"Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada" Top 5 Page for this destination Dawson by Stephen-KarenConn

Dawson Travel Guide: 41 reviews and 92 photos

Dawson from Top of the World Highway - Dawson

Located at the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers just 165 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Dawson City is a former moose pasture which grew into an instant metropolis of 30,000 to 40,000 souls in the late 19th century. It all began with the discovery of gold on Bonanza Creek and the resulting gold rush of 1898-99. Dawson City became the first territorial capitol of the Yukon Territory, and for a time was largest community west of Winnipeg and north of San Francisco.

Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman

Today Dawson City is still an amazing place. It retains much of the look and feel of a century-old gold rush town, with many of its historic buildings beautifully restored. The dirt streets and board sidewalks are much as they were during the heady days of the stampede, when the increase of newcomers created such a high demand for goods and services that almost anything could be had for a price. During this era Dawson City became known as "the Paris of the North."

Today, with a population that has dwindled to about 2,000, Dawson City attracts about 40,000 visitors a year - adventurers of a different kind. It is an extremely alluring destination for those with an interest in the great outdoors, history, or who just want to have an unusual and memorable travel experience. And there's still gold to be found in these hills, too.

Last visit to Dawson: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Aug 28, 2004
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Reviews (20)

Dawson Historic Complex National... Things to Do (9)

The Dawson Historic Complex National Historic Site of Canada consists of about two dozen restored and preserved... more travel advice

Dawson City Visitor Reception Centre - Dawson

Dawson City Visitor Reception Centre Things to Do (9)

Here is an Information Centre which offers more than just your typical maps and brochures. In this old two story log... more travel advice

Old Post Office Things to Do (9)

Constructed in 1901, this building is among the oldest in the Yukon. Designed by Thomas Fuller, a renowned Canadian... more travel advice

Going up the Midnight Dome Off The Beaten Path (2)

Those who visit Dawson City should take an hour to drive the seven kilometres to the top of the Dome, a rounded peak... more travel advice

Comments (18)

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Nemorino Apr 18, 2008 at 1:38 PM

Not bad for a former moose pasture! Interesting tips on Jack London & Robert Service (neither of whom spent as much time up there as I had thought). The Palace Grand Theater looks impressive in a funky sort of way; too bad the show was a disappointment.
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Carmanah Jul 17, 2007 at 1:59 PM

Great page full of informative tips - thanks for sharing! I've always wanted to head up to the Yukon but have never ventured that far north yet. One day soon hopefully!
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matcrazy1 Nov 1, 2006 at 3:29 PM

Excellent page and wonderful destination. I've learned a lot and want to go there now. Thanks for sharing.
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RafaelTheSecond Jul 1, 2005 at 11:11 AM

Canada can say that they have their own Alaska, simular landscape, simular people, simular animals and simular hunger for fortune in the past: THE GOLD RUSH!;) We had our gold rush in the north of Brazil, in Serra pelada!
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easyoar Jun 21, 2005 at 2:35 PM

I picked a good day to read your tip about the Summer Solstice Sun (or lack of it!). Nice pics and tips of the gold rush towns!
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Bwana_Brown Jun 4, 2005 at 7:07 PM

Wow, this is the best page that I have read in a long time! Your tips and photos of Dawson are fantastic! It is not fair you had such a great time, because I have always meant to make my way north too! Still, thank you very much for this virtual tour!
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ferdnbean Mar 23, 2005 at 8:23 PM

Stephen & Karen...your pages are the next best thing to being there. No wonder you write so well..all those Jack London stories... and I thought I was the only person that enjoyed "To build a fire".
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Yaqui Feb 28, 2005 at 9:09 AM

You've been to so many wonderful destination! Loads of historical places still to see huh? Thanks for sharing with me!!!
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JLBG Dec 22, 2004 at 9:00 PM

Excellent page Stephen ! Dawson city is one of those places which very name makes one dream ! Thank you for sharing !
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LoriPori Dec 20, 2004 at 5:05 AM

The first place Hans and I would head for if we go to Dawson is Diamond Tooth Gerties for the can-can girls & slot machines. Yahoo! And Stephen, you always make me sooo hungry with your tantalizing restaurant tips. Hugs. Lori.