Mile 0 Secrets: Best Photo Spots Along the Alaska Highway Start

The Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek—and so does every great road trip photo album. This post maps the best camera spots within walking distance of Mile 0, from iconic landmarks to hidden angles most tourists miss. Whether you're chasing golden hour light or need that perfect "start of the journey" shot for social media, these locations deliver.

Where Exactly Is Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway?

Mile 0 sits at the intersection of 102nd Avenue and 10th Street in downtown Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Look for the famous Alaska Highway Mile Zero post—it's a concrete monument surrounded by a small plaza, right beside the Dawson Creek Visitor Information Centre.

Here's the thing—everyone takes the standard selfie at the post. But walk twenty meters north and you'll find a weathered wooden sign marking the original 1942 highway alignment. The texture on that old cedar makes for a more interesting foreground. (Wear boots if it's rained recently—the ground stays soggy there.)

Early morning light hits the Mile 0 post from the east around 7 AM in summer. Shadows stretch long across the plaza. You'll want a wide-angle lens—or just use your phone's panorama mode.

What Are the Best Photo Spots Near Mile 0?

Within a three-block radius, five locations stand out for photographers of any skill level.

The Alaska Highway House (at 909 Alaska Avenue) displays vintage military vehicles from the highway's construction era. The red 1942 GMC truck parked outside never fails to draw cameras. That said, the best shot isn't the truck itself—it's the reflection in the building's glass entrance when you stand at a low angle.

The historic NAR Park sits two blocks south. It features an actual Northern Alberta Railways steam locomotive and caboose. Climb onto the wooden platform for elevated shots overlooking the downtown core. Worth noting: the park closes at dusk, so plan sunset shoots elsewhere.

The grain elevators along 8th Street offer that classic prairie industrial aesthetic. Prairie Wheat Growers operates the facility—you can't enter, but the public sidewalk running alongside provides unobstructed views. Winter snow piles against the corrugated metal create dramatic contrast.

Are There Any Hidden Photo Angles Most Tourists Miss?

Absolutely. Locals know about the Rotary Lake boardwalk—a ten-minute walk south of downtown through the Bear Mountain hiking trails.

The boardwalk extends over a small reservoir. At sunset, the water mirrors the sky in ways that make even smartphone shots look professional. Ducks and Canada geese often drift through the frame (bring patience, not bread—feeding wildlife isn't allowed).

Another secret spot: the back alley behind Century 21 Drive. Weathered brick walls from the 1950s create textured backdrops for portrait photography. The catch? It's technically private property, so shoot quickly and respectfully.

For aerial perspectives without a drone, hike the Bear Mountain trails—the first viewpoint is only twenty minutes up. You'll look down on Dawson Creek's grid layout with the Alaska Highway stretching north like a ribbon. The Alaska Highway itself spans 2,232 kilometers to Delta Junction, Alaska—and this is where it all begins.

Pack layers. Even July mornings can dip below ten degrees Celsius. And don't forget to charge batteries—cold weather drains them faster than you'd expect.