19th Annual Dawson Creek Tree Light Up Celebration

The weather for this year's annual Tree Light Up was a bit chilly, it was minus 20 something on the morning of November 19, and we almost decided to stay home by the fire instead of getting all bundled up and driving in to town, but we had arranged to meet some friends, so away we went.

The City of Dawson Creek moved the Mile O Post to a temporary location at the Northern Alberta Railway Park, a block north of it's usual home and put up a 35-40 foot tree in it's place and draped it with multi-colored lights. The streets have been decorated with big white snowflakes and it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here.

I'm glad we went because it turned out to be a great community party and the cold weather actually added to the fun. It's nice to offer events like this to both the people who live here and also the many who find themselves far away from home and staying in our hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts.

Many of the local businesses were open for the light up celebration and some were handing out hot chocolate, hot cider, popcorn and even glow sticks.

There were kids of all ages mingling around and of course Santa was there too.

19th Annual Dawson Creek Tree Light Up Celebration

The Grain Elevator Art Gallery In Dawson Creek

A favorite place to take our out-of-town visitors is the big brown grain elevator Art Gallery right in the heart of the city.

Located in the N.A.R. park which is also the home of the Mile "O" Cairn and the Museum and Visitors Center, the Art Gallery is a must see when you come to visit.

The building itself is a renovated grain elevator that was moved to its present location in 1982 by the City of Dawson Creek with the help and support of a group of dedicated Art Society members to save it from demolition.

When you walk in the front doors, you enter the actual belly of the elevator, where the grain was kept all those years ago. I love the original wooden floor.

A ramp was built that spirals up and around the walls to the top. The walls themselves are the gallery space and you simply stroll along, enjoying the art, going higher and higher. At any time, you can stop and peer over the sturdy railing for a great view of the whole space.

The Gallery also has a great gift shop with lots of local treasures. It's a favorite shopping spot for both locals and visitors looking for something hand crafted and unique.

The back staircase of the building is a gallery within a gallery. It is chock full original photos of the building of the Alaska Highway. Make sure you remember to check it out.

As a side note: there is plenty of RV parking at the N.A.R. park. It's the best place to stop and stretch your legs and explore the city.

The Grain Elevator Art Gallery In Dawson Creek

Our Quirky & Colorful Past

I love history. I just learned the great story about how Dawson Creek came to be in its present location. Quirky indeed!

Back in 1930, Northern Alberta Railway (N.A.R.) decided to extend the railway beyond Alberta and into British Columbia.

They originally wanted to build the rail end and depot in Pouce Coupe, a small town about 6 miles south of present day Dawson Creek but couldn't come to an agreement over price of the land with its owner.

Tired of the money dispute, the railway decided to pass on the Pouce Coupe land and go another 6 miles north within 2 miles of the village of Dawson Creek. They bought a prize oat field from a local farmer.

The pioneers were thrilled to have the railway, but knew they needed to be closer than 2 miles, so what did they do? They simply moved the whole town. The put all the buildings on skids and moved them by horse and by caterpillar to the rail end. The whole kit and caboodle!

The original town site slowly melted back into the forest and only hints of it remain today. Present day Dawson Creek has grown around the center point of the rail-head.

Our beautiful Visitors Center and museum is located in the original (1931) structure of the railway station and stationmasters residence.

Make sure you stop in and visit when you come to Dawson Creek. Parking is free and plentiful in the N.A.R. Park and the welcome mat is always out for you.

Our Quirky & Colorful Past