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Dawson city visitor information centre.

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Dawson City

dawson city tourism office

  • 1.1 History
  • 1.2 Climate
  • 1.3 Visitor information
  • 2.2.1 Airport
  • 2.2.2 Airline
  • 3 Get around

dawson city tourism office

Dawson City is a historical town of 2,270 people (2021) in Yukon . It invites visitors to celebrate its heritage as a late 19th-century gold rush town, with frontier buildings and boardwalks, saloons, and a vintage sternwheeler.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

In prehistoric times the area was used for agriculture by the Hän-speaking people of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and their forebears. The heart of their homeland was Tr'ochëk, a fishing camp at the confluence of the Klondike River and Yukon River, now a National Historic Site of Canada, just across the Klondike River from modern Dawson City. This site was also an important summer gathering spot and a base for moose-hunting on the Klondike Valley.

The current settlement was founded by Joseph Ladue and named in January 1897 after noted Canadian geologist George M. Dawson, who had explored and mapped the region in 1887. It served as Yukon's capital from the territory's founding in 1898 until 1952, when the seat was moved to Whitehorse.

Dawson City and port of entry Skagway in Alaska were the centre of the Klondike Gold Rush. It began in 1896 and changed the First Nations camp into a thriving city of 40,000 by 1898. By 1899, the gold rush had ended and the town's population plummeted as all but 8,000 people left. When Dawson was incorporated as a city in 1902, the population was under 5,000. St. Paul's Anglican Church was built that year, and is a national historic site.

The population dropped after World War II when the Alaska Highway bypassed it 480 km to the south. The economic damage to Dawson City was such that Whitehorse, the highway's hub, replaced it as territorial capital in 1953. Dawson City's population languished around the 600–900 mark through the 1960s and 1970s, but has risen and held stable since then. The high price of gold has made modern placer mining operations profitable, and the growth of the tourism industry has encouraged development of facilities. In the early 1950s, Dawson was linked by road to Alaska, and in fall 1955, with Whitehorse along a road that now forms part of the Klondike Highway.

The City of Dawson and the nearby ghost town of Forty Mile (together with Skagway) are featured prominently in the novels and short stories of American author Jack London, including The Call of the Wild . London lived in the Dawson area from October 1897 to June 1898. Other writers who lived in and wrote of Dawson City include Pierre Berton and the poet Robert Service.

Climate [ edit ]

Dawson City has a subarctic climate. The average temperature in July is 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) and in January is −26.0 °C (−14.8 °F). It experiences a wide range of temperatures surpassing 30 °C (86 °F) in most summers and dropping below −40 °C (−40 °F) in winter.

Visitor information [ edit ]

  • 64.064 -139.43277 1 Dawson City Visitor Information Centre , 1102 Klondike Hwy , ☏ +1 867 993-5566 . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Get in [ edit ]

dawson city tourism office

By car [ edit ]

Dawson City is accessible by Highway 9 (Top of the World Highway), if you are travelling east out of Alaska .

Dawson City can also be reached on Highway 2 (Klondike Highway), if you are travelling north from Whitehorse . About 40 km east Dawson City on Highway 2 it intersects with the south terminus of Highway 5. Highway 5, named Highway 8 in Northwest Territories , connects with Inuvik , and make up the Dempster Highway .

By plane [ edit ]

Airport [ edit ].

Dawson City has a small airport for scheduled and chartered flights.

Airline [ edit ]

  • Air North , toll-free: +1-800-661-0407 . A regional airline operating flights within the Yukon and flights in Canada travelling to the Yukon. ( updated Apr 2022 ) Scheduled flights to Dawson City from Old Crow, Inuvik (1.25 hours), and Whitehorse ( .25 hours).

By bus [ edit ]

  • Husky Bus , ☏ +1 867 993-3821 , [email protected] . Offers seasonal bus service from June to September between Dawson City and Whitehorse with stops along the way including in Carmacks . Travel time in each direction is 7 hours. ( updated Jun 2023 )

Get around [ edit ]

Map

  • Great White North Taxi , ☏ +1 867 730-2227 . ( updated Jul 2019 )

See [ edit ]

In 2023 the site Tr’ondëk-Klondike was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List . It's composed of eight sites, one of which is in the Tombstone Territorial Park and the other seven in and near Dawson City: Dawson City as well as the Native American settlement of Tr’ochëk slightly to the south, Jëjik Dhä Dënezhu Kek’it (Moosehide Village) and Fort Reliance a bit downstream on the right bank of Yukon River, and much further downstream (maybe 70 km as the crow flies), close to each other, the forts Cudahy and Constantine and the Native American sites of Ch’ëdähdëk (Forty Mile) and Ch’ëdähdëk Tth’än K’et (Dënezhu Graveyard).

  • 64.0626 -139.43078 1 Historic Klondike Gold Rush Town . Preserved frontier buildings and boardwalks, saloons, and a vintage sternwheeler recall the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush days. You can visit the goldfields, the Commissioner’s residence, and a famous poet’s historic log cabin.  

dawson city tourism office

  • 64.0645 -139.433 3 Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre , 1131 Front Street , ☏ +1 867-993-7100 x500 , [email protected] . Mid-June to end of August: W-F and Sa in Jul-Aug . Discover the history and culture of the first people of the Klondike, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. Adult or senior $10, youth (13-18) $3.15, child 12 and under free . ( updated Jun 2022 )
  • 64.06091 -139.4351 4 ODD Gallery , 902 Second Ave . Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa noon-4PM . Contemporary visual arts. ( updated Jun 2022 )
  • 64.06578 -139.4299 5 Dawson City Fire Fighters Museum , 1336 Front St , ☏ +1 867 993-7407 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-5PM in summer . Historical fire trucks and firefighting equipment from the Gold Rush era to present. Admission by donation . ( updated Jun 2022 )
  • 64.0553 -139.4326 6 Jack London Museum and Cabin , 600 Firth St ( 8th Ave and Firth St ). May-Sep: M-Sa 1PM-4PM . The celebrated novelist joined the Klondike Gold Rush. His time in Dawson City inspired him to write novels on adventures in the wilderness. Interpretive talk starts at 2PM daily. Admission by donation . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

  • Parks Canada Walking Tours . From late May to the beginning of September, Parks Canada offers 1 to 1½-hour guided walking tours of the historic town, Dredge No.4, the S.S. Keno, and the Palace Grand Theatre. These tours provide access to buildings that are not open to the public such as the past office and the Red Feather Saloon. There is also an escape room experience ($76.75). Tickets are available at at the Visitor Information Centre (corner of Front and King Streets) $6.75 per person, $15 for Sledge No. 4 . ( updated Jun 2022 )
  • 64.08435 -139.4421 2 Paddle Boat Graveyard . Old paddle boats that plied the Yukon are drydocked, after a fashion, down the Yukon River opposite the town. To reach this you must take the free ferry across the river and walk through the government camping area along the river. Where the camping area ends, get out onto the river's shore and walk maybe 200 m further. These are dilapidated tetanus traps but it's fascinating to crawl around in and on them.  
  • Cemeteries . The towns has a great variety of cemeteries, including Jewish, Masonic, RCMP, and others. They are a reminder of the town's colourful past. They are just a short drive up Crocus Bluff and halfway up the shoulder of the Midnight Dome mountain that looms over the town.  
  • Gold Bottom Mine Tours , Front St. beside the Trading Post , ☏ +1 867 993-5023 . 9:15AM, 1:30PM . An experiential tour of an operating placer gold mine in Dawson City Yukon. See placer mining up close and personal, learn some Klondike 98 mining history and do some creek gold panning, with the opportunity to take home anything you find. $40 .  

Buy [ edit ]

  • 64.062 -139.4357 1 Dawson Trading Post ( The Trading Post ), 966 Front Street , ☏ +1 867-993-5316 . Amazing examples of Tr'ondek Hwech'in products. Beaded vests, fur mittens and the like. The shop also has all the things you might need to make a journey out onto the land with more amenities.  

Eat [ edit ]

  • 64.0615 -139.4345 1 Drunken Goat Taverna , 950 Second Ave , ☏ +1 867 993-5868 . Great Greek food.  
  • Klondike Kates . Fantastic soups, sandwiches and local ingredients.  
  • Aurora Inn . Bison carpaccio and fireweed honey duck breast.  

Drink [ edit ]

  • 64.061 -139.4338 2 The Pit , 975 Third Avenue ( In the Westminster Hotel ), ☏ +1 867 993-5339 . 9AM-11PM . For some local colour try the beer parlour at the Westminster Hotel or "the pit" (the dodgy-looking pink building on 3rd Ave) where gold mining fortunes and welfare cheques are cheerfully exchanged for $2 sleeves of draught beer almost any time of any day. Good local live music in the lounge next door at the pit on some nights.  

Sleep [ edit ]

  • 64.06842 -139.43883 1 Dawson City River Hostel , Take ferry from Dawson City to the west side of the river , ☏ +1 867 993-6823 , [email protected] . Seasonal monthly tenting available. Bike and canoe rentals and van tours by demand. Owner is author of the "Yukon Travel Adventure Guide" and "The Saga of the Sourtoe". Dorms from $20 (members), $22 (non-members), private rooms $48. Tenting fees are: $14 one person one tent and $10 per person if more than one per tent . ( updated Jun 2022 )
  • 64.06078 -139.4355 2 Bombay Peggy's , 2nd Avenue and Princess Street , ☏ +1 867 993-6969 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Rooms with en-suite and shared bathrooms. From $99/105 low/high season . ( updated Jun 2022 )
  • 64.06087 -139.43607 3 The Dawson City Bunkhouse , 2nd Avenue and Princess Street , ☏ +1 867 993-6164 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Rooms with en suite or shared bathrooms. From $89 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • 64.0582 -139.4334 4 Aurora Inn , ☏ +1 867 993-6860 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2020 )
  • 64.0631 -139.4298 5 Klondike Kate , 331 King St , ☏ +1 867 993-6527 , [email protected] . Cabins. $220 . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Go next [ edit ]

  • Drive south for 18 km to Bonanza Creek. This is the place where prospectors found the first piece of gold that kick started the Klondike gold rush. You will also pass through Dredge No. 4, a national historic site, along the way.
  • Tombstone Territorial Park is home to some of the territory's most beautiful mountains.

dawson city tourism office

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Things to Do in Dawson City, Canada - Dawson City Attractions

Things to do in dawson city.

  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Kids
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Couples
  • Hidden Gems
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

dawson city tourism office

1. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre

sandyg995

2. Dawson City Museum

JenniferandAlan

3. Tombstone Territorial Park

thankunextbeach

4. Midnight Dome

369leel

5. George Black Ferry

lindan468

6. Dredge No. 4

abarker02

7. Robert Service Cabin

carlim99

8. Midnight Dome

LastMango

9. Palace Grand Theatre

dawson city tourism office

10. Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

dawson city tourism office

11. Bonanza Creek

dawson city tourism office

12. Klondike National Historic Site

dawson city tourism office

13. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall

trudyt375

14. NWT Dempster Highway Visitor Centre

Canadaawesome2019

15. S.S. Keno National Historic Site

nomorebake

16. Free Claim # 6

DiveDude69

17. Jack London Museum

dawson city tourism office

18. Dawson Firefighter Museum

wigsy

19. 9th Avenue Trail

Frenchie_Cub

20. Paddlewheel Graveyard

dirks786

21. Commissioner's Residence

MariannaCND

22. St Pauls Church

operalover939

23. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

24. odd gallery.

JJToron2

25. Sourdough Saloon

markkI2368ZD

26. Bombay Peggy's Pub

GM8868

27. Peabody's Photo Parlour

dawson city tourism office

28. The Westminster Hotel

jewels299

29. Gold Trail Jewellers

GlobetrotterMikeFL

30. Maximilian's Gold Rush Emporium

What travelers are saying.

northernlightstraveller

  • Tombstone Territorial Park
  • George Black Ferry
  • Dredge No. 4
  • Dawson City Visitor Information Centre
  • Dawson City Museum

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Dawson City

Things to do in dawson city.

  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Kids
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Couples
  • Hidden Gems
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

dawson city tourism office

1. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre

sandyg995

2. Dawson City Museum

JenniferandAlan

3. Tombstone Territorial Park

thankunextbeach

4. Midnight Dome

369leel

5. George Black Ferry

lindan468

6. Dredge No. 4

abarker02

7. Robert Service Cabin

carlim99

8. Midnight Dome

LastMango

9. Palace Grand Theatre

dawson city tourism office

10. Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

dawson city tourism office

11. Bonanza Creek

dawson city tourism office

12. Klondike National Historic Site

dawson city tourism office

13. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall

trudyt375

14. NWT Dempster Highway Visitor Centre

Canadaawesome2019

15. S.S. Keno National Historic Site

nomorebake

16. Free Claim # 6

DiveDude69

17. Jack London Museum

dawson city tourism office

18. Dawson Firefighter Museum

wigsy

19. 9th Avenue Trail

Frenchie_Cub

20. Paddlewheel Graveyard

dirks786

21. Commissioner's Residence

MariannaCND

22. St Pauls Church

operalover939

23. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

24. odd gallery.

JJToron2

25. Sourdough Saloon

markkI2368ZD

26. Bombay Peggy's Pub

GM8868

27. Peabody's Photo Parlour

dawson city tourism office

28. The Westminster Hotel

jewels299

29. Gold Trail Jewellers

GlobetrotterMikeFL

30. Maximilian's Gold Rush Emporium

What travellers are saying.

northernlightstraveller

  • Tombstone Territorial Park
  • George Black Ferry
  • Dredge No. 4
  • Dawson City Visitor Information Centre
  • Dawson City Museum

17 Unique Things to do in Dawson City, Yukon

Last Updated on March 7, 2024

Dawson City is one of my absolute favorite towns in the entire world . I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, when I lived in Skagway and when I lived in Fairbanks . I’ve also had the chance to visit since then while updating the Milepost. Dawson is in Canada’s stunning Yukon Territory north of British Columbia and east of Alaska.

Combine the location with extensive history and culture and friendly locals and lots of quirky and unique things to do, it’s impossible not to love Dawson City. It is well set up for visitors, but doesn’t feel crowded. There are so many interesting things to do in Dawson City , from learning about the Klondike Gold Rush to exploring First Nations Culture to hiking the wild beauty of Tombstone Territorial Park.

Dawson City isn’t easy to get to, it’s a long day’s drive from Fairbanks and a slightly shorter, but still long way from Whitehorse. For travelers who like to get off the beaten path, Dawson City is an ideal place to add to your Yukon or Alaska itinerary.

This area has long been and still is home to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nations people. After the discovery of gold along Bonanza Creek in 1896, Dawson exploded to become the largest city north of Seattle with 30-50,000 people by 1898. In addition to prospective miners, Dawson was filled with high end entertainment and services for those joining in the gold rush. Today Dawson is home to less than 2000 people and tons of adventure and history. It’s a small community far away from major airports and it is absolutely worth the effort to get to this unique and unforgettable town.

  • How to Get to Dawson City

How many days do you need to visit Dawson City?

  • Explore Historic Downtown Dawso n

Learn about First Nations Culture at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

  • Join the SourToe Cocktail Club

Ride the George Black Ferry

  • Explore the Paddlewheeler Graveyard
  • Check out a restored Paddlewheeler
  • Visit Author’s Row and the Jack London Museum

Catch a show at the Palace Grand Theatre

  • Try your luck at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall

Try Gold Panning

  • Dive into Klondike Gold Rush History at Gold Dredge #4 and the Discovery Claim on Bonanza Creek
  • Hike or Drive to big views on Midnight Dome
  • Paddle the Yukon River

Drive Top of the World Highway

  • Take a Hike or Scenic Drive to Tombstone Territorial Park

Chase the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun

  • Dawson City’s Unique Community Festivals

How to get to Dawson City

Dawson City is in the remote northern part of Canada’s Yukon Territory , and it’s not easy to get to! This is part of what makes it such a fun place to visit and it’s absolutely worth the effort to get there.

map of alaska and western canada showing the location of Dawson City

Note: Dawson City is NOT the same place as Dawson Creek, British Columbia , the official start of the Alaska Highway.

How to get to Dawson City by Air

To get to Dawson City by Air, you can fly from Whitehorse , the largest town in the Yukon. Whitehorse has multiple flights a day from Vancouver as well as other Canadian cities.

How to Drive to Dawson City from Whitehorse or Alaska

Driving from whitehorse to dawson city on the klondike highway.

This scenic 330 mile/530 kilometer drive takes about 6 hours in good weather. The road is in good condition, though there are very few services and limited cell phone service. In the summer months, scheduled bus transportation is available between Whitehorse and Dawson City. The Klondike Highway is open all year.

Driving to Dawson City from Alaska over Top of the World Highway

dawson city tourism office

Top of the World Highway is one of the most stunning stretches of road I’ve been on. The remoteness and the scenery are incredible, especially in fall which is early September here.

The road is partially gravel and partially paved , with many steep drop offs without guardrails. Take it super slow (plan on it taking AT LEAST 5 hours to go from Tok to Dawson) and watch out for the dropoffs! You won’t want to hurry on this road anyway, it’s so incredibly beautiful.

There are no services between Tok, Alaska and Dawson except in Chicken (yes, there’s a town in Alaska called Chicken). Chicken is 108 miles from Dawson and Tok is 175 miles from Dawson. The total driving distance from Fairbanks to Dawson is about 400 miles and the total driving distance from Anchorage to Dawson is about 500 miles. Top of the World Highway closes in winter. There is very little cell service along this route.

There are two other important things to note if you are driving from Alaska on Top of the World Highway:

  • The border crossing between Alaska and the Yukon closes at night . The last time I was there, the border closed at 8pm Alaska time/9pm Yukon time. If you miss the border opening you’ll have to wait at the border until the next day. The border crossing is not open as early or late as the road is so it’s important to check on the current dates for the border season. There is a one hour time change between Alaska and Canada at the border.
  • Top of the World Highway ends on the west side of the Yukon River, directly across from Dawson City. There is a free ferry called the George Black ferry which takes cars and people across the river from mid May through sometime in October. The exact timing depends on when the river is free of ice and when it starts to freeze up again in the fall. The ferry crossing is short (less than 10 minutes) but you may need to wait a bit before you can cross.

I recommend spending two nights in Dawson City, giving yourself a full day to explore. If you can make it three nights, you’ll have two full days in town, giving you plenty of opportunity to see everything the town has to offer as well as fit in a hike or a tour on the river. This will also give you time to get out to the Discovery Claim and Gold Dredge #4.

If you only have one day, you’ll still have time to take in the town and get out to the Discovery Claim, but it will be a busy day and you’ll have to make some choices about what to see.

Explore Historic Downtown Dawson City

A wooden historic building with windows and a sign that says Maxmillian's Gold Rush Emporium

Walking around historic downtown Dawson City is a great way to get started and get a feel for where you are. Pop into the Visitor Information Center to get the latest happenings around town and get all of your questions answered. This is a good place to get information on any tours you might want to book during your stay. You can also find maps and a ton of informaton. Get tickets here for the Klondike National Historic Site walking tours , a great way to get oriented and catch up on gold rush history!

Parks Canada also offers an interpretive tour of the restored Palace Grand Theatre.

The Dawson City Museum is another great place to learn about the natural and cultural history of this part of the Yukon.

You can further explore the historic buildings from the wooden boardwalks, checking out shops and restaurants and more!

My favorite shop in Dawson is Maxmillien’s Gold Rush Emporium. Maxmillien’s is an amazing independent bookstore with an impressive selection of maps . One of the many fun shops in historic downtown Dawson, you can also find gifts from the Yukon and souvenirs to remember your trip.

In addition to the perfectly restored historic buildings, some have been left as they were and you can see what happens to old buildings build on frozen ground! They start to sink or tilt when some of that frozen ground melts.

Several empty historic wooden buidings leaning over

Long before the Klondike Gold Rush made Dawson City famous around the world, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nations people lived and thrived here for generations. Today, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people are self governing and continue to steward the land and culture for modern people and those in the future.

At the Cultural Centre, you can see exhibits and learn about the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people’s language, stories and culture from the people who have stewarded this land for generations.

Join the Sourtoe Cocktail Club – or enjoy a less gross cocktail

The Sourtoe Cocktail is a world famous activity at the Sourdough Saloon (worth a visit even if you don’t want to become a member of the club). The Sourdough Saloon is in the Downtown Hotel and offers food and drinks in a fun historic setting.

Becoming a member of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club (I’m a member!) involves taking an oath, taking a shot which has a preserved human toe in it which you have to touch your mouth to (ack! I know!) and then getting a certificate. I know it sounds gross, and it is, but it’s the kind of fun and quirky thing you can totally do if you get caught up in the moment.

Another bar with lots of local flavor and great live music is the Westminster Hotel, known as the Pit . Another quirky bar to add to your experience in Dawson City!

cars going onto a small river ferry with room for about six cars across the yukon river in dawson city

Even if you’re not driving Top of the World Highway, I highly recommend a quick ferry ride across the Yukon River on the George Black ferry. This is a really unique experience and if you don’t have a car you can just walk on. The ferry runs 24 hours a day in summer and it’s free.

Explore wrecked boats in the Paddle Wheeler Graveyard

A unique thing to do in dawson city is visit the paddle wheeler graveyard, a collection of crushed old ships damaged by the river. A pile of crumpled wood takes up the photo, an old pilot house partially collapsed can be seen at the top of the pile

The Paddlewheeler Graveyard is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Dawson City because it’s so unique and unusual . For 50 years starting at the time of the Klondike Gold Rush at the turn of the last century, paddlewheelers where the primary way that people and cargo got around in the Yukon. Hundreds of these boats traveled the Yukon River as well as along the Pacific Northwest Coast.

As airplanes and roads replaced them, many were tied up next to the river across from town. Over time the river and especially the breakup of the river in the spring smashed them until they are now warped wreckages of their former glory. You can walk around (be careful!) and explore a very different time in the world of transportation.

To get there, you’ll need to take the George Black ferry across the river (if you are driving Top of the World Highway you can check it out as you arrive or leave since you’ll already be taking the ferry). Once on the west side of the Yukon River (opposite town) go through the campground to the far side and then go a little further either through the brush (make noise and pay attention in case of bears) or beach (if the water level permits) and then you’ll see it!

Visit the Restored Paddle Wheeler SS Keno

A restored paddlewheeler that is now a museum in Dawson city

Before or after you check out the Paddlewheeler graveyard, check out the SS Keno National Historic Site , operated by Parks Canada. From the 1920s until the 1950s, the Keno supplied the mining activity along the Stewart River in the Yukon. When roads replaced the sternwheelers, she was dry docked in Whitehorse and then later restored and brought to Dawson City. Today you can see the Keno on Front Street along Dawson’s waterfront.

Jack London Museum and Author’s Row

A small log cabin leaning slightly surrounded by a small grass yard and a forest.

Along 8th Street on the edge of town, is what is known as “Authors Row”, a collection of cabins inhabited by well known authors of the past. Jack London spent a winter here and you can see what life was like in a cabin in the winter. Spoiler alert – Jack London did not love it.

You can also see the Robert Service cabin and memorize some of his well known poetry about the north.

The Pierre Berton cottage is now a place for Canadian authors in residence who can stay for a time to work on their writing. Pick up one of Pierre Berton’s excellent history books about the Klondike if you’d like to read more about the gold rush!

The historic Palace Theatre in Dawson City. It is a wooden Victorian building with cream trim.

When the original building was built in 1899, the Palace Grand Theatre was an opera house every bit as beautiful and well equipped as anything in San Francisco or a big European City, giving it the name “Paris of the North”.

An exact replica (with modern safety features), was built in 1962 and today you can catch a show in the summer in this beautiful building. Ask at the visitor centre for the current schedule and offerings.

Try your luck at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s – Canada’s Oldest Casino

The exterior of a historic wooden building. It is painted white with green trim and has a sign saying Diamon Tooth Gerties gambling hall

Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, Canada’s oldest casino, has casino games as well as Cancan shows and is a fun way to step back in time! Operating since 1971, the building itself was built in 1901 and renovated to take guests back to gold rush days. They also have a full bar with local beer and a long list of Klondike themed cocktails.

Gold put Dawson City on the map, so there’s no better place to try your hand at gold panning! At Claim 33, you can learn how to gold pan and use their supplies to try it out, along with a small museum and gift shop.

If you want to strike out on your own , you can head to Free Claim #6, near where the original Klondike claim was. Here you can pan for gold to your heart’s content but you’ll need to bring your own gold pan (buy one in downtown Dawson).

Experience the Klondike Gold Rush at Gold Dredge #4 and the Discovery Claim

A gold dredge with trees behind it. The dredge is four stories high and made of wood painted gray. There. is a large bucket line coming out of one end.

If you really want to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, do not miss driving out Bonanza Creek to the Discovery Claim and Gold Dredge #4.

As you drive about 20 minutes outside of Dawson, you’ll see the impact over a century of gold minging has had on this valley. From the Discovery Claim in 1896, where miners used gold pans to look for specks of gold in Bonanza Creek, to the enormous dredges of the mid 20th century, to today’s mining equipment, you’ll really get a feel for gold fever through time. Gold continues to be a major part of the economy in Dawson City.

The Dredge and Discovery Claim are Parks Canada National Historic Sites. Book a tour in town at the visitor centre before you head out and learn all the ins and outs of gold placer mining.

The Discovery Claim has an interpretive sign about the first gold found here, but what I really love about this spot is how beautiful and reflective it is.

A birch forest with a narrow dirt walking path going through the trees

Paddle or walk the Yukon River

For the adventurous, book a tour to canoe or raft the Yukon or Klondike Rivers for a few days! Experience the Yukon as humans have for centuries. You can start or end in Dawson and design your own adventure or join one already happening.

If that sounds like too much, spend some time walking along the trail along the river. You don’t want to miss spending some time with this epic North American River. The path is gravel, wide and flat though there are stairs in places to get up to it.

Low bushes in front of a river with hills and forest in the background

If you have a car that can go on gravel roads and a bit of extra time, I highly recommend driving Top of the World Highway. Even if you are not planning to drive to Alaska, the views along this highway are stunning and you do indeed feel like you’re on top of the world!

Hike or Drive to the Incredible View at Midnight Dome

A woman smiling and waving in the driver seat of a pickup truck with a camper on it at midnight dome with the Yukon River below and in the background near Dawson City.

Expansive views of Dawson City as well as the surrounding landscape and the mighty Yukon River abound at the summit of Midnight Dome.

To drive to the top of Midnight Dome , follow appropriately named Dome Road out of town. It winds up and takes you straight there in about 15 minutes.

If you prefer to hike it , grab a map at the visitor centre downtown and ask about the different route options. Starting from downtown, you’ll climb about 2000 feet (600 meters) in about 5 miles round trip.

Take a Hike or drive to Tombstone Territorial Park

a shrubby valley with a few trees and a river valley and distant mountains shrouded in fog

An hour and a half from Dawson City, Tombstone Territorial Park is an outdoor lovers paradise. A possible day trip or multi day camping trip from Dawson, start your adventure at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre. The Centre is open late May through September and has wheelchair accessible toilets. There is also a short nature trail here that is wheelchair accessible.

Tombstone is a remote park with no services and no cell phone service, north of Dawson City on the gravel Dempster Highway . Make sure you have food and water and all your supplies for your trip including a good spare tire and tire changing equipment.

The Interpretive Centre has maps and information about camping, backpacking and hiking trails. In addition to rugged and beautiful scenery, Tombstone is an excellent place to see wildlife. Make sure to check on the latest bear activity and any areas that may be closed for wildlife activity. Follow all guidance from park staff and information boards about bear safety while visiting.

Driving from Dawson City to Tombstone Territorial park is stunning by itself, so those who are not hikers can still enjoy the drive and the Interpretive Centre. You’ve come this far, whey not a bit farther to see some of the most stunning scenery in the Yukon!

Depending on the time of year, Dawson City is an ideal place to experience the unique wonders of the Far North. In winter (September through March), keep your yees on the sky to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.

From April through August, enjoy long evenings, no darkness and see. theMidnight Sun from Midnight Dome (a long standing local tradition).

Join in a Local Festival

A quirky thing to do in Dawson City is the annual outhouse race. Here four outhouses decorated and on wheels line up at the start on a gravel street in town

Dawson has a ton of local festivals and events that are worth planning a trip around! Visiting for an event will add to your experience and give you an even more intimate feel for the people of Dawson City. Some of the festivals during the summer months include:

  • Indigenous People’s Day – Hän singing, storytelling and celebration are part of this annual celebration in June
  • Dawson City Music Festival – live music all around town for this weekend in July
  • Discovery Days – a parade, mud bog races and more to celebrate the Klondike gold rush every year in August
  • Klondike International Outhouse Race – form a team of four and decorate your “outhouse” and get your team in costume for a fun run (carrying the outhouse). Even if you’re just watching, it’s hilarious! The “outhouse” can be reserved and it’s basically a metal box on wheels that resembles an outhouse with metal poles for the runners to carry it. Your team provides the decorations!

A view of a river from high above. It's a stormy and cloudy day and the river is flowing between forested hills. There are trees in the foreground. Text reads: Why you should visit Dawson City in Canada's Yukon Territory

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The 13 Best Things to Do in Dawson City, Yukon Territory

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There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold… Robert Service

Among the many things that have drawn visitors to the northwestern reaches of North America –  Alaska and the Yukon – over the years, the prospect of gold still ranks high on the list. While you’re not likely to find a large nugget lying in a creek or vein running through an exposed mountain, the idea that you might – or that someone once did – is enticing. It still draws thousands of visitors to Skagway, Alaska each year. But relatively few people visit Dawson City, Skagway’s sister city in the tale of the Klondike Gold Rush.

I’ve been to Dawson City twice in my travels: once as a young person on a tour of the Yukon, and again in June 2023 as part of my Kluane-Klondike road trip to rediscover these places which informed my experiences two decades ago. On this latter trip, I came with a travel writer’s eyes, keen to seek out what makes Dawson unique, and to learn which things to do in Dawson City are worth recommending.

Things to Do in Dawson City Hero

Below you’ll find my list; it’s not comprehensive and exhaustive, but rather a sampling of those activities I think are most essential to get the “flavor” (at times literally) of this remote community that so critically preserves a chapter of Yukon and Gold Rush history. Whether you’re visiting Dawson City as part of a guided cruise-tour or heading there on your own – adventurous you! –, let me and this list of the best things to do in Dawson City be your guide.

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Hän and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore  Native Land .

Table of Contents

1. Take a Historic Walking Tour

Things to Do in Dawson City - Historic Walking Tour

As you’ll see as soon as you arrive in Dawson City, the whole city is historic – and you can easily explore it on foot to see the cool, old buildings. But the better way to make the most of that time on your feet is by booking a historic walking tour with Parks Canada (click “Interpretive Programs” to see the many options!).

I took the “Historic Town Walking Tour” with a Parks Canada employee named Jess; she took us all over including past the SS Keno (more on that below) and into several buildings that are not open to the public (unless on a tour) – my favorite was the historic post office.

If the timing doesn’t work to do a guided tour, you can – of course – just walk around on your own, but you’ll get a lot more out of it if you do it with a knowledgeable guide.

Pro-tip: Show up at least 30 minutes before the start of your tour, as they are popular and do sell out during the summer months. Also, Parks Canada guides cannot accept tips, so you don’t need to worry about that.

2. Visit Gold Dredge No. 4

Things to Do in Dawson City - Gold Dredge No. 4

While we’re early on this list, you’ll soon see that most of the best things to do in Dawson City have to do with history. In addition to the historic town center, the other main historic attraction is Gold Dredge No. 4 , one of the best-preserved examples of dredge mining in the world.

Gold Dredge No. 4 is located about 10 miles outside of town (a 20-minute drive) and is also managed by Parks Canada. Tours are offered all day long and teach you the ins and outs – literally – of mining history in the Dawson City area, dating back to 1896.

What makes Gold Dredge No. 4 particularly special is that it is so well-preserved: the dredge was in operation from 1913 to 1959 and was left pretty much where it stands today – and hasn’t really changed since. Its remoteness means it managed to avoid vandalism or burglary, and much of the original machinery is still in place.

3. Discover Discovery Claim National Historic Site

Things to Do in Dawson City - Discovery Claim

While you’re out at Gold Dredge No. 4, be sure to drive the extra few miles out to Discover Claim, where gold was first found by three Yukon Sourdoughs , George Carmack, Dawson Charlie, and Skookum Jim, on Bonanza Creek.

The Discovery Claim site is located just 1.5 miles further along Upper Bonanza Creek Road and there’s a self-guided interpretive trail that’s about 1 kilometer long (so 0.6-ish miles); along the way, there are signs to help you understand the history (and historic importance) of this site for Klondike history. You even visit the claim site on Bonanza Creek itself – if you bring your own gold pan, you are allowed to use it!

4. Admire the View from Midnight Dome

Things to Do in Dawson City - Midnight Dome

During my first trip to Dawson City so many years ago, I don’t remember ever hearing about Midnight Dome, but it’s become one of those essential things to do in Dawson City – such that I decided to book a tour to visit instead of driving up there myself (though you can absolutely drive yourself if you are visiting Dawson with a car!)

Midnight Dome is a large hill that looms over Dawson City, and a road leads up to the top to provide 360-degree panoramic views of both Dawson and the surrounding countryside – including Tombstone Territorial Park on a clear day (more on that below!).

If you do want to book a tour, you’ll get a little extra beyond visiting on your own; I booked with Klondike Experience and our guide gave us a good history of Dawson City on the way up the hill. He also helped us get oriented to the natural landscape around us once we reached the top of the Midnight Dome, and took a different route back down that pointed out some other historic sights in town (like the Masonic Cemetery and YOOP (Yukon Order of Pioneers) Cemetery).

If you’re super ambitious, you can also do a great point-to-point hike up and over Midnight Dome.

5. Walk Along the Yukon & Klondike Rivers

Things to Do in Dawson City - Yukon & Klondike Rivers

As you can see in my photos from the top of the Midnight Dome, Dawson City sits on the banks of a river – but it’s actually two rivers, and they’re both really important from a geographic and geologic perspective.

The larger of the two is the Yukon River, which runs 1,980 miles from its source in British Columbia through the Yukon and into Alaska to end at the Bering Sea – it’s one of the longest rivers in the world (#25 on the list ) and critical to the ecosystems of Interior and Southwest Alaska.

At Dawson City, the Yukon River meets the Klondike River, which takes its name from the Hän word “Tr’ondëk.” It originates in the Ogilvie Mountains (which comprise part of Tombstone Territorial Park) and ends here; along its banks are some of the most productive goldfields on the North American continent.

Within town, there’s a nice embankment that protects the town from seasonal flooding and a path along the top where you can admire the power of the rivers beside you. Keep an eye out for eagles in trees, and moose on the banks if you’re really lucky.

6. Visit the S.S. Keno

Things to Do in Dawson City - SS Keno

Another experience along the Yukon River, the SS Keno is a beautifully preserved relic of the importance of the river itself – you might also visit the SS Klondike in Whitehorse as a companion to this experience.

The SS Keno is an old sternwheeler that used to transport silver, zinc, and lead ore down the Stewart River from mines in the Mayo district to the confluence of the Yukon and Stewart Rivers at Mayo (formerly Stewart City); it never made its way as far downstream as Dawson City, but that’s it’s home today.

Now a part of Parks Canada, you can take a guided tour of the SS Keno . In addition to the ship’s specific history, you’ll learn more about how all boats – and especially sternwheelers – were critical to survival and success on the Yukon. If you aren’t able to book a guided tour, you can walk around the outside of the ship and there are a few signs that teach the basics.

7. Watch the Cancan at Diamond Tooth Gerties

Things to Do in Dawson City - Diamond Tooth Gertie's

For a small town, Dawson City has a few critical cultural experiences you won’t find in many other places in the world – one of which is a nightly cancan show in the style that prospectors would have enjoyed over a century ago. It’s hard to miss as it’s one of the biggest buildings in town, but Diamond Tooth Gerties is the place to see it all.

Diamond Tooth Gerties offers multiple shows nightly throughout the summer months (usually early to mid-May through the second half of September); they range from traditional to racier as the night goes on – but you’ve got to see at least one of them during your visit to Dawson!

In addition to cancan shows, Diamond Tooth Gerties is the spot to try your hand at a bit of gambling – you might be able to turn that gold nugget into two if fortune’s on your side. They have traditional table games like Black Jack, Poker, and Roulette, as well as slot machines.

8. Join the Sourtoe Cocktail Club

Things to Do in Dawson City - Sourtoe Cocktail Club

Yes, it’s true – and yes, it’s disgusting: Dawson City is the one place on earth where you can drink a shot with a real human toe in it. Yes, I said toe .

The basic story is now nearly myth and entirely unconfirmed, but legend has it that two rum-running brothers got caught in a blizzard in the 1920s. Affected by a bad case of frostbite, one of the brothers – Otto – used his axe to cut off the toe of the other brother – Louie. He placed the toe in alcohol to preserve it, and that jar was found in 1973 by Captain Dick Stevenson – a true Yukoner – who decided to create the Sourtoe Cocktail Club. It’s a rite of passage for Dawson City visitors, one of those weird things that you find in this part of the world and just have to do.

The long and short of it is that you pay for a shot of Yukon Jack whiskey; the current toe captain will drop a toe into your glass, say a few words, and then you shoot the shot – letting the toe touch your lips but NOT enter your mouth. Then everyone around cheers and you feel a warm sensation as well as a squiggly one in your tummy.

On my trip, I did it. I’ll probably do it again someday if it’s still offered the next time I visit. It’s gross, but essential.

9. Learn at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

Things to Do in Dawson City - Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

For more refined travelers – or those like me who just want to sample it all, a trip to the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre is also essential.

The Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre is the place to learn about the traditional peoples of the Klondike region, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. It’s open from late June to late September each year and includes displays, exhibits, and demonstrations about the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people, their traditions, and their land.

On certain days, you might even see locals working in different arts and crafts – many of those items will be available in the gift shop too, if you want the perfect souvenir.

10. See the Robert Service Cabin

Things to Do in Dawson City - Robert Service Cabin

I’ll be honest: I totally missed this part of Dawson City on both of my visits. It’s not like Dawson is big, but there are enough things to do in Dawson City that you do need a few days to enjoy them all; this part of town – Author’s Row – is on my list for my next visit.

Alaska and the Yukon drew many famous and influential people through the decades, including names you surely know like environmental advocate John Muir (who visited Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska ), writer Jack London (more on him below), and the poet Robert Service. Service’s cabin in Dawson City has been preserved for visitors today, and gives you a chance to step back in time and get a sense of what lifestyle might have inspired a man to write things like The Shooting of Dan McGrew and The Cremation of Sam McGee .

The Robert Service Cabin is administered by Parks Canada; you can admire the outside at any time but will need to book a tour if you want to step inside (click “Interpretive Programs” then “Robert Service Cabin”).

11. Visit the Jack London Museum

Things to Do in Dawson City - Jack London Museum

The Jack London Cabin and Museum are also located on Dawson City’s Author’s Row but are privately owned. This provides more flexibility for visitors, which is nice since many of the Parks Canada tours overlap and it’s hard to see them all even if you are interested in them.

In any case, the Jack London Cabin and Museum is open daily from roughly May 20 to September 15 each year. You can step into the Museum to learn more about London’s life and works including his best-known, White Fang and The Call of the Wild , which are both clearly influenced by the time he spent here. You can then visit the Jack London Cabin which – though it did not originally stand here – is built using half the logs of his original cabin. (Trivia: the other half of those logs were sent to London’s hometown of Oakland to build a cabin in Jack London Square .)

12. Visit the Camera Obscura

Things to Do in Dawson City - Camera Obscura

If you’re looking for a truly unique thing to do in Dawson City, you might want to pay special attention to the details: there’s a small red building located along the Yukon waterfront that you probably didn’t notice when walking along the river, but there’s more to it than meets the eye: this is the Dawson City Camera Obscura – and it’s truly delightful.

A camera obscura is a darkened room with a small hole or lens at one side through which an image is projected onto a wall or table opposite the hole – flipped and reversed. It’s a unique way to experience the world, and I’ve never stepped inside one, so it was quite a surprise to find this camera obscura in Dawson.

I don’t want to spoil the experience, but trust me and step into that little red building and you’ll see Dawson City in a whole new way.

13. Explore Tombstone Territorial Park

Things to Do in Dawson City - Tombstone Territorial Park

While it’s not in Dawson City, I felt remiss to not mention Tombstone Territorial Park, a natural playground nearby that draws the adventurous travelers who think even Dawson’s “crowds” are too much to handle.

Tombstone Territorial Park is 2,200 square kilometers (543,631 acres) of protected land including rugged peaks, alpine wilderness, and all the wildlife it holds – you can think of it much like a sister to Denali National Park in Alaska as they have almost the same latitude and climate. Unlike Denali which is relatively accessible by bus, Tombstone Territorial Park is extremely remote; there is no road, only one campground, and no amenities for hours and literally a hundred miles in any direction. The primary activity is backcountry hiking, though you’ll need to be very well-prepared as there are no trails and you’re walking in the home of wild animals.

A better way for most visitors to admire Tombstone Territorial Park is by flightseeing; Peel Wilderness Adventures offers 45-minute and 90-minute flights that are definitely on my list for my next visit to the area.

What About the Dawson City Museum?

Things to Do in Dawson City - Dawson City Museum

Great question, dear reader! I actually haven’t visited the Dawson City Museum, so I can’t speak as to whether it’s worth it and adds anything extra beyond the interpretive programs offered by Parks Canada and other experiences I’ve recommended.

Have you visited Dawson City and the Dawson City Museum? Was it worth it? Share in the comments below so other travelers can know, and I’ll add it to my list for my next visit too.

If you have other questions about things to do in Dawson City and how to plan your time there, let me know in the comments too!

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COME TO DAWSON CITY!

A winter trip to brag about, northern lights, adventure & history, our streets are yours to explore..

Take advantage of the beautiful daylight and stroll through the streets of downtown Dawson, a National Historic Site. Stop into a local café to pick up a warm beverage as you wander the snowy streets and admire our many historic buildings including the Old Post Office, the Commissioner’s Residence, the Palace Grand Theatre, and many more. Be sure to finish your day with a delicious meal – from Greek to Chinese to a good ‘ol burger and fries, Dawson’s culinary options are sure to surprise you!

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Did you know that Dawson City is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights? Step right outside your hotel or cabin and watch as the lights dazzle and dance above you. To get closer to the action, take part in a northern lights tour, or head up to the Midnight Dome to watch them dance above the town! DawsonCity.ca/northernlights

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About the Klondike Visitors Association

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Corporate Membership All Dawson businesses are affected by Tourism. We encourage you to become involved and support KVA by purchasing a  Corporate Membership .

KVA Grants Fund Not available in 2021 This is available to all registered not-for-profit, community groups to support eligible activities and projects that will benefit the Klondike region. Intake is in the fall. Maximum $2000 per group.  Applications can be found here. For more information please contact the KVA at 867-993-5575, [email protected], or stop by the office at 1102 Front St. 

Community Event Casinos Community Event Casinos are fundraising partnerships between Klondike Visitors Association and non-profit groups, that allow selected groups to use Diamond Tooth Gerties for a fundraising event and to benefit from the bar profits. Applications are taken annually and can be found  here . For more information please contact the KVA at 867-993-5575, [email protected], or stop by the office at 1102 Front St.

Contact information: Klondike Visitors Association Box 389, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada Y0B 1G0 Local: (867) 993-5575 Toll-Free: 1-877-465-3006

General Inquiries: [email protected]

Office Information: Located at 1102 Front Street Hours of Opertation – Monday – Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm

STAFF Executive Director: Ricky Mawunganidze [email protected] Finance Manager: Juli Hnetka  [email protected] Marketing and Events Manager: Andy Cunningham [email protected] Marketing and Events: Annie Ibbitson  [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Jenny Strid [email protected]

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Travel tips 100 things to do in Dawson

An aerial shot of colourful Dawson City

This small town packs a big punch

Dawson City, and the surrounding area, will keep you going day and night. Whether you’re looking for action or looking to relax, there’s something for everyone.

1. Watch the can-can in a casino ( Diamond Tooth Gerties ). 2. Play a round at the northernmost golf course with natural greens ( Dawson City Golf Course ). 3. Try your hand at blackjack in Canada’s first and friendliest gambling hall (Diamond Tooth Gerties). 4. In the winter, drop in to throw some stones at the Dawson City Curling Club. 5. Mountain bike down gnarly trails of the Midnight Dome. 6. Pan for gold and keep what you find (Free Claim #6). 7. Tour a family owned active gold mine (Goldbottom Mine). 8. Take a flight in a plane with windows designed for photographing the incredible scenery. 9. Raft down the Klondike River with a local tour operator. 10. Take a guided canoe trip down the Yukon River. 11. Bike the Ridge Road Heritage Trail. 12. Play an escape room as a Mountie from 1903 (Dawson City Escape). 13. Go on a scavenger hunt (geocaching). 14. Come November, you can play a little pick-up hockey at the Art and Margaret Fry Arena. 15. Hit the groomed cross-country ski trails of the Dome this winter. 16. Go camping or glamping at an R.V. Park. 17. Have your picture taken dressed in gold rush themed costumes (Peabody’s Photo Parlour). 18. Celebrate a break-up (Yukon River breakup early May). 19. Cool off and swim with the locals at Dawson City’s indoor pool. 20. Sing 240 songs along the 740km of the Dempster Highway. 21. Catch your fair share of pike, trout and whitefish (Yukon River or Klondike River). 22. In winter, rent a pair of snowshoes and take to the trails. 23. Let your four-legged friend run free in the off-leash dog park. 24. Stay at a variety of unique, Gold Rush era inspired accommodations. 25. Wear sunglasses at midnight, from mid-May to mid-July. 26. Pull up a basket and picnic on the lawns of the Commissioner’s Residence. 27. Tour town in a different way by walking the Waterfront Trail (Dawson City) along the dike. 28. Take a tour in a power boat and motor up the Yukon River. 29. Play some billiards while you enjoy refreshments at one of the many Gold Rush era inspired bars and pubs. 30. Complete five tasks from the Sourdough Challenge checklist (get your copy at the Visitor Information Centre). 31. Read a book by a Yukon author amongst the landscapes that inspired them. 32. Take a helicopter tour of Tombstone Territorial Park. 33. Check out the displays, library and programs at Tombstone Interpretive Centre.

34. See the original claim where gold was discovered (Discovery Claim). 35. Walk down a street fit for a storybook (Front Street). 36. Discover the history and culture of the first people at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre. 37. Visit the ghost of a knight (Dawson City Cemeteries). Walk amongst the dead. 38. Find out what on earth a paddlewheeler is (S.S. Keno National Historic Site). 39. See original gold mining equipment at Claim 33 Goldpanning and Jerry Bryde Klondyke Mining Museum (Claim 33 reopening for summer 2022). 40. Learn the truth about colonizing the north (Red Serge, Red Tape tour from Parks Canada at the Commissioner’s Residence). 41. Request a visit to Moosehide Village to learn about this traditional village that was once inhabited by the Tr’öndëk Hwëch’in peoples, following their displacement from Tr’ochëk at the turn of the century. 42. Take a guided tour through the interior of a massive mining machine (Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site). 43. Learn how a salmon wheel works, with Fishwheel Charter Tours. 44. Get the 411 at the Visitor Information Centre. 45. Learn about the life of author Jack London at a museum dedicated to him. 46. Find out how Dawson got its quirky personality on the Strange Things Done Under the Midnight Sun guided walking tour. 47. See historical photos of Dawson City (Harrington’s Store). 48. Visit the home of a world famous poet (Robert Service Cabin). 49. Discover local artists at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture. 50. Learn to say hello in Hän, a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation language. 51. Shop for unique jewelry and gifts made by local artisans. 52. Enjoy all the interesting architecture and handmade signs.

53. Watch a live concert with local musicians at the gazebo on Front Street at lunch hour (June to August). 54. Run the Great Klondike International Outhouse Race. 55. Join local artists at an arts festival (Yukon Riverside Arts Festival). 56. Browse the seasonal arts market for unique pieces made by local artists. 57. Tap your toes to local musicians at the Dawson City Music Festival. 58. Cheer on the paddlers in the Yukon River Quest , the world’s longest canoe and kayak race. 59. Watch a parade on Discovery Days long weekend. 60. Cheer on teams from all over the north in the Labour Day Slo-Pitch tournament. 61. See what local green thumbs have grown at the annual horticultural exhibition. 62. Watch monster trucks race at the Dawson City Mud Bog.  

Food & Drink

63. Down a Sourtoe Cocktail as a rite of passage. 64. Enjoy a variety of cuisines all in one spot ( Top 10 Restaurants on TripAdvisor ). 65. Indulge in the Snake Pit or the Arm Pit, two legendary bars at the Westminster Hotel.

Natural Experiences

66. Camp overnight in 2,200 sq.km of rugged peaks and lakes at Tombstone Territorial Park. 67. Watch an epic sunset over the Yukon River (Midnight Dome). 68. Go rock climbing in Crocus Bluff. 69. If rock climbing isn't your thing, play disk golf in Crocus Bluff. 70. Take a selfie atop the Midnight Dome. 71. Hike the trails up to the Midnight Dome. 72. View the Northern Lights in all their glory (Mid-August through to mid-April). 73. Drive across the Arctic Circle (Dempster Highway). 74. Step into nature on the 9th Avenue Trail. 75. Go birding to spot the 154 bird species common to Dawson City. 76. See the Klondike valley foliage in dramatic fall colours of reds, golds and browns. Fall colours are best spotted starting late August. 77. Pitch a tent at one of the many campgrounds.

Sightseeing

78. Take a ferry and drive to the Top of the World (Top of the World Highway). 79. Take a hot minute at a museum dedicated to firefighters (​​ Dawson City Firefighter Museum ). 80. Explore the galleries and exhibits of the Dawson City Museum. 81. Explore Tombstone Territorial Park on horseback. 82. Go for a river cruise ( Klondike Spirit - reopening summer 2022 ). 83. See where boats go to die (Paddlewheeler Graveyard). 84. Explore a ghost town, abandoned over 60 years ago (Bear Creek). 85. Visit a vintage post office. 86. Tour the fully restored Palace Grand Theatre. 87. Imagine living way off the grid during a visit to West Dawson (West Dawson gets isolated by the frozen river in the winter. Residents have to stock up). 88. Climb aboard the S.S. Keno and experience life on a 1922 paddlewheeler. 89. Strike a pose with our kissing buildings (part of Klondike National Historic Sites). 90. Capture incredible photos at Tombstone Territorial Park. 91. Try to fall asleep without the sun going down (summer, midnight sun). 92. Tour the town with people dressed in petticoats and parasols (Parks Canada guided tours). 93. Marvel at wildlife from a safe distance. 94. Look for Spotted Orchids on the Orchid Acres Trail (June). 95. Take a stroll down Writer’s Row and learn about Dawson City’s literary legends (Writer’s Row on 8th Street). 96. Join the masses and snap a photo of one of the most-photographed buildings in the Yukon, Strait’s Auction House. 97. In the summer, photograph wildlife from the Dempster Highway. You might snap moose, bears or even wolves. 98. Marvel at an authentic mammoth tusk on display at the Trading Post. 99. Take a picture with the Dawson City welcome sign, fit for a movie set. 100. Visit the National Historic Sites around Dawson.

Related experiences

Two moose stand in a river

IMAGES

  1. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre (Yukon): Top Tips Before You Go

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  2. Itinerary for 3 Days in Dawson City

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  3. Plan Your Trip

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  4. 12 Fascinating Things to do in Dawson City, Yukon

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  5. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre

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  6. The 17 BEST Things to do in Dawson City, Yukon (2023 Guide)

    dawson city tourism office

COMMENTS

  1. Dawson City Yukon

    Get Our Newsletter! Inspiration for your next trip delivered right to your inbox four times a year!

  2. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre

    Operated by the Department of Tourism and Culture. Open daily, May 1 to September 29, from 8am to 8pm. ... Dawson City Visitor Information Centre. Address Front Street (at King Street) Dawson YT Y0B 1G0 Canada. Opening hours Open daily, May 1 to September 29, from 8am to 8pm. Phone ...

  3. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre

    Dawson City Visitor Information Centre. Find guidance about travelling to Yukon communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Address. 1102 Front Street (at King Street) Dawson City. Main telephone. 867-993-5566.

  4. Dawson City Yukon

    Dawson City Yukon - Home of the Klondike Gold Rush - visitdawsoncity.com

  5. Dawson City

    1 Dawson City River Hostel, Take ferry from Dawson City to the west side of the river, ☏ +1 867 993-6823, [email protected]. Seasonal monthly tenting available. Bike and canoe rentals and van tours by demand. Owner is author of the "Yukon Travel Adventure Guide" and "The Saga of the Sourtoe". Dorms from $20 (members), $22 (non-members ...

  6. Sightseeing

    The fantastic sightseeing in the Klondike Region begins before you even reach Dawson City. Enjoy the scenery as you drive through the Klondike Valley, and see the astonishing mining tailing piles left behind by the mechanized dredges. Once in town, guides in gold rush garb lead walking tours along the boardwalks. Visit museums, the cabins of Robert Service and Jack London, the Dänojà Zho ...

  7. Dawson city

    Ever since the gritty, glamorous gold rush days, Dawson City has been a good-time town. While there's far less gold dust in the floors these days, the entertainment goes on with fun festivals, cultural events and unique contests—like gold panning competitions and outhouse races. Yes, you read that correctly.

  8. Dawson City

    Today, Dawson City's main industries are tourism and gold mining. Energy ... Steins was succeeded in office by former mayor Peter Jenkins, who in turn was succeeded by Wayne Potoroka. In 2021, four candidates ran for Mayor, and former city councillor William (Bill) Kendrick won the election and is the current Mayor of Dawson City.

  9. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Dawson City

    Things to Do in Dawson City. 1. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre. Top of our list are the Parks Canada historical walking tours of the town. 2. Dawson City Museum. The exhibits take you from prehistory through the Gold Rush. 3. Tombstone Territorial Park.

  10. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Dawson City

    Discover the best things to do in Dawson City, Yukon, with Tripadvisor. Explore the history, culture and nature of this unique destination. See the top-rated and must-see attractions, from gold rush sites to scenic trails. Read the reviews and photos of other travellers and plan your perfect trip today.

  11. Heritage, Arts & Culture Experience Dawson City in a day

    Dawson City is always buzzing with activity and if you're going to see it all in one day, you'd better rush! Tour guides in gold rush era garb lead visitors on walking tours through downtown Dawson City. Passengers board elegant paddle wheelers to experience the mighty Yukon River in style. There are even daily shows at Canada's oldest ...

  12. 17 Unique Things to do in Dawson City, Yukon

    The Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre is a beautiful space next to the river. Long before the Klondike Gold Rush made Dawson City famous around the world, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nations people lived and thrived here for generations. Today, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in people are self governing and continue to steward the land and culture for modern people and those in the future.

  13. The 13 Best Things to Do in Dawson City, Yukon Territory

    Keep an eye out for eagles in trees, and moose on the banks if you're really lucky. 6. Visit the S.S. Keno. Another experience along the Yukon River, the SS Keno is a beautifully preserved relic of the importance of the river itself - you might also visit the SS Klondike in Whitehorse as a companion to this experience.

  14. Discover the golden history of Dawson City

    Experience the remarkably historic period of the Klondike Gold Rush frozen in this authentic city. This legendary event caused a global movement of people that was unprecedented at the time. Although it lasted just a few short years, it left a rich historic legacy with stories of triumph, defeat, bravery and the peculiar madness of gold fever. Dawson City became the biggest city west of ...

  15. Dawson City

    Attractions. Dog Sledding. Events. Meet the North! Northern Lights. Skiing. Winter Information. Avalanche Safety. ... Nestled on the banks of the frozen Yukon River, Dawson City is a special place ... call the Klondike Visitors Association (1-877-465-3005), or stop by their office at the corner of Front and King St in Dawson City. Our streets ...

  16. Dawson City Museum

    The Dawson City Museum is the place to begin your exploration of Dawson and the Klondike Gold Rush. Discover Yukon's First Peoples and explorers. Experience the gold rush through the stampeders, the entrepreneurs, and the demimonde. A variety of programs are available for our visitors. Experience the law prior to the arrival of the North-West Mounted Police. Discover for yourself what it takes ...

  17. About the Klondike Visitors Association

    All Dawson businesses are affected by Tourism. ... For more information please contact the KVA at 867-993-5575, [email protected], or stop by the office at 1102 Front St. ... Box 389, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada Y0B 1G0 Local: (867) 993-5575 Toll-Free: 1-877-465-3006.

  18. Dawson City

    Population: 1,879 Dawson City is located on the Yukon River, approximately 335 miles north of Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway and 187 miles from Tok, AK, via the Taylor and Top of the World Highways (the Klondike Loop).. Visitor Information: The Visitor Information Centre, operated by Yukon Government and Parks Canada, is located at the corner of Front and King Street.

  19. 100 things to do in Dawson

    80. Explore the galleries and exhibits of the Dawson City Museum. 81. Explore Tombstone Territorial Park on horseback. 82. Go for a river cruise (Klondike Spirit - reopening summer 2022). 83. See where boats go to die (Paddlewheeler Graveyard). 84. Explore a ghost town, abandoned over 60 years ago (Bear Creek). 85. Visit a vintage post office. 86.