Things To Do in Dawson City in the Yukon, Canada
See Jack London’s Cabin and Experience Gold Rush History
Sep 21, 2009
There is never a dull moment in Dawson City. This charming spot in the northern part of developed Yukon, Canada is the place to go for gold panning adventures, paddlewheel boat rides and a step back to the days of gambling, drinking and partying in the Klondike Gold Rush days. It was once referred to as “Paris of the North.” Make sure to also check out the annual Dawson City Music Festival.
Gold Panning like the Gold Rush Days
The best way to get acquainted with the Klondike days is to go gold panning. The gold rush here was sparked in 1896 by George Carmack, Dawson Charlie and Skookum Jim on Bonanza Creek (then named Rabbit Creek). Travellers can re-live their thrill by heading to one of the many claims dotting the area.
Claim 33 Gold Panning & Antiques (7 miles from Dawson City on Bonanza Creek, 867-993-6626; $13 CDN) is a good start, offering “Guaranteed gold” to all those gold panning. Nearby, go see Dredge No. 4 (7.8 miles from Dawson City on Bonanza Creek, 888-773-8888; $6.30 CDN), the largest wooden hulled, bucket line dredge in North America.
The Jack London Cabin
Prospector Jack London made his way to the Yukon in 1897 and struck it rich, not with gold, but by writing of his adventures. His original cabin was found on Henderson Creek, 120 km south of Dawson City, in 1936 and the building was used to create two replicas, one of them located here. The Jack London Cabin now has interpretive programs for visitors ($2 CDN).
The Robert Service Cabin
Often called the “Bard of the Klondike,” Robert Service was a bank clerk who conveyed the Klondike gold rush in such lyrical poems that they’ve been read by schoolchildren and adults all over the world. Now, travellers can sit outside his cabin and hear an interpreter reading his poetry and tell his history ($6.30 CDN).
Parks Canada Walking Tour
Twice daily walking tours by Parks Canada ($6.30 CDN) are a great way to get a feel for the city. An interpreter in period costume gives the history and tells naughty stories about the folks who struck it rich and lived in complete opulence here.
Tales of wild gambling halls (Diamond Tooth Gerties, Canada’s oldest casino, still operates with a gambling hall and nightly entertainment; $6 CDN for a 2-night pass), the red light district and the “Good Time Girls” are worth the price of admission. There is also an MP3 Audio Tour of the same route for those who cannot make the set tour times.
Paddlewheel Boat Tour
How often can visitors jump into an authentic paddlewheel boat? Dawson City’s Klondike Spirit (867-993-5323) is a side paddlewheeler that takes passengers on river boat tours. Departing from downtown, a costumed interpreter tells river tales on a relaxing cruise along the Yukon River.
Dawson City Hotels
Choices abound for accommodation. Dawson City hotels are generally simple and well located. The Eldorado Hotel (902 3rd Avenue, 1-800-764-3536) has modern, sleek rooms, while Bombay Peggy’s (2nd Avenue & Princess Street, 867-993-6969), a former brothel and boarding house, now has gorgeous Victorian rooms and a great pub. Aurora Inn (5th Avenue & Harper Street, 867-993-6860) has an outstanding restaurant. Don’t forget to try out the infamous Sour Toe Cocktail at the Downtown Hotel.
Travel to Dawson City
535 km (332 miles) northwest of Whitehorse, Dawson City is accessible by the Top of the World, Dempster and Klondike highways. There is also a small airport with flights from other northern communities.
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