Dawson Creek derives its namesake from a large creek that runs through the community. George Mercer Dawson, who was a member of the survey team that went through the area in the late 19th century, is who the creek is named after. Though the town originally started as a small farming community, it quickly grew to become a main regional center for the Northern Alberta Railway in the early 1930s.
The area continued to see rapid growth when the Army constructed the Alaskan Highway in less than a year. The highway connected the interior of the province of British Columbia to the Rocky Mountains. It was a project to form a connection between the U.S. mainland and Alaska in order to transport supplies and troops which were necessary for the war effort.
The city has also been nicknamed "Mile 0 City" in reference to its being the southernmost position on the Alaskan Highway. The community continued to grow before WWII as refugees from Sudetenland settled the area.
After seeing a slight boom in population after the war, the city's population began to slow in the 1960s, though the city continued to grow its commerce by adding several modern grain elevators to what would become affectionately known as "Elevator Row". Only one of the elevators remain today and it serves as a historical marker of the city's farming history and has since been converted to an art gallery.
While the city has still seen economic growth throughout the years, it has become a major tourist attraction for travelers en route to Alaska via the Alaskan Highway. The city features museums, an interpretation village, and hosts fairs and rodeos throughout the year.
When is the best time to visit Dawson Creek, BC?
The average temperatures in Dawson Creek can fluctuate quite widely, though temperatures will feel cold throughout most of the year. The hottest season in the area is the latter part of June through the end of August and because of the pleasant weather, this is the peak tourist season during the year. Highs during this time are in the high 70s and there is little to no precipitation during this time of year.
Unfortunately, due to the limited season, this time of year can be significantly more crowded and costly to visit. If you want to travel to the area to enjoy the historic sites, and you enjoy colder temperatures, traveling in the fall months can be less expensive and make it easier to find accommodations.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Dawson Creek, BC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Dawson Creek, BC. Analyze these charts to determine the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Dawson Creek for any future trips.
What are the luxury hotel options in Dawson Creek, BC?
While there aren't many luxury accommodations in the city of Dawson Creek or the surrounding area, there are a few hotels with more upscale amenities and comforts that can enhance your stay and make your vacation complete. The Pomeroy Inn & Suites, located on Highway 2, features rooms, suites, and jacuzzi rooms, that have microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions with cable programming, and coffee and tea makers. Amenities at the hotel include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool with a waterslide, free daily breakfast, and a business center.
If you don't mind being further out from the city, Home2 Suites by Hilton, located in nearby St. John, has amenities such as free airport shuttle service and area transportation, an indoor pool, a picnic area with barbecue grill, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Rooms feature 42-inch LED televisions, laptop-compatible safes, premium bedding sofa beds, and kitchens with refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves. During your stay, you will be close to the attractions and sites in both Dawson Creek and St. John, this includes Totem Mall, North Peace Cultural Center, and Fort St. John Rotary Spray Park.
What are the low cost hotel options near Dawson Creek, BC?
For travelers who are on a tight budget, but still want to enjoy a comfortable stay close to the area's most popular spots, there are plenty of affordable, low cost hotel options in and around Dawson Creek. One affordable hotel option, located on Alaska Avenue, is the Comfort Inn. The hotel is less than a five-minute walk to the Northern Alberta Railway Park and just a few miles from Walter Wright Pioneer Village.
Rooms at the hotel offer all of the comforts of home including refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen televisions with cable programming, coffee and tea makes, and desks. The hotel also features amenities such as fitness facilities, a sauna, laundry facilities, and complimentary daily breakfast.
The George Dawson Inn, located on 8th Street, is another low cost option in the Dawson Creek area. Amenities you can enjoy during your stay include an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, pool tables, a business center, and complimentary daily breakfast. Rooms are outfitted with refrigerators, microwaves, 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable programming, and coffee and tea makers. During your stay, you will be closely located to the South Peace Community Multiplex and Dawson Creek Art Gallery.