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History
Located on the banks of the mighty & majestic Peace River 56-kilometres (35 miles) north of Dawson Creek, Taylor has long been touted as the community where "Peace & Prosperity Meet".
Alexander Mackenzie traveled through this area in 1793 in search of the Northwest Passage. Mackenzie noted in 1793 the soil here was black and light. It turned out to be some of the finest soil in the Peace country and attracted early homesteaders.
In 1912, Herbie Taylor settled in this area. He was a fur trader, trapper, farmer, and ferryman. Herbie was the first to put up a sign reading "Taylor Flats", the unofficial name of the area for years. In 1923, the post office was opened at Taylor's farm, and the community was officially named Taylor. In 1957, Canada's first natural gas pipeline was constructed from Taylor to the United States border by Westcoast Transmissions Gas Line (now Spectra Energy Transmission). In 1958 Taylor was incorporated as the District of Taylor; 2008 will mark Taylor's fiftieth birthday, and celebrations of this momentous event will take place throughout the year.
Residents and tourists alike are attracted to Taylor because of the small-town atmosphere, the family-first attitude, and the high standard of local government programs and services. Taylor is the fastest growing city in the North Peace Region, and continues to establish itself as a community that values endeavours, affordable living, and unrivalled amenities for residents and visitors alike. Unprecedented for a community of 1400, Taylor boasts some of the regions most popular recreation & leisure amenities.
Location
Taylor is located in northeastern British Columbia on mile 36 of the Alaskan Highway. The town sits on a plateau 60 metres above the north bank of the Peace River and covers an area of about 17 km². Fort St. John is located to the north, and Dawson Creek is to the south.
Places to See
- Peace Island Park
The park has over 100 campsites (including a drive-thru with electrical hookups), a children's playground, a boat launch, walking trails, a picnic area, horseshoe pits, and plenty of open area for recreation. Reservations are recommended - call 250-789-9295.
- Lone Wolf Golf Club
An 18-hole, par 72, 7141 yard championship course which is open to the public from mid-April to late September. There are driving and practice ranges, CPGA professional lessons, cart and club rentals, a full-service Pro shop, a clubhouse, and a restaurant.
The world's largest golf ball can also be found here. Once an old fuel tank, the ball is 12.89 metres in diameter and weighs 37 tonnes. Legend has it that whoever can hit a hole-in-one with this ball will become the world's greatest golfer - or the world's strongest man. For more information, call 250-789-3711.
- Taylor Visitor Information Centre
Ranked in the Top 3 by Tourism British Columbia in 2007, Taylor's Information Centre is a must-see destination during your travels along the Alaska Highway. Aside from the beautiful gardens, the picnic area, and washrooms, Travel Counselors Juanita and Rita will greet you with their winning smiles and assist you with any of your travel needs. The centre is open from May to September. Call 250-789-9015 or e-mail infocentre@districtoftaylor.com.
- Taylor's Recreational Facilities
The Ice Center is a full-size arena with an adjoining leisure ice pad. Come visit the curling club, the pool, or the community hall. For more information, call 250-789-3333, ext. 22.
- Market Gardens
Located in South Taylor, the market gardens are well known for the quality of their produce.
Things to Do
- Cross-Country Skiing / Snowshoeing
For the winter recreation lover, Peace Island Park has a series of cross country/snowshoe trails. Users should be well-dressed for winter weather (including sudden changes) and exercise backcountry safety measures. Call 789-3333, ext 22 for further information.
- 3.5-Kilometre Participation Trail
Take a mostly-level walk around the perimeter of Lone Wolf Golf course and enjoy the sites of the golf course and the open landscape of the Peace Region.
- Explore the Peace Island Park Trail System
These newly developed trails are just the latest addition to Peace Island Park. Winding through lush forest and along the banks of the mighty and majestic Peace River, the trails are a great place to go for an adventure or to just relax and enjoy Mother Nature.
The trail system is for non-motorized activities such as walking, running and mountain biking. Groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, these trails are fun for everyone year-round. Check out the Taylor Sled Dog Races in January as mushers race their teams of dogs through the groomed trails.
One can see deer, moose, and even the occasional black bear while on the trails due to their proximity to the Peace River and the hills. While the trails provide a perfect setting for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the trees in the area are a spectacular sight to see as well.
- Take A Dam Tour and See Some Dam Dinosaurs
Take a one-day tour through the breathtaking Peace River Valley to one of the world's largest landfill dams, the W.A.C, Bennett Dam at Hudson's Hope. Munch a picnic lunch at Dinosaur Lake and tour dinosaur displays at the Peace Canyon Dam. For tour schedules and facility information, call 1-888-333-6667.
Events
- World's Invitational Gold Panning Championships
The fun-filled weekend kicks off with a parade through Taylor, and then continues at Peace Island Park with gold panning demonstrations and competitions, claimstaking, metal detecting, bannock backing, an arts and crafts fair, children's activities, a Saturday night barbeque, and a Sunday pancake breakfast. While the weekend is structured to include even beginners, the Class A Gold Panners are certainly the crowd's favorite when they get their pans washing and water flying! Concessions are open all weekend. Held every August. For information, call 250-789-3333, ext. 22.
- Taylor Sled Dog Races
The Taylor Sled Dog Races are not just a showcase of the top racers from around the world, they also provide opportunities for everyone in the family to experience the thrills of sled dog racing. Racers and their dogs alike are keen to speak (the dogs do more barking than talking) with spectators and share their love for sled dog racing and the joy it brings them. This event is most unique, in that it truly showcases a sport native to Taylor's northern climate, spirit, and way of life.
Contact Information
District of Taylor
District Administrative Office
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
10007 - 100th A Street
Office: 250-789-3392
Fax: 250-789-3543
Website: www.districtoftaylor.com
Taylor Visitor Info Centre
Open May to September
Telephone: 250-789-9015
E-mail: infocentre@districtoftaylor.com
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