On August 26, 2006 we left Jasper early in the morning and took Highway 16 west to Prince George, British Columbia and then caught Highway 97 to Dawson Creek. It was a long day, and Elizabeth was "bone-weary" when we finally arrived that night.
Along the way, we stopped to see Mount Robson which is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Kay and I had seen it a couple of summers ago, and on this morning, it was powdered with a dusting of snow at its top. Seven to eight miles further down the road is the turn off for Rearguard Falls which is the end point of the King salmon migration. We were able to spot two or three swimming up the falls to spawn.
I was surprised to see the kings still migrating so late in the season. The falls are probably some of the goregeous I have ever seen. 
I was surprised to see that the Kings are still around so late in the summer. When we fished in Ketchikan, Alaska years ago, the King run was over by the first of July.
It takes about 5 minutes or so to reach the falls which lie at the bottom of a downhill path. And as with any "downhill" venture, one has to rise again eventually. Kay used her hiking stick to help her get back up the path. Elizabeth and I hiked back on our own power.
We went on to Prince George, British Columbia, and stopped for a couple of hours at the local casino. Elizabeth came out a few dollars ahead. Kay and I contributed to the Canadian economy. We ate at a pub called the Publik which is decorated in a Russian "Bolshevik" decor. It was an interesting place and had great fish and chips. Its cole slaw had a horseradish flair to it.
Finally we arrived at Dawson Creek which is Mile 0 of the Alaskan Highway.
The Alaskan Highway is a great two-lane highway that is well-paved and has wide shoulders. A couple of years ago when I first drove the highway, I was concerned about its conditions - a concern that I realize now was more folklore than reality. During the summer, there is ample gas (though one needs to be aware of it always). I usually fill up every chance I get - and rarely fall below half a tank. The wide shoulders allow for slower traffic to pull to the right to let others pass. And in Canada, courtesy in driving continues to be the norm and there's a shortage of "wannabe Nascar competitors." Also, there is little to no litter on the highways. . . probably due to the expensive fines that are provided for scenery polluters. In downtown Dawson Creek, the 0 mile marker is a great place for pictures.
