Dawson City, Yukon- Best Things to Do in 2023

Dawson City is a historic town in the Yukon Territory, Canada. It was founded during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896 and is now a popular tourist destination. The town is home to a number of museums, historical sites, and attractions.

Things to do in Dawson City

Dawson City is a historic town in the Yukon Territory, Canada. It was founded during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896 and is now a popular tourist destination.

There are many things to do in Dawson City, including:

• Visit the Dawson City Museum: This museum tells the story of the Klondike Gold Rush and the town’s history. The museum has a number of exhibits on display, including artifacts from the Gold Rush, photographs, and documents. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
• Visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s: This historic gambling hall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dawson City. The hall was built in 1900 and is named after its owner, Diamond Tooth Gertie Taylor. The hall features a number of gambling tables, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. The hall also has a bar and a dance floor.
• Hike to the top of Midnight Dome: This hill offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding area. The hike to the top of Midnight Dome is about 1.5 kilometers long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The views from the top are well worth the effort.
• Visit the Jack London Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous author Jack London, who lived in Dawson City during the Gold Rush. The museum has a number of exhibits on display, including artifacts from London’s life, photographs, and documents. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
• Visit Tombstone Territorial Park: This park is home to a number of historical sites, including the remains of several gold mines. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves. The park is a great place to go hiking, camping, and fishing.
• Take a tour of the Yukon River on the S.S. Keno: This sternwheeler is a historic paddleboat that offers tours of the Yukon River. The S.S. Keno was built in 1910 and is one of the last remaining sternwheelers in the Yukon. The boat offers a variety of tours, including day trips and overnight trips.
• Visit the Sourtoe Cocktail Club: This bar is home to the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail, which contains a human toe. The Sourtoe Cocktail was created in 1973 and is now a popular tourist attraction. The cocktail is made with Yukon Jack whiskey and a preserved human toe. The toe is said to bring good luck to those who drink it.
• Attend the Dawson City Music Festival: This annual music festival features a variety of musical genres. The festival is held over the course of four days in July and features a number of local and international bands. The festival is a great way to experience the music scene in Dawson City.
• See the Aurora Borealis: Dawson City is a great place to see the Northern Lights. The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, when the nights are long and dark. The Northern Lights are a truly magical sight and are an unforgettable experience.

In addition to its many attractions, the city is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The town is surrounded by wilderness and offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.

Getting to Dawson City

The best way to get to Dawson City is by plane. There are a few airlines that offer flights to Dawson City from Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. Air North, Yukon’s Airline, is the main carrier that offers flights to Dawson City. Air North offers direct flights from Whitehorse to Dawson City several times a day. The flight time is about 45 minutes.

You can also get to Dawson City by car or by train. The drive from Whitehorse to Dawson City is about 5 hours. The drive is scenic and offers stunning views of the Yukon wilderness. The train from Whitehorse to Dawson City is operated by the White Pass and Yukon Route. The train ride takes about 12 hours and offers a unique way to experience the Yukon landscape.

Once you arrive in the city, there are a few ways to get around. The town is small and easy to get around on foot or by bike. There is also a public bus system that operates in Dawson City.

Here are some additional tips for getting to Dawson City:

• Be sure to book your flights or train tickets in advance, especially during the peak season (June-August).
• Pack for all types of weather, as the weather in Dawson City can be unpredictable.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery along the way.
• Be sure to try the local cuisine, such as sourdough pancakes and smoked salmon.
• Relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city.

Where to stay in Dawson City

There are a variety of hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from in Dawson City. You can also find a number of campgrounds and RV parks in the surrounding area.

Here are a few of the most popular hotels in Dawson City:

• Dawson City Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of the city. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
• The Downtown Hotel: This hotel is located in the downtown area of the city. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
• The Aurora Inn: This hotel is located on the banks of the Yukon River. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a hot tub.

Here are a few of the most popular bed and breakfasts in Dawson City:

• The Dawson City Bunkhouse: This bed and breakfast is located in a historic building in the heart of the city. The bed and breakfast offer a variety of amenities, including a shared kitchen, a common area, and free Wi-Fi.
• The Aurora Bed and Breakfast: This bed and breakfast is located on the banks of the Yukon River. The bed and breakfast offer a variety of amenities, including a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and free Wi-Fi.
• The Klondike Kate’s Cabins: These cabins are located in the heart of the city. The cabins offer a variety of amenities, including a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and free Wi-Fi.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are a number of campgrounds and RV parks in the surrounding area. Here are a few of the most popular campgrounds and RV parks:

• Dawson City Campground: This campground is located on the banks of the Yukon River. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.
• Yukon River Campground: This campground is located on the banks of the Yukon River. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.
• Bonanza Creek RV Park: This RV Park is located near the Bonanza Creek Gold Mine. The RV Park offers a variety of amenities, including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

Where to eat in Dawson City

There are a variety of restaurants to choose from in the city. You can find everything from fine dining to casual eateries. Here are a few of the most popular restaurants in Dawson City:

• Diamond Tooth Gertie’s: This historic gambling hall also has a restaurant that serves up classic American fare, such as burgers, steaks, and seafood.
• Jack London Grill: This restaurant is named after the famous author Jack London, who lived in the city during the Gold Rush. The restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, including steak, seafood, and pasta.
• Sourtoe Cocktail Club: This bar is home to the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail, which contains a human toe. The bar also serves up a variety of other cocktails, as well as beer and wine.
• Dawson City Brewing Company: This brewery is located in the heart of the city. The brewery offers a variety of beers on tap, as well as a food menu that features pub fare.
• Pan of Gold: This restaurant is located on the banks of the Yukon River. The restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, including fish and chips, burgers, and salads.

If you are looking for something more casual, there are a number of cafes and coffee shops in the city. Here are a few of the most popular cafes and coffee shops:

• The Sourdough Café: This café is located in the heart of the city. The café serves up a variety of breakfast and lunch items, as well as coffee and tea.
• The Klondike Coffee Company: This coffee shop is located on the banks of the Yukon River. The coffee shop serves up a variety of coffee drinks, as well as pastries and sandwiches.
• The Dawson City Bakery: This bakery is located in the heart of Dawson City. The bakery sells a variety of baked goods, including breads, pastries, and pies.

Tips for visiting Dawson City

Here are a few tips for visiting Dawson City:

• The best time to visit Dawson City is during the summer (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny.
• Dawson City is a small town, so it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike.
• There are a variety of hotels and restaurants to choose from in Dawson City.
• Be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during the peak season.
• The cost of living in Dawson City is higher than in other parts of Canada.
• Dawson City is a great place to experience the culture and history of the Yukon Territory.

We hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Dawson City! Happy Travels!