Dawson City, Yukon Territory is situated on the east bank of the Yukon River at the mouth of the Klondike River, just 240 km south of the Arctic Circle. Dawson City was once known as the 'Paris of the North', when prospectors from all over the world came to Dawson to find their fortune. For a short period at the end of the 19th century Dawson was the largest city west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle.
Still today, Dawson City is one of the most interesting towns of the Yukon Territory, offering many Klondike attractions, restored buildings and events. Visitors find opportunities to pan for gold as Thousands of prospectors did one century ago. River trips, fishing, hiking, canoeing and cycling are just some of the many activities Dawson has to offer.
The interesting history of Dawson City that had even been the territorial capital until 1953, offers excellent opportunities for the interested visitor. Visit the log cabin of Jack London, who lived in the Yukon in 1898 or go back in history touring the Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall, a re-creation of an 1898 saloon.
Dawson City in Figures
Dawson City was incorporated in 1902.
Today, Dawson City has a population of 1,287 (census 1996)
Dawson City encompasses an area of 102.12 sq km.
Arrival
Dawson City can be reached by air from Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska with direct service. Connecting flights available from Vancouver and Anchorage. The airport is located 19 km east of town off the Klondike Highway.
The individual traveller can reach Dawson City by car via one of three highways. The Klondike Highway connects Dawson City with Whitehorse and the rest of southern Yukon. Dempster Highway links Dawson to Inuvik, Northwest Territories and the Top of the World Highway takes you to Alaska.
Distances
Whitehorse, YT to Dawson City, YT 536 (333 mi)
Dawson Creek, BC to Dawson City, YT 1,966 km (1258 mi)
Haines Junction, YT to Dawson City, YT 671 km (417 mi)
Inuvik, NWT to Dawson City, YT 766 km (476 mi)
Watson Lake, YT to Dawson City, YT 991 km (616 mi)
Health and Safety
In case of an emergency call 5555 for police (RCMP) and 4444 for medical. If there is no answer for the RCMP number, call 1-(867)-667-5555 (toll-free), or Medical Assistance at 1-(867)-667-3333 (toll-free).
Things to do
Dawson City Museum
Location: At 5th Avenue.
Dawson City Museum displays a collection of 25,000 Klondike Gold Rush artefacts, Paris of the North, Klondike Mines Railway Locomotives, native artefacts, and natural history specimens. There is a gift and coffee shop on site.
For more information call (867) 993-5291
Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall
Location: On the corner of Queen St. and 4th Avenue.
Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall is a re-creation of an 1898 saloon, the time of the great Klondike Gold Rush. There are different shows each night. Try your luck gambling, with blackjack, roulette, poker, sic-bo and slot machines.
For more information call (867) 993-5575
Free Claim #6
Location: Approx. nine miles up Bonanza Creek Rd past Dredge #4 and the Discovery Claim
Free Claim #6 offers free gold panning for all! You can keep all the gold you find however the search is restricted to hand tools only. Bring your own gold pan or rent from several locations in Dawson City. Best times from May to September.
For more information call (867) 993-5575
Jack London Cabin & Interpretive Centre
Location: At 8th Avenue.
Jack London Cabin & Interpretive Centre offers an insight in life of the famous American author whose works include Call of the Wild and White Fang. Originally located 120 km south of Dawson City, Jack London's original log cabin was eventually shipped to Dawson City after it was re-discovered in 1965. Jack London lived in this log cabin from 1909 to 1912. There is an extensive photo collection and a memorabilia exhibit. Daily tours are offered.
For more information call (867) 993-6317
Palace Grand Theatre
Location: At the corner of 3rd Avenue and King Street.
Palace Grand Theatre is a large, colourful opera house / dance hall, originally catering to the entertainment starved miners of 1899. You can tour this reconstructed theatre that was build by Arizona Charlie Meadows. Inside, the Gaslight Follies presents stage shows.
For more information call (867) 993-7200
S.S. Keno National Historic Site
Location: Off Front Street in the Yukon River
SS Keno was one of the last riverboats to travel the Yukon and Stewart Rivers and is now a National Historic Site. The sternwheeler can be viewed year-round. There is a photo and text display.
For more information call (867) 993-7200
Festivals and Events
Frostbite Music Festival
Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race
Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival
Yukon International Storytelling Festival
Dawson City Rodeo
Gathering of Traditions
History
In 1898, the time of the great Gold Rush, Dawson City became a temporary stopping point for prospectors on their way to the gold fields. Dawson City was located on the head of navigation on the Yukon River, past 2 major obstacles on the river, Miles Canyon and the Dawson City Rapids.
With the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Railway, linking Dawson City with Skagway, Alaska, Dawson City became a permanent settlement in 1900. Dawson City saw a short copper boom that ended as soon as 1920. Later, in the 1920s and 1930s Dawson City developed a reputation as an outfitting and takeoff base, with tourists coming to Dawson City.
During WW II, Dawson City played a major role as link between the north and south. The Alaska Highway was built and opened for the public after the war. This replaced the Yukon River as main transportation route. In 1953 the territorial capital was moved from Dawson City to Dawson City.
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