27 FUN things to do in Dawson City, Yukon Territory

Want to experience the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush? In this guide we’re sharing 17 fun things to do in Dawson City, Yukon, plus where to stay, how to get there, and more!

If you’ve ever wished you could get a glimpse of the Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City NEEDS to be on your travel bucket list. 

This small town in Canada’s Yukon Territory (YT) was the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush and is loaded with history. With countless preserved, historic buildings and costumed tour guides, exploring the national heritage site of Dawson City feels like stepping back in time!

About Dawson City

Before diving into the top things to do in Dawson City, it’s important to know some of its history!

In 1896, gold was discovered near Dawson City in Bonanza Creek, kicking off the Klondike Gold Rush. About 1,000 nearby miners came to the area to stake their claims and by 1897, news spread worldwide and an estimated 100,000 stampeded to the Klondike region and the rush was on!

By 1898, Dawson City itself ballooned to more than 30,000 people. And while most of the newcomers discovered that much of the good ground had been claimed, many decided to set up businesses to cater to the miners.

Between 1896 and 1899, $29 million dollars in gold had been mined and Dawson City became known as the “Paris of the North.” It was the largest city west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle and was even the capital of the Yukon until 1953. There were dance and gambling halls, bars, brothels, churches, casinos, theaters, restaurants, supply stores, and anything else a bustling boomtown needed.

However, once gold was discovered in Nome, Alaska, many of these gold seekers left in search of more gold. But they left behind tons of history to continue exploring today!

Map of the Best things to do in Dawson City

27 fun things to do in Dawson City

Despite being a small town with under 2,000 residents, there are a lot of things to do in Dawson City! Whether you want to check out historic sights, go for a hike, take a scenic drive, or hit the slots, there’s a little something for everyone. 

Below is a rundown of 27 fun things to do in Dawson City, plus a custom Google Map below, which you can save to your Google Maps to reference during your time in Dawson City!

1. Explore historic downtown Dawson City

One of the BEST things to do in Dawson City is simply walk around its downtown area! The entire downtown feels like a living history museum. Each block is lined with colorful historic buildings, wooden boardwalks for sidewalks, and even dirt roads!

We suggest giving yourself an hour or two to stroll its streets, but as you explore, make sure to find the Kissing Buildings. These are two buildings that are precariously leaning against each other and is the best place to snap a photo in town. You should also take a stroll down Front Street, imagining what the busting street looked like during the gold rush, as this was the center of the action!

2. Enjoy some of the Best Restaurants in Town

During our time exploring these things to do in Dawson City we really enjoyed Bonton & Company. This spot is a cafe by day, with coffee, pastries, and lunch items, and a restaurant by night, with cocktails and a menu highlighting local products. It is the kind of spot you’d expect to find in a big city, not in remote Canada. And has actually been named one of the best new restaurants in Canada by multiple publications!

We enjoyed some coffee in the morning (while using their free Wi-Fi to get some work done), plus lunch, including a charcuterie board, which we highly recommend. They cure their own meats in-house too (you can see the room in the back)! 

It is a pricer spot, but for the quality you get in a remote location like Dawson City, it’s worth it. Note: if going for dinner, make sure to make a reservation!

Some other restaurants to check out are Red Mammoth Bistro, La Taqueria and Sourdough Saloon. And if you need something sweet, make sure to grab a milkshake at Klondyke Cream & Candy.

3. Join the Sourtoe Cocktail Club at the Sourdough Saloon

Maybe the most unique attraction and tradition in Dawson City is the Sourtoe Cocktail. This is a shot of liquor, usually Yukon Jack whisky, but the real kicker is, it has a DEHYDRATED HUMAN TOE dropped into the bottom of the glass. Yes, those disgusting things in the photo above are TOES!

The legend of this story dates back to the 1920s. There were a pair of brothers who were rum runners. And one night, they were on a run in a blizzard when one of the brother’s feet went through some ice- soaking his foot. Fearing they were being chased by the police, they kept moving and by the time they could stop, his big toe was frozen solid. The other brother cut off the toe to prevent gangrene and they dropped the toe in some alcohol to commemorate the occasion. 

Years later, Captain Dick Stevenson was cleaning out a cabin and discovered the jar with the toe in it. After meeting with his buddies they decided to start the Sourtoe Cocktail Club. Over the years the club has acquired, by donation, over 25 toes!

The rules of the Sourtoe Cocktail is that “you can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips have to touch the gnarly toe.” And no eating the toe allowed, not that you’d intentionally want to do that. At least, we hope not. 😉 

Sound fun to you? Head to the Sourdough Saloon to give it a shot (literally)! They do the Sourtoe cocktails every night, just make sure to sign up in advance. When we visited there were over 102,000 members of the club and after some Google sleuthing, it looks like they are pushing 112,000 members a year later! Clearly it’s a popular option for things to do in Dawson City despite being super gross!

For those that don’t drink (like us), your only option without alcohol is to do an air shot, as in no liquid, just straight toe. So we chose to skip this Dawson City tradition.

4. Visit the S.S. Keno National Historic Site

As you wander around Dawson City you’ll very likely notice the S.S. Keno, a sternwheeler from the 1920s. Sternwheelers helped play a huge role in the opening of the region to industry and people. From the 1890s to the 1950s, they provided transport, delivered mail and news, and carried silver lead ore from the nearby mines.

You can view the S.S. Keno from the outside or go on a tour of it with Parks Canada (more on that below!).

5. Go on a tour with Parks Canada

Parks Canada not only preserves and maintains 17 historically significant heritage buildings in Dawson City, but they also provide a handful of tours as well! Parks Canada is one of the reasons why there are so many great things to do in Dawson City!

You can go on a walking tour of downtown and go inside buildings, tour the S.S. Keno, visit a cabin, learn about the area’s indigenous history, do an escape room experience, and more!

Tours times and offerings vary depending on the time of year you visit so be sure to check the website or pop into the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre and speak with the staff. It’s also suggested to visit the day before or on the morning of to get your name on a list for the tour you’d like.

For how cheap these tours are (most are less than $10 CAD per person), we highly recommend doing them! We did two while in town (marked with an asterisk below) and both were fantastic!

6. Dawson City Walking Tour*

On this tour you’ll be led around town by a costumed guide who will share the unique and very interesting history of this once booming Klondike Gold Rush town. You’ll visit the Old Post Office, Red Feather Saloon, and be regaled with tales from the Gold Rush!

We went on this tour and learned so many interesting tidbits about some of the characters who once lived in town and the wonderfully preserved buildings. Plus, having a costumed guide only added to the experience. It was a lot of fun!

7. S.S. Keno

While you can see the S.S. Keno from the outside for free, if you want to experience the S.S. Keno from the inside, you’ll need to book a tour with Parks Canada. 

8. Dredge #4 Tour*

The second tour we went on in Dawson City was the Dredge no. 4 Tour. This tour shares about the history and evolution of gold mining in the area. Plus you’ll get a full guided tour of the inside of the massive dredge, which is very impressive, and learn how it worked. Our guide was very informative and we learned a ton!

9. Robert Service Cabin

Robert Service, also known as the Bard of the Yukon, is a popular writer and poet in the Yukon.  It is said that he brought the Klondike experience alive for people and also put the Canadian North on the map. And on a tour with Parks Canada you can visit his old cabin, set amongst alders and fireweed. It’s a great option for things to do in Dawson City, but we just didn’t have quite enough time to do this one too.

10. Drive up to Midnight Dome

To get the best view of the city and surrounding area, head to Midnight Dome. You’ll be high above Dawson City and be able to look down the Yukon River valley and see lots of mountains all around. It’s an incredible view and one of our favorite things to do in Dawson City!

And if you happen to be visiting Dawson City on the summer solstice (mid June), you’ll find a party on top of the Midnight Dome. Ever since at least 1899, people have been hiking to the top to celebrate the sun circling the horizon and see the midnight sun. We missed out on this, but it sounds like a lot of fun!

11. Visit the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre

For generations Dawson City has been home to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, who still call this area home today. But in 1896, their lives were disrupted when gold was discovered in Bonanza Creek, kicking off the Klondike Gold Rush. 

To learn more about the First Nation, visit the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre right on the Yukon River. The center shares the history and culture of the first people of the Klondike. But keep in mind that it is only open certain days of the week depending on when you visit, so be sure to check their website for hours before adding this to your list of things to do in Dawson City.

12. Check out other historic sights in town

Beyond the tours offered by Parks Canada and the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, there are a handful of other historical sights to check out in Dawson City.

13. Jack London Museum

Jack London is another popular writer who lived in the Dawson City area for a time. And if you’re a fan of his work, like the popular book turned movie “Call of the Wild”, then check out the Jack London Museum. The museum is located in a replica cabin that was built using half the wood from the original cabin. At the museum you can learn about the author’s time before, during, and after the Klondike Gold Rush.  

14. Dawson City Museum

At the Dawson City Museum you can learn even more about the town’s storied history and see thousands of historic artifacts and photographs. It’s a great place to visit if you love history!

15. Klondike Institute of Art and Culture

If art is more your thing, then you should pay a visit to the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture. Here you’ll see pieces from local artists, and they also host a variety of events, festivals and educational programs.

16. Try Gold Panning

Ever wanted to pan for gold? At Free Claim #6 you can! And for free, as the name implies!

You’ll need to bring your own pan, but you can borrow a pan and get a vial to store your findings from the Visitor Center. To get there, you’ll drive 12 miles down Bonanza Road. The free claim is about a half mile upstream from the famous Discovery Claim, which set off the Klondike Gold Rush! 

17. Hike a trail

Dawson City is surrounded by wilderness. And if you know anything about us you’ll know we couldn’t write a list of the best things to do in Dawson City without including a few trails. While our favorite hike near Dawson City requires a bit of a trek to get to (more on that later!), there are some trails in town as well! 

18. Waterfront Trail

The Waterfront Trail is right in town and as you might guess from the name goes along the Yukon River. Along the way you’ll find signage that shares information about the history of Dawson City and the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin. It runs from the north end of town to the confluence of the Klondike River. 

19. Ridge Road Trail 

Ridge Road Trail is a longer trail just outside of town that used to be a government built wagon trail. From 1899 to 1902 the road was used as a major supply route to the goldfields. There were shops, roadhouses, and suppliers all along the route, so you’ll be walking (or biking!) in the miner’s footsteps!

If you want to complete the entire 33 km route, you’ll want to camp overnight at one of the campgrounds along the way. To learn more, check out this brochure and map of the route. 

20. Gamble and see the can-can show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s

For a fun night out, head to Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall! This is said to be the oldest gambling hall in Canada, established in 1971, and one of the best things to do in Dawson City.

It gets its name after Gertie Lovejoy, one of Dawson’s most famous dancers from the Gold Rush era, who had a diamond between her two front teeth. But this spot is known for more than just drinks and games, it’s home to can-can shows! 

There are 3 completely different shows every night and it costs $20 per person for a season pass, which can get you into shows for the entire summer season. And what is really cool about this casino is that it is a non-profit and all proceeds go back to the community! 

During our visit to Dawson City we headed to Diamond Tooth Gerties to catch all three shows, which went way past our bedtime. But we had a blast singing and dancing to many familiar tunes! They make some pretty solid mocktails too!

21. Go on a Yukon River Cruise

If you were hoping to jump back in time and experience a ride on a paddlewheeler on the Yukon River then you are in luck…sort of! The Klondike Spirit provides a nostalgic experience aboard the only operating paddlewheeler in the Yukon. 

On the boat you’ll learn through a narrated tour about Dawson City, the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin, the village of Moosehide, and more!

Note: this cruise didn’t appear to operate in 2023, so we suggest calling or emailing them beforehand to check.

22. Take a FREE ferry across the Yukon River

Prefer a free boat ride? One of the highlights of our time exploring the things to do in Dawson City was simply riding the free George Black Ferry across the Yukon River! 

This ferry runs 24 hours a day, minus a short service break on Fridays from 5-7 AM. It is actually part of the Canadian highway system and since it is the only way across the Yukon River in Dawson City, it is FREE! 

Riding it is a quick, free way to see the town from the water. But that’s not all you can do! Once on the other side you can visit the Paddlewheel Graveyard or drive the Top of the World Highway, which leads to Alaska. More on both of those below!

23. Visit the Paddlewheel Graveyard

Over the years, hundreds of wooden paddlewheel ships ran up and down the Yukon River carrying supplies, humans, and silver lead ore. With the construction of highways and introduction of flight, the need for these ships quickly diminished. 

Many of these old ships’ final resting place is right on the western banks of the Yukon River and you can see them at the Paddlewheel Graveyard. It’s a very unique (and a tad eerie) spot to add to your list of things to do in Dawson City!

Note: you will need to take the free ferry across the river to get to the graveyard.

24. Drive the Top of the World Highway

We visited Dawson City after 2.5 months in Alaska and to get there, we drove the Top of the World Highway. This mostly unpaved highway runs 79 miles from Alaska to Dawson City, Yukon. And it gets its name because most of the time the road is above the treeline and you cross over mountain ridges with endless views!

We highly recommend making a day trip to the Top of the World Highway while in Dawson City! You could drive just to the US/Canada border and turn around, or continue into Alaska. We personally recommend going to Chicken, Alaska. This is a quirky small town without any electricity, cell service, or plumbing! The town runs on generators and has outhouses. 

And if you’re wondering where the name Chicken comes from, it dates back to the late 1800s. Gold miners here survived on lots of ptarmigan, which resembles a chicken. And when the town was incorporated in 1902 they couldn’t figure out how to spell or the best way to spell ptarmigan so they decided to call the town Chicken instead. 

Make sure to stop by Chicken Creek Cafe for some pie! And pop into the shop a couple doors down for a Chicken souvenir!

Note: The Top of the World Highway is technically open from May until first snowfall, but the US/Canada border is only open from June-early September, with specific hours everyday. So if you want to cross the border, make sure to check the exact dates and hours it is open. Also, even though it is mostly unpaved, any vehicle can drive the road.

25. Look for the Northern Lights

If you’re like us, seeing the northern lights has long been on your bucket list! And from the end of August until April, Dawson City is one of the best places in North America to see them.

To have the best chance to see them you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather forecast. One of the best sites to checkout is Aurora Forecast, which will tell you the probability for the upcoming days.

While we didn’t see them in Dawson City, others we met did. So if the conditions are right, definitely head outside to take a peak. Seeing them a few days later along the Dempster Highway was truly one of the most spectacular experiences of our lives!

26. Visit Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park is one of the most epic spots in the Yukon Territory. And it’s only located 110 km northeast (1.5 hour drive) of Dawson City! So while not actually in Dawson City, it still had to be included on our list of things to do in Dawson City, since it’s just that amazing!

This park is on the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, who called the mountains “ragged mountain land” in the Han language. And it’s a very accurate description! The park is known for its incredible scenery, including rugged peaks, permafrost landforms, and abundant wildlife. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as Canada’s Patagonia.

During our visit we hiked the Grizzly Lake Trail, which is 22 km (13.8 miles) roundtrip. This is usually done as a backpacking trip, sometimes in combination with the Divide Lake and Talus Lake Trail. It is a challenge to do it in one day, but if you start early it is doable and SO worth it! You are above the treeline basically the entire hike and have nonstop views. But the best part is when you get close to Grizzly Lake and see the insanely jagged peaks that surround it. It’s unreal! And it didn’t hurt that we did this hike at the very end of August, which is the start of fall in the Yukon Territory. The terrain was full of golden, orange, and red hues.

Watch us hike the Grizzly Lake Trail in Tombstone Territorial Park!

If you don’t have the time or ability to hike to Grizzly Lake, Goldensides Mountain is a popular day hike. It’s 3.7 km (2.3 miles) round trip and gains 203 meters (666 feet), making it doable for most visitors!

Note: Tombstone Territorial Park is located on the Dempster Highway, so part of the drive from Dawson City will be on gravel.

27. Drive the Dempster Highway

Last but certainly not least, one of the best things to do in Dawson City is to drive the Dempster Highway. 

The Dempster Highway is Canada’s most northern highway and is the only highway in Canada that crosses the Arctic Circle. It starts just east of Dawson City and goes 740 km (460 miles) up to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. From here, it connects to the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway for another 152 km to Tuktoyaktuk, also known as Tuk. At Tuk you can dip your toes (or if you’re like us, your whole body) in the ARCTIC OCEAN! 

Driving the Dempster Highway is easily one of the greatest experiences of our lives. However, it is not an adventure to be taken lightly. The road, minus a small stretch in Inuvik, is totally unpaved and is notorious for flat tires. There are also very limited to no services along most of the drive. Thankfully we didn’t have any major issues, but we did encounter multiple people with flat tires.

If you have about a week to spare while visiting Dawson City and a capable vehicle (good tires + in overall good condition), it is 110% worth the trek!

Want to make the trek? Check out our guide to Driving the Dempster Highway for much more information about the drive, services along the way, the best stops, and more!

When to visit these things to do in Dawson City

While you can enjoy these things to do in Dawson City year round, your experience will vary heavily depending on the month. Here’s a rundown of what to expect in each season!

Summer (June to August)

The most popular (and most would probably say most pleasant) time to visit Dawson City is the summer. The days are long and the temperatures are very pleasant. These long days give you tons of time to explore all the things to do in Dawson City that are outdoors like hiking, gold panning, and checking out the historic sights in and around town. Summer is also when most businesses and activities will be in full swing for the tourist season. 

Fall (Late August to September)

While fall typically doesn’t hit most places until late September or early October, Dawson City experiences fall MUCH earlier. The end of August to the beginning of September marks the fall in Dawson City, especially in the more mountainous areas, like Tombstone and the Dempster Highway.

There is a short window during this timeframe when the landscape bursts with reds, yellows, and oranges. This is a stunning time to visit! We were in Dawson City and the surrounding area around this time and it was incredible! Just be prepared for colder temperatures and keep in mind that towards the end of September, tourist season winds down and many attractions and businesses will begin closing for the season. 

If you’re traveling in an RV and aren’t prepared for winter, you will want to start making your way south in September.

Winter (October to February)

After the short fall season ends, Dawson City sees less daylight, more snow, and rapidly cooling temperatures. But for those looking to experience a different side of Dawson City, there is still fun to be had! Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and catching the Aurora Borealis are all great winter activities in Dawson City.

It is important to note that this guide was written primarily for the summer and fall months. Many businesses and the Parks Canada tours are closed during the winter months.

Spring (March to May)

In the spring time the days will be getting longer and the temperatures will rise. Businesses and attractions will be gearing up for the upcoming tourist season, but depending on when you arrive, they might not be ready for you. This is definitely shoulder season and may not offer the true Dawson City experience.

Driving to Dawson City from Alaska

To get to Dawson City from Alaska, you’ll drive the Taylor Highway and the Top of the World Highway, which as we mentioned, is a 79 mile mostly gravel road.

From Tok, Alaska to Dawson City, YT, the drive is about 5 hours and includes a border crossing. The border is only open seasonally, from June early September and its hours vary. 

It’s important to know that Dawson City is one hour ahead of Alaska. So when planning your drive, make sure you’ll make it to the border before they close for the day. 

Once you cross into Canada, you’ll have gorgeous scenery until the Top of the World Highway ends at the bank of the Yukon River, right across from Dawson City. There is no bridge to get across, but thankfully there is the free George Black Ferry. It takes less than 20 minutes and is a fun experience in itself and is included in our list of things to do in Dawson City!

Driving to Dawson City from Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway

Whitehorse is the largest city (in fact, the only official city) in the Yukon Territory. If coming to Dawson City from Whitehorse, it is an almost 6 hour drive along the Klondike Highway. 

This highway is open year round and is completely paved, except for occasional sections under construction. But be sure to check Yukon 511 before you make the trek for up to date road conditions. 

Flying to Dawson City

Although it’s a very small town, Dawson City does have an airport (YDA), with flights from Whitehorse (YXY) via Air North, a Yukon airline.

However, if this does not work or you just want to see more of the Yukon Territory, a popular option is to fly into Whitehorse. Air Canada and WestJet offer flights to Whitehorse from May to September. You will then need to rent a car to get to Dawson City.

How to get around Dawson City

Speaking of cars, having your own car (or a rental car) will be the best way to explore these things to do in Dawson City. There are tours you can hire to take you around Dawson City, but you will need your own way to get to Dawson City.

Do you need 4×4 to explore these things to do in Dawson City!? 

We have a RWD Sprinter Van and had no issues in Dawson City or even on the Dempster Highway. 

Driving the Dempster Highway?

If you plan to continue onto the Dempster Highway, make sure you have a reliable vehicle. You will also want good tires, a spare tire, tire repair kit, an emergency roadside kit, and enough food and water for longer than you plan to be out there.

Where to Stay in Dawson City

Dawson City has a variety of lodging options available. We were in our van so we chose to boondock, but there are options for all types of visitors.

Hotels 

Dawson Lodge
Klondike Kate’s Cabins
The Bunkhouse
Triple J Hotel
The Downtown

Vacation Rentals

Bedside Manner Basement Sweet (2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom)
The Loft on Sixth (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom)
Log Cabin with Large Deck (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
House in the Klondike (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)

Camping

Yukon River Campground: This campground is located across the river from town, so you will have to take the ferry across whenever you want to go into town. But what makes Yukon government campgrounds awesome is free unlimited firewood!
Gold Rush Campground: Located within walking distance to town!
Klondike River Campground

Boondocking

There aren’t a ton of boondocking options in Dawson City, but we stayed just below the summit of Midnight Dome a couple nights and it was nice and quiet. 

How much time do you need to enjoy these things to do in Dawson City?

Dawson City itself is small and can be explored in one busy day, but we suggest 2-3 days in the area to appreciate all that it has to offer. Unsure how to organize these things to do in Dawson City? We’re including a 1, 2, and 3 day itineraries below!

Things to do in Dawson City Itineraries

Whether you only have one day to experience Dawson City’s gold rush charm or can spare a few to explore its surrounding areas, we’ve gotcha covered! Below are a handful of itinerary options to help you get started with your Dawson City planning!

One day in Dawson City

• Start your day with coffee and breakfast at Red Mammoth Bistro.
• Wander around the streets of Dawson City before heading on some Parks Canada tours!
• We suggest going on the Dawson City Walking Tour at the minimum, but throwing in Dredge #4 or S.S. Keno, depending on which interests you more.
• Have lunch at Bonton & Company.
• Drive up to Midnight Dome to see sweeping views of the area!
• For dinner, go to the Sourdough Saloon and if you’re brave, try the sourtoe cocktail. Whether you want to experience it or not, we suggest at least going to watch!
• End the night with can-can shows at Diamond Tooth Gerties!

Two days in Dawson City

Day One

For your first day, follow the one day itinerary above which includes some of our favorite things to do in Dawson City!

Day Two

For day two you have a couple options. You could either drive the Top of the World Highway into Alaska, if you haven’t already driven it. Or you could drive part of the Dempster Highway to Tombstone Territorial Park and hike for the day!

Three days in Dawson City

Day One

For your first day, follow the one day itinerary above which includes some of our favorite things to do in Dawson City!

Day Two

For your second day, make the trek to Tombstone Territorial Park. Go for a hike along the Goldensides Mountain Trail and just enjoy the scenery from the car!

Day Three

On day three, head across the Yukon River to the Top of the World Highway! We suggest going all the way to Chicken, Alaska. Either on your way there or back, make sure to check out the paddlewheeler graveyard.

Ready to explore things to do in Dawson City, Yukon Territory?

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