Q. Is the Alaska Highway paved all the way to Fairbanks?
A. Yes, the Alaska Highway is paved from Dawson Creek to Fairbanks. In the summer
there is always construction where you will have to drive on gravel, but
these are not long distances.
Q. Can we use American postage stamps to send postcards from Dawson
Creek?
A. Canadian postage is required to mail postcards to any country
from Canada. Stamps can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre
or the local post office. Postcards can be mailed at the Visitor Information
Centre, the local post office or drop boxes that are on the corner
of 102 Avenue and 10th Street.
Q. Can we take pictures in the Dawson Creek museum and the Art
Gallery?
A. Pictures and videos are allowed in the local museum.
They are also allowed in the Art Gallery, but only of the entrance
and the main foyer, not of individual artist's works.
Q. Are Dawson Creek and Dawson City the same place?
A. No.
Dawson Creek is in the province of British Columbia and is Mile
0 of the Alaska Highway.
Dawson City is in the Yukon Territory, is 300 miles north west
of Whitehorse, Yukon (which is 950 miles north of Dawson Creek, B.C)
and is on the Klondike Highway. You can get to Alaska through Dawson
City and over the Top of the World Highway.
Confusion has come about over the years because the cities' names are almost the same. They were both named after George Mercer Dawson who was a renowned surveyor that traveled to both sites in the late 1800's.
Q. How many days travel to Fairbanks?
A. If you drive 300 miles (480 kilometers per day), which is
usually about 6 hours of travel, you can get to Fairbanks from Dawson
Creek comfortably in 5 days. This schedule does not however, take into
consideration any side trips, relaxation or entertainment. When planning
your trip, keep in mind that there are many wonderful things to see
and do. Because of the vastness and of BC, the Yukon and Alaska, we
recommend at least two weeks
Q. Should I put shields on my headlights and tow car?
A. The Alaska Highway is completely paved, but in places there
is construction where you will have to drive on gravel, which
could cause rock chips. Also, there are some points along the highway
that the lanes have gravel on the roadside which can kick up when you
are traveling behind or passing a vehicle in the opposite lane.
Q. What is GST?
A. GST is a federal Canadian tax of 6% that is charged
on all goods and services in Canada. As a non-resident visitor you
can apply to have a tax refund for purchases in Canada. Forms and
information are available all Visitor Information Centres and
the front desks of most hotels and motels.
Q. Can you see the Northern Lights in Dawson Creek?
A.Yes, the Northern Lights can be seen very well in Dawson Creek
and area. A place away from city lights is best for viewing the
lights (a 10 minute drive in any direction from downtown). The
best time of year to see the lights is August through March.
It is difficult to see any of the Northern Lights in the summer
months because of the long hours of sunlight in the north.
Q. Are there services such as service stations, restaurants,
motels or campgrounds from Dawson Creek to Alaska?
A.Yes, there
are plenty of service station/restaurant stops along the highway.
There are cities with complete and numerous services on an average
of 300 miles apart all the way to Fairbanks. Brochures on services
up the highway are available at the Dawson Creek Visitor Information
Centre.
Q Can American money be used?
A. It is recommended that you carry Canadian cash throughout
British Columbia and the Yukon. However, businesses do accept
American cash for purchases, not just to exchange funds. The
exchange rate that businesses will give is usually posted. Note
here that the exchange rate is paid on U.S. bills, but not on
U.S. coin. To exchange foreign currency, it is suggested that
you go to a chartered bank as you will receive an up-dated daily
rate. If you do not wish to spend your foreign currency, most
places accept all major credit cards. In your transaction the
daily exchange will be calculated by your credit card company on your
statement.
Q. We don't understand the kilometer signs
for your highway speed limits in Canada. Can you explain your
kilometer signs? Your temperature scale?
A. The easiest way to convert from kilometers (km) to
miles is to know that 6 miles is equal to 10 km, or 6/10 of a
mile is equal to 1 kilometer. If you see a road sign that says
100 km, it means the speed limit is 60 miles per hour. In most towns
and cities, the speed limit is usually 50 km which is 30 miles per
hour. Converting temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit requires a
formula. To convert Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit temperatures:
Fahrenheit = Celsius * 9/5 + 32
For Example: 10 degrees above Celsius
=10 * 9/5 + 32
=90/5 + 32
=18 + 32
=50 degrees Fahrenheit
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