Welcome to the City of Dawson Creek website. Dawson Creek is located in northeast British Columbia, close to the Alberta border. It is the centre of what is known as the Peace River Area which extends across both provinces. We are proudly the only City in the world that is located at Mile '0' of the Alaska Highway.
In 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour forcing the American and Canadian governments to re-evaluate their security. As one part of the wartime measures, 1,500 miles of road needed to be built. Once a quiet village serving the townspeople and the agricultural community of the time, Dawson Creek burst into life in March 1942 as thousands of American soldiers and workers from private construction companies came to this area to work on constructing what was to become the famed Alaska Highway.
The Village was reincorporated as a City in 1958 as the population had more than tripled between 1951 and 1961. For over fifty years, the famed Alaska Highway has been a significant draw for visitors and residents alike. Building the Alaska Highway is an epic tale that involves mystery, romance and intrigue. For a more complete history of the Peace River Region check out our local history site at www.calverley.ca or visit our Alaska Highway House located downtown across from the Mile ‘0’ Post.
The City’s greatest resource in a land rich with agricultural land, oil, gas, history, and culture, continues to be the people. With an expanding population of 12,500 serving a trading population of 55,000, Dawson Creek has maintained its pioneering/entrepreneurial spirit. The cooperative attitude is reflected in business, community events, and projects.
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