Community Description

Dawson Creek is a small city in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada. The municipality of 20.66 square kilometers (7.98 sq mi) had a population of 11,514 in 2009. Dawson Creek derives its name from the creek of the same name that runs through the community. The creek was named after George Mercer Dawson by a member of his land survey team when they passed through the area in August 1879.

Once a small farming community, Dawson Creek became a regional centre when the western terminus of the Northern Alberta Railways was extended there in 1932. The community grew rapidly in 1942 as the US Army used the rail terminus as a transshipment point during construction of the Alaska Highway. In the 1950s, the city was connected to the interior of British Columbia via a highway and railway through the Rocky Mountains. Since the 1960s, growth has slowed.

Dawson Creek is located in the dry and windy prairie land of the Peace River Country. Dawson Creek is known as the ‘Mile 0 City’, referring to its location at the southern end of the Alaska Highway. The community is home to a heritage interpretation village, an art gallery and a museum. Annual events include a fall fair and a spring rodeo.

Community Links

BC Tourism
Council of Forest Industries
Northern Alberta Railway
City of Dawson Creek
Chamber of Commerce

Do you have a link or story that you would like to see here?