Fall colors- Peace River between Hudson's Hope and Fort St. John, B.C., Canada

Bridge on Peace River between Fort St. John and Hudson's Hope, B.C. Canada


Fall leaves in Peace River valley between Fort St. John and Hudson's Hope, B.C., Canada

The 88 km (54 mi) drive on Hwy 29 between Fort St. John and Hudson's Hope the end of September was magnificent. I couldn't take enough pictures. I would share all of them with you but there are far too many but each one of them is a beautiful sight. My first picture taking trip on this stretch of road was with Keith on his day off. It was an overcast day so the views were not as spectacular as I'd hoped, although that didn't stop me from taking lots of pictures, but we enjoyed the peaceful country drive along the Peace River and stopped to watch some of the wildlife.

I took another trip a few days later with the bluest sky bringing the color out like a master painter had been busy with his brush. We saw deer, of which there are many, quietly munching away on their lunch, not minding my picture taking as long as I kept my distance. The beaver was busy working but headed home when he saw us watching, waddling down the trail ahead of us. A bald headed eagle patiently sat on a roadside fencepost while I quietly stopped the car and took his picture before he soared away into the blue sky. This is bear country so one must be aware that they could be around and so one must take the necessary precautions. I did not wander off the road very far but also had our dog, Storm with me and trusted his presence would discourage a visit from the local bears.

Peace River valley at Taylor, B.C.

As you head NW on Hwy 97 out of Dawson Creek, B.C., which is also Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, you will see hills of green and yellow on a beautiful summer day. Fields of yellow canola can be seen all through the area as it is a common crop. The roads are good and have plenty of passing lanes on the drive between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, a distance of 73km (45mi). As evening nears, it is wise to be even more aware of the possibilities of wildlife being on the road, be it bears, deer or moose as this is the time they seem more likely to be crossing the roads.

About 15km (9mi) before you reach Fort St. John, you will crest over the hill and see a view of the incredible Peace River valley (see picture above) at Taylor, B.C. I have stopped several times to enjoy the view. Note the yellow fields on the plateau across the river. From here you drive down into the valley to cross the bridge as you approach Taylor, a small community with great sports facilities. The Fairway RV Park is right next to the highway as you pass through Taylor if you want to spend the night here.