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Few places in Canada evoke such a strong sense of history as Dawson City, now registered as a National Historic Site.

For a few short years from 1896 Dawson City had the richest gold mine of all time, and was at the heart of the Klondike gold rush. Nearly 100,000 people struggled across almost impenetrable mountains and huge tracts of wilderness to seek their fortunes.

Step back in time

Today the town’s wooden boardwalks, historic saloons, false-fronted wooden houses and rutted dirt streets retain that frontier atmosphere. The ghosts of legendary characters such as Skookum Jim, Tagish Charlie and Soapy Smith echo throughout the poetry of Robert Service and Jack London and can still be felt in this perfectly-preserved time-warp gem.

Things to see and do

Dawson City, YukonThere are many places to visit here, including the Palace Grand Theatre, Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling House, the Robert Service and Jack London cabins and the Dawson City Museum. Nearby are the famous goldfields of Bonanza Creek and the Klondike River where it is possible to tour Dredge No. 4 or try panning for gold yourself.

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Suggested itinerary featuring Dawson City

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Dawson City, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Dawson City

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    Places near Dawson City

    Our expert guides to exploring Dawson City

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Dawson City, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Dawson City at its best.

    • Self-drive vacations in Canada
      Jasper National Park

      Self-drive vacations in Canada

      Self-drive vacations in Canada

      Whether you choose a route circuiting western Canada’s renowned mountains, glaciers and lakes, or you’d rather go off-grid exploring the traditional fishing villages and coastal drives of the Maritimes, Canada’s well-maintained, easily navigable roads make it an excellent self-drive destination.

      7 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Dawson City

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Dawson City. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.