DAWSON CREEK “MILE 0” OF THE ALASKA HIGHWAY
D
awson Creek is “Mile 0” of the Alaska Highway and with a population of about 11,000 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. 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. 14
British Columbia
Visitor Info Northern Alberta Railway 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, electric car charging and plenty of large vehicle parking. The Visitor Centre provides local information as well as info on the Yukon, Alaska, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Pick up a Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour brochure at the Visitor Center. A Free Alaska Highway Gas Station & Campground Guide and Dawson Creek City Service Guide is also available. Open year-round. 900 Alaska Avenue. 250-782-9595 or 866-645-3022
ACCOMMODATION Super 8 Motel is close to downtown and offers a free breakfast & Wi-fi. Pet friendly and RV parking available. 1440 Alaska Ave. 250-782-8899 Bell’s Travel Guides
