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For sheer spirit, no one can match the Peace
River Alaska Highway region. The area, of
course, is mot famous as the starting point of
the Alaska Highway, but there's a great deal more to
be discovered here. The scenery is
extraordinary, the history is fascinating and
the fishing - especially for great Northern Pike
and other indigenous sportfish species - is
excellent. |
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The world famous Alaska Highway.
Built in a hectic nine months during World War
II, this 2400 km highway winds through wild,
dramatic terrain. Start at Mile 0 in Dawson
Creek; along the way, you'll come upon
Fort St. John and Fort Nelson, once
remote fur trading posts. Stop at Pink Mountain,
renowned for it's abundance of wildflowers and
two species of colourful and rate butterflies.
In Stone Mountain Provincial Park, you'll
find beautiful alpine meadow trails and glacial
lakes, while in Muncho Lake Provincial Park,
Stone's sheep and moose come down to the salt
licks by the highway, so have your camera ready.
One of the unexpected sports along the highway
is Liard River Hot Springs. (Who would have
thought you'd find a steamy 43 degree celsius
hot spring north of the 56th parallel?) Hop out
of the car for a soothing soak, surrounded by
naturally growing orchids, lobelia and other
exotic flowers. |
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The power of the north.
With an abundance of great rivers and
water falls, it's hardly surprising that
the Peace River Alaska Highway region
provides one-third of British Columbia's
electricity. The source is the W.A.C.
Bennett Dam, one of the world's largest
hydro-electric projects. Drive from Fort
St. John to Hudson's hope to see the
mighty Peace River, on which the dam is
built. Beyond the dam lies vast
Williston Lake, the biggest man-made
reservoir in North America. During the
construction of the dam, many fossils,
as well as an 11,600 year old mammoth
tusk, were unearthed; see them on
display at the dam exhibit building.
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Rough and tumble attractions.
Northeastern British Columbia is also
the source of another kind of
power-coal. Tumbler |
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Ridge has sprung up like the gold rush towns a
century ago. But there's more than coal to keep
the boom booming here. The fishing in this
region is excellent, with lakes full of rainbow
trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden and other
species. Outdoor types are kept in top form by
provincial parks like Gwilim Lake and Monkman,
where the powerful Kinuseo Falls are higher than
Niagara. There are even hiking trails right near
the towns; Chetwynd's "Old Baldie", Fort St.
John's "Fish Creek", and Hudson's Hope's
"Maurice Creek" are just a few. |
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The northern sights.
Peace River Alaska Highway has an abundance of
wildlife, which means you may easily see
everything from timid deer to lumbering moose to
black bears right beside the road. (However,
please do not attempt to feed or approach them.)
An other super, natural phenomenon is the
Northern Lights, which are particularly
spectacular here because you're so far north.
For those who prefer high-tech attractions,
there's the World's Largest Tree Crusher in the
logging town of Mackenzie, the Derrick at Fort
St. John and the town of Taylor, one of the
leading industrial centres of the north. To see
a classic example of a northern pioneer town,
visit quaint Pouce Coupe. The mail was delivered
here by horse and wagon over muddy trails as
late as 1950. |
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The final frontier.
If you're one of those types who really
loves a driving adventure, consider a
trip up the Liard Highway (Hwy. 77).
This great stretch of gravel road, which
begins just west of Fort Nelson, takes
you through incredible wilderness to the
Northwest Territories. Come prepared;
there are very few provisioning stops
along the way. |
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