Dawson City – What to Do in Canada’s Klondike City
Dawson City, Canada’s Klondike City, is a small town with a big presence in the Yukon. It sits in the heart of the Klondike region – made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800’s. Tens of thousands of prospectors congregated here – hoping to make their fortune. Few did.
Today the Klondike City is home to about 1,300 people yet it hosts 60,000 visitors a year. The reason – the town is home to an eclectic mix of colourful history, culture along with wilderness on the doorstep.
Dawson City – Canada’s Klondike City
Why, might you wonder would people visit a town that’s a six hour drive from Whitehorse, and basically in the middle of nowhere?
Dawson City is full of history, it’s wildly colourful and to top it off it’s exceptionally scenic with its location on the Yukon River. You can count on plenty to do over a few days!
Did you know you can also do a loop drive on the Top of the World Highway to Jack Wade, Alaska from West Dawson? That road gives you the option of visiting Kluane National Park or you could continue and explore more of nearby Alaska. The gorgeous Dempster Highway that runs up to Inuvik and Tuktoyaktok is also close to Dawson City.
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Ideas of what you can do in Dawson City in 24 – 48 hours
We were in Dawson City for one day at the end of our backpacking trip in the Tombstone Mountains. We did manage to fit in many of the sights.
Visit the Midnight Dome
After dinner at the Aurora Inn, we drove 9 minutes to the top of the Midnight Dome. Impressive vistas up and down the Yukon River will have you racing for your camera. Try to time a visit with sunset – which is far easier to do at the end of the summer.
Drive or walk Canada’s Klondike City
Streets in Dawson City are lined with colourful houses and businesses – many that hearken back to their original purpose. What a treat for the eyes!
I’d suggest that you pick up a map and then a walk around the town, street by street, as each one is so unique.
We made our way down to the waterfront where we were greeted with the sight of a floating cabin and a red canoe. I’d love to know the backstory to this photo.
Hop on a paddle-wheeler in Dawson City
Experience the Yukon River via a paddle-wheeler over a 90 minute narrated tour. Guides explain what you’re seeing as you journey to the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers. You’ll see the paddle-wheeler graveyard, a seasonal native village and Caveman Bill’s home on the riverbank.
Check out the SS Keno in Dawson City
The SS Keno is a National Historic Site. The boat, built in 1922, was used to carry not just passengers but silver, lead and zinc from the mines in Mayo.
You can take a tour with a Parks Canada interpreter or explore the boat on your own. It was in service until the 1950’s – providing a much needed lifeline to the outside world until roads were built.
Take a hike in Dawson City
Go for a walk on the Waterfront Trail that runs along the Yukon River dyke from the north end of Dawson all the way to the confluence of the Klondike River. Look for interpretive signs along the route.
Other worthwhile hikes include the Ninth Avenue Trail – a 2.5 km trail that loops around the town. From this trail you can access the Midnight Dome and Crocus Bluff Trails.
The 2 kilometre loop hike on the Orchid Trail – located off of the Top of the World Highway, offers excellent views of the Klondike and the Yukon Rivers plus the chance to see the Spotted Orchid.
Another excellent choice – though you need one very long day or two days to hike the 30 kilometres – is the Ridge Road Trail, built in 1899. It runs between Hunker and Bonanza Creek – and acted as an essential supply route for the goldfields.
Enjoy some Dawson City nightlife
Dawson City is famous for its nightlife. Unfortunately on our visit we were so tired after finishing our three day backpacking trip, all we could think of was hitting the pit. Seems a waste when I look back.
But assuming you have energy to burn there are some quintessential Klondike City experiences to be had.
Down a Sourtoe Cocktail – mummified human toe included. I passed on a chance to try it when the toe made an appearance at a Yukon event in Calgary. Remember to become a Sourtoe Cocktail Club member “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe.”
The cocktail should you want to make it at home calls for 1 ounce minimum of alcohol, 1 mummified toe, all garnished with courage.
Enjoy one of the three nightly shows at Diamond Tooth Gerties from May through September for only $15.
Visit the Westminster Tavern & Lounge – called The Pit – by locals. There are two bars within it – a tavern called the Snake Pit and the lounge called the Arm Pit. It was voted by the Globe & Mail as the best live music venue in Canada!
In mid-July, time a visit to coincide with the annual Dawson City Music Festival. It’s a three-day event that started in 1979. Described as “one of the most anticipated events in the north,” you can look forward to literally dozens of music performances, food trucks and beer gardens.
Take a tour of the Palace Grand Theatre
Tours of the Palace Grand Theatre, a federal heritage building, are offered by Parks Canada a couple of times a day in English and French. Listen to stories of wild adventures told by energetic interpreters in period clothes. There are also regular live performances scheduled.
Go gold panning in Dawson City
As you drive into Dawson City, you can’t miss the kilometres of dredge tailings. The sight of them might give you gold fever – and if that’s the case, you might want to try your hand at gold panning. Goldbottom offers mine tours and the chance to pan.
Tours in Dawson City
Interested in a short but scenic flight over Dawson City? Get a bird’s eye view and a unique perspective of the Klondike area over a 20-minute tour.
Places to stay in Dawson City
Dawson Lodge in the downtown is rated as fabulous.
Klondike Kate’s Cabins is rated as very good.
If you don’t mind a simple room at a good price then check out The Bunkhouse. It is rated very good.
John and I found Dawson City to be friendly and inviting. We both wished we had another day to take some of the tours and explore the nearby hills on foot.
Further reading on the Yukon
- The Ivvavik National Park Base Camp Experience
- 13 of the Best Things to do in the Yukon
- 9 Reasons You Should Visit Whitehorse in Winter
- Hiking the Auriol Trail in Kluane National Park
- A Yukon Day Trip on the White Pass Scenic Railway
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I remember being there when I was 12! haha. Been a long time since then but it was pretty cool!
@Matthew That would have been quite the trip a while back ago – and you obviously hail from an adventurous family.
Love the bright colors! I can only imagine how they are a sight for sore eyes in the snowy winter landscape. We would like to drive down to the lower 48 from Alaska, so am taking special note.
@Betsy A stop in Dawson City is a natural on any driving trip to Alaska.
Love the colorful houses! They are so photogenic~
@Irene They are but wish the sun was up a little higher first thing in the morning.
@atastefortravel I’m curious as to where you were born and if you have lived up north as an adult. I have to imagine it takes a certain type of person who can put up with the long hours of darkness.
@Anita Should you ever drive to Alaska, do make time for a minimum of a night in this town.
We have been to Dawson City, from where we went to the Arctic Circle! Robert Service and Jack London’s homes sit side by side on a street up the hill! Thanks for the memories.
@Carol I missed both of those houses – though knew they were somewhere in town. Glad you enjoyed your trip down Memory Lane.
Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing!
@Denis Thanks for checking them out.
Beautiful scenery and interesting buildings. I’ve been to Whitehorse but haven’t made it to Dawson City. Maybe some day.
@Donna I had been to Whitehorse a couple of times and I must say Dawson City has more of an out there feel to it because of its remote location.
Hi Leigh. I absolutely love all the color! Those row houses remind me of St. John’s. It’s been a long time since I have had to scrape frost from anything, and I don’t miss it! Your shots are gorgeous, as always. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
@Nancie I was thinking of Newfoundland too when I was in Dawson City. It does wonders for the soul seeing such colour. That was early frost for me too – but the day warmed up considerably.
What a great colourful idea to use house paint as a way to lighten up the grey weather. Love it.
@Mette With very long nights in the dead of winter, I’d have to think these colourful houses would really help you get through the winter.
I’ve seen lots of colourful houses in the Arctic but these in Dawson City are a step beyond. So quirky and lively.
@Sophie Also saw lots of colourful houses in Iqaluit in Nunavut and the airport there is bright yellow.
I haven’t heard of Dawson City but what an interesting town I’d like to explore someday. Just by the name alone, I was picturing some sort of western town but this has a lot of character. Those views are amazing and I love the colorful houses.
@Mary Dawson City has been on my radar for years – so it was a treat to finally see the place. It exceeded my expectations by a long shot.
There is so much that I like about what you’ve shown us of Dawson City that I think I’d want to linger there longer. The views from the dome are beautiful. You really have a knack for showcasing the gorgeousness of nature. I like all the colorful houses, the floating cabin, and the paddlewheel boat, too.
@Michele he floating cabin was the biggest surprise though I don’t think I expected wildly colourful houses. For a small town, there’s a lot to do.
I’m just in love with all those beautiful brightly colored houses, wow! The vista view is pretty amazing, too!;-)
@Jess Definitely an interesting part of the world – and also known for colourful characters especially during the Gold Rush.
Thanks for sharing this š if one day I only have few hours to visit Dawson, I’ll trust that you recommended us the best things to do.
@Lily I think I covered off the things everyone should try and do but you can always check with the Dawson City Visitor Center as well.
I have been interested in Dawson City and I do like what I see in your photos. The coloured buildings with the low cloud looks inviting. Yes I would love to live on a raft in the Yukon River for the summer, thanks.
@Jan Wouldn’t that be an experience living out on the river. I don’t know how warm the Yukon River gets in summer – but if you lived there I think you’d have to have a daily plunge into the river. I’d like to go back again and continue into Alaska.
Dawson City looks like a great place to visit. And those views – wow!
And great for photographers. Happy travels and have a great weekend.
@Jill I was stretched for time in Dawson City but I know U could be very happy wandering the town for a full day just looking for subjects to photograph.
Okay, towns don’t get much more picturesque than this one! Beautiful shots – the colors are fabulous. Another for my ever lengthening must see list!
@Jackie Dawson City would be a great stop on a driving trip that would include the Yukon and Alaska.
I always enjoy spending a day or two checking out places like this from the car after a backpacking or canoe adventure. Looks like an interesting town and the views are sublime.
@Ted Dawson City has so much character and I feel like there were a lot of things I would have loved to have done. I think I’ll be back since I also want to drive the whole of the nearby Dempster Highway.
I can’t wait to make it up there someday!
@Adina We had driven part of the Dempster Highway and hiked in the Tombstones – and I knew I didn’t want to miss a visit to Dawson City, even if it was just as short visit. Next time I’d like to drive the Top of the World Highway as well.