping the area in 1879 for the CNR. Back in 1942 the population of the village of Dawson Creek was only 600 people. The Alaska Highway starts at Dawson Creek British Columbia "Mile O, and continues on through the Yukon and into Alaska for 1500 miles. It was started in World War II, as a route to transport equipment from Canada and the United States. In a matter of weeks the population exploded to 10,000 with the first trains carrying American troops arrived. The highway took eight months to complete and has been open since 1942. 150 bridges were built and 8,000 culverts were laid.
The Encana Centre (photo above) opened in the spring of 2008 located on the east side of Dawson Creek, 300 Highway 2. (Now known as Ovintiv Event Centre in 2021). Many events/concerts are held here with seating for 6,500 people. It is part of the South Peace Multiplex that also includes the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre (swimming, diving, sauna) as well the Lakota Agri Centre (equestrian, rodeo and livestock events). Update: Now known as Ovintiv Events Centre. Just west of the Centre is Chances Gaming Entertainment. The 17,000 square foot facility was built in 2006 and features 123 slot machines, electronic blackjack tables, bingo and more.
DAWSON CREEK EVENTS: The largest trade show north of Edmonton is held in Dawson Creek in the spring each year at the Memorial and Kin Arenas. (Kiwanis Trade Fair). July 1st Canada Day Celebrations are held each year. Dawson Creek and District Fall Fair and Stampede is held annually in August at the Dawson Creek Fairgrounds. It includes a parade, BBQ, Special Kids Rodeo. Dawson Creek Exhibition Association . Many events are held throughout the year at the Art Gallery. Snowflake Night Light Parade is held in November as well as the Festival of Lights. Many hockey tournaments take place during the winter.
NOW POSTED Events of the Peace Country
Dawson Creek Golf - more info
Memorial Arena - more info
Dawson Creek Canucks - more info
Curling Rink - more info
Dawson Creek and District Hospital, is located on the south end of the city is a large employer of the area. 11100-13 Street, (250) 782-8501. July 2023 ground was broken on the site of the new hospital. Crews will start pouring concrete footings and foundation walls in August 2023 with completion of the new hospital hoped for the fall of 2026. The new hospital will be 24,500 sq metres and have 70 beds.
Newspapers: Dawson Creek Mirror website. The Alaska Highway News website . The Alaska Highway Newsweekly newspaper serves Dawson Creek, Fort St John, Fort Nelson and surrounding communities. Sister newspapers include the Northern Horizon and Dawson Creek Mirror.
Newspaper History: Dawson Creek Daily News, established in 1930 as the Peace River Block News. It was sold to Glacier Media in 2006 and changed the papers name to Dawson Creek Daily News but eventually closed in February 2014.
North East News served the Dawson Creek area since 2004 closed down on February of 2016. The weekly newspaper had reached over 19,000 homes and businesses in northeastern BC. Included areas of Chetwynd, North Nelson, FSJ, Hudson's Hope, Pouce Coupe, Taylor and Tumbler Ridge.
Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce WEBSITE
MORE PHOTOS - Downtown Dawson Creek Marker VIEW PHOTO
MORE PHOTOS - Downtown Dawson Creek VIEW PHOTO
One of the main industries of Dawson Creek is the Louisiana Pacific OSB plant. Employs a large number of people from the area. Situated on the west part of the city of Dawson Creek. 8243-221 Road. (250) 782-1616.
The Dawson Mall located at 11000-8th Street, with over 25 stores and services provides a good selection of products. Plenty of free parking and RV's welcome. Dawson Creek gets a Walmart Store VIEW PHOTO
Dawson Creek has two arenas, the Memorial Arena and the Kin Area for skating, figure skating, and hockey. Also there is an Outdoor Speed Skating Oval. It also has a large hospital. Minor Hockey Association (250) 782-7233.
Skiing:
Downhill skiing available only 5 minutes from Dawson Creek. Bear Mountain Ski Hill was built in 1959. Beginner to intermediate, 8 runs and T-Bar. (250) 782-4988. Bear Mountain Ski Hill WEBSITE
Powder King Ski Village, located about 200 km from Dawson Creek. Powder skiing, 18 runs, chairlift, 2 T-bars and platter tow. Slopes to 2,100 feet. Powder King WEBSITE
Exhibition Grounds - more info
CJDC Radio TV - more info
Dawson Creek Churches - more info
Dawson Creek Schools - more info
City Hall - more info
Dawson Creek Firehall - more info
Dawson Creek Library - more info
