Welcome to our in-depth guide to visiting Dawson City, Yukon. Whether you’re searching for the best things to do Dawson City Yukon, planning your route from Dawson City to Whitehorse, or simply wondering is Dawson City worth visiting, this guide has everything you need.
We’ll explore the town’s fascinating Gold Rush roots, its vibrant local culture, and the unforgettable northern experiences that make this one of Canada’s most unique destinations. From historic sites and scenic viewpoints to quirky attractions and classic Dawson City tours, this frontier town delivers far more than meets the eye.
Here are the highlights from my three days exploring this quirky, cool, and endlessly interesting northern town.
CHECK HERE Compare prices on flights to Dawson City with Skyscanner2025 Update
After a ferry ride on the Alaska Marine Highway and an unforgettable drive up the Dempster Highway in an electric vehicle—following earlier adventures exploring things to do in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Haines—I returned to Dawson City in late 2025 and fully updated this guide with everything I experienced along the way.
This latest visit gave me even more insight into the best things to do in Dawson City, Yukon—from where to eat and drink to the historic sites, quirky attractions, and northern adventures that make this frontier town so memorable.
Whether you’re here for Gold Rush history, local culture, or using Dawson as a launching point for the Arctic Ocean, this one-of-a-kind northern town continues to impress, surprise, and reward travellers willing to make the journey.
What to Do in Dawson City, Yukon
No town in Canada boasts as much character and quirk quite like Dawson City. If you’re wondering is Dawson City worth visiting, the answer is an easy yes—its mix of frontier charm, oddball attractions, and rich northern culture makes it unlike anywhere else in the country.
Built on the back of the Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson exploded into a boomtown of more than 40,000 people, transforming overnight into a bustling hub of hotels, brothels, bars, and gambling halls.
That short-lived prosperity may have lasted only two years, but the legacy remains. Dawson City history is incredibly well-preserved, from its wooden boardwalks to its false-front buildings and historic landmarks maintained by Parks Canada.
Exploring town feels like stepping back into the 1890s—one of the many things to do in Dawson City, Yukon that continues to attract adventurous travellers.
Whether you’re joining guided Dawson City tours, learning about Gold Rush legends, checking into one of the many character-filled Dawson City Yukon hotels, or using the town as a starting point for the scenic drive from Dawson City to Whitehorse, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dawson. This is a one-of-a-kind northern destination where the past lives loudly, the stories run deep, and the charm is impossible to miss.
So what to do in Dawson City, Yukon? Here are my favorite sights and activities.
Things to do Dawson City Yukon
Stroll the Town
The slanty historic buildings of Dawson are worth the trip north alone. Many of the wooden structures have been designated as Federal Heritage Buildings. Many more have been left derelict and abandoned. All of it is cool, eerie, and unlike anything else you will find in Canada.
Downtown Dawson is comprised of dirt roads and uneven boardwalks, all in an effort to keep its character intact. The 5 x 5 block (or so) “downtown core” can be easily explored on your own, however, I recommend taking a guided tour.
Departing from the Yukon tourism office, Parks Canada offers one-hour tours that give insight into the city’s many historic buildings and businesses. I took the Doors Open Dawson tour for an added peek behind the scenes.
Highlights included putting on protective gloves and snooping around the original post office and the Dawson Daily Newspaper office. At the latter, you can flip through old newspapers and read the sometimes comical stories from 100+ years ago including headlines from the day of your tour and visit in 1899!
Also, be sure to stroll the walkway along the Yukon River. There you can see the convergence of the blue Klondike and brown Yukon Rivers. Along the way, you will find placards depicting the history and importance of the river in moving people and products in and out of Dawson and the Yukon.
The SS Keno, a historic sternwheeler paddle steamer turned into a national historic site of Canada, highlights the walk.
Local Quirks
Naturally, anyone willing to live in a place as remote and frigid as Dawson is unique, to say the least. Thankfully, this uniqueness spills over into plenty of great local attractions in the sights.
Sourtoe Cocktail
It doesn’t get stranger than this when it comes to visiting Dawson – sipping a cocktail with a legit severed human toe in it. Why? Because, Dawson.
Since 1973, daring patrons of the Downtown Hotel Saloon have been testing their courage with the Sourtoe Cocktail. 77,000 people can’t be wrong. At the time of my visit, that is how many people have joined the Sourtoe Cocktail Club.
Be sure to go early to secure your spot and catch the old-timey piano hour!
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall
Another quirky staple to hit up while visiting Dawson is the wonderfully awesome Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. There you will find the spirit of the Klondike Goldrush alive and well.
On top of a fully functioning casino (Canada’s very first!), you will find cancan dancers and turn-of-the-century characters in costume. Be sure to catch the show (3 per night May-September) and check out the view from the balcony seats above.
Dawson City Bar Hop
Visiting Dawson is visiting one of Canada’s best drinking towns. When a place spends over half the year buried under snow, it’s easy to see why. Summertime brings endless hours of sunlight and the locals take full advantage. Bar-hopping is a way of life and Dawson so be ready for a late night.
Start at Bombay Peggy’s for cocktails and micro-brews before heading to the famous Sourdough Saloon at the Downtown Hotel for the piano hour and perhaps a Sourtoe Cocktail.
Hit up Diamond Tooth Gerties for a late-night show and eats or a had of blackjack or two. Also note, no visit to Dawson is complete without a stop at the Westminster Hotel bar, lovingly known as The Pit. Words cannot explain a night at the Pit. From its tin foil dance floor to its wobbly floors and colourful clientele, the Pit is a gem. Be sure to head there before the lineup starts!
Mud Pit
Speaking of pits…Yukon folk work hard and play harder. There is no better place to experience this than at the Dawson City Mud Bog where drag racing takes place. Supped-up pickups plough through muddy tracks while locals cheer them on. What’s not to love?
Although there were no drag races on while I was visiting Dawson, there was a full-on female wrestling match! Did I mention Dawson is quirky?
Out and About
Although Dawson’s quirky and unique downtown is worth the trip up the Klondike Highway, the city’s nearby natural beauty and gold rush history is truly unique.
The Midnight Dome
Perched 1700 feet above Dawson is the aptly named Midnight Dome. What once looked over Dawson’s 40,000+ stampeders now provides visitors with a fantastic view of the town and the convergence of the Yukon and Klondike rivers.
The viewpoint is accessible by car or foot so those looking to sweat off late night out can hike up. Don’t miss the views to the east where you can see the Yukon River make its way towards Alaska and be sure to take in the view under the midnight sun!
Tailings Pond
There’s no greater sign of Dawson’s mining past than the tailing ponds along the Klondike River. On your way into town from the south, you will pass seemingly endless piles of rocks. These are the results of dredge mining over the years.
To get a true sense of the size of these tailing ponds, consider a scenic flight. From not so high above you can see the shimmering ponds stretch out along the Klondike River.
Tombstone Park
Speaking of scenic flights, one of the coolest things I did while visiting Dawson was fly over Tombstone Park. Although this nearby mountain range looks more at home in Middle Earth than the Yukon, its jagged peaks and green hillsides truly are Yukon at its best.
Local Legends
Of course, Dawson isn’t just a place for quirky folks and gold-diggers. Over the years some incredible people have passed through Dawson. Many others rest there permanently.
Robert Service
Affectionately known as the “Bard of the Yukon“, Robert Service was a banker by day and lived in the Yukon from 1900 to 1912. During that time he wrote many poems and stories about life in the north and used being mistaken as a burglar in Whitehorse (where he was shot at!) to write”The Shooting of Dan McGrew” Those visiting Dawson can tour his former log cabin which is run by Parks Canada and serves as a small museum dedicated to his work and life.
Jack London
Another famous writer who lived in the Yukon is The Call of the Wild author Jack London. Although he never struck it rich during the gold rush, Jack London used his experience to write many stories and poems. Just like Robert Service, you can visit a replica of Jack London’s former log cabin home which was discovered 120 km south of Dawson in 1936.
Dawson City Graveyard
If dead people are your thing, don’t miss a stroll through the expansive and historic Dawson City Cemeteries. Spread out on the Mt.Dome hillside and divided into designated areas, the Dawson cemetery offers a unique peek into the realities of the gold rush.
Many of those seeking fortune in the Yukon were ill-prepared for the harsh climates of the north and paid the ultimate price. Others were lost in mining accidents or while on duty as you will find in the dedicated cemetery to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
For full details on who is resting where there is a directory in the centre of the cemetery and notes the location of the graveyards first burial site.
Dawson City Museum
There’s no better place to read up on Dawson’s fascinating past then the Dawson City Museum. 2 floors split into exhibits on discovering the north and south offer countless artefacts which tell the story of Dawson’s rise to become the largest city north of San Francisco. The Dawson Museum is open daily during the summer and admission is only $9.
Visiting Dawson – Eat & Sleep
How to get to Dawson City
If you are wondering how to get to Dawson City, you have a few options. Here are the main ways to get there:
- By Air: The easiest and fastest way to reach Dawson City is by flying into Dawson City Airport (YDA). Several airlines offer scheduled flights from Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital, to Dawson City. Air North, the Yukon’s official airline flies to Dawson multiple times a day via Whitehorse. Check the Skyscanner site for the latest schedule and fare.
- By Road: If you prefer a road trip adventure like me, you can drive to Dawson City. The Klondike Highway (Highway 2) connects Dawson City to Whitehorse. The drive is approximately 530 kilometres (330 miles) and offers breathtaking scenery along the way.
- Car rentals are, understandably, pricey in the north and there is a mileage cap at 200 km per day. Still, the drive is worth doing even though there is no rental drop-off in Dawson meaning you are making the 7-hour trip twice.
- By Bus: Alternatively, Husky Bus offers service between Whitehorse and Dawson city for ~$109 one way. Those short on time can bus up and fly back.
Choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences, and get ready to explore the enchanting town of Dawson City, rich in Klondike Gold Rush history and surrounded by stunning wilderness.
Where to stay in Dawson City
Being a town that survives solely on tourism, there is no shortage of places to stay while visiting Dawson. A great Dawson City experience starts with choosing the right place to stay, and the Downtown Hotel is one of the most iconic options in town.
As one of the most recognizable Dawson City Yukon hotels, it sits right in the heart of the action—steps from the wooden boardwalks, historic buildings, museums, saloons, and Gold Rush landmarks that make this frontier town so unforgettable.
I stayed at the Downtown Hotel during my most recent visit, and it proved to be the perfect base for exploring the top things to do in Dawson City Yukon. Its central location meant I could walk everywhere, from Parks Canada sites to local restaurants, shops, and the riverfront.
Whether you’re here for Dawson City history, guided tours, or simply soaking up the lively northern atmosphere, the Downtown Hotel makes getting around easy and adds a fun dose of character to your stay.
See here for the best rates at the Downtown Hotel Dawson City.
For travellers wondering where to stay in Dawson City or researching the best hotels in Dawson City Yukon, this is a solid and convenient choice—full of charm, personality, and a true sense of place.
On my first visit, I stayed at Klondike Kates in one of their fittingly perfect cabins and loved it.
READ MORE: The Best Things to See and Do in Haines, Alaska
Where to Eat in Dawson City
Dawson also enjoys a surprisingly bountiful amount of eateries. I say surprisingly because typically when you visit a tourist town there are plenty of tourist restaurants. Not the case when visiting Dawson.
Head to the Drunken Goat for awesome Greek food or Sourdough Joe’s for fish and chips. Klondike Kates makes great soups and comfort food and if you are looking for northern eats or German fare head to the Aurora Inn.
Last but not least, for shaking off that late night out head to the Alchemy Cafe. This vegan and organic-friendly restaurant serves up healthy eats such as smoothies and homemade granola bowls. They also handcraft the best coffee in town, if that is your hangover cure.
READ MORE: Tips on visiting Ketchikan, Alaska AKA The Salmon Capital of the World!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Dawson City
Dawson City is one of those rare places that feels suspended in time yet full of life. From Gold Rush legends and preserved frontier streets to quirky northern traditions and scenic adventures, this small town delivers an outsized experience. Whether you’re diving into Dawson City history, joining local tours, exploring the Klondike landscape, or deciding if Dawson City is worth visiting (it absolutely is), you’ll find something here that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
For many travellers, Dawson is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. A mix of grit, charm, character, and pure northern magic. And whether you’re continuing onward from Dawson City to Whitehorse or using it as a launch point for your next Yukon adventure, this quirky town rewards every curious visitor.
If you’re planning your own trip, let this guide be your starting point. Dawson City may be small, but the memories you’ll make here are anything but.
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Wow, this guide to Dawson City is just the ticket for a northern adventure filled with more charm than a gold rush bar! Who knew a town with a severed toe cocktail and historic sternwheelers could be so fascinating? The idea of exploring Dawson’s quirky side, from the Sourtoe Cocktail to the Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, sounds like a blast – though maybe I’ll skip the toe-sipping, stick to the piano hour, and maybe just admire the Midnight Dome views from afar. The detailed recommendations on where to stay, eat, and the sheer fun of the Dawson City Bar Hop make this place sound like a must-visit, even if you have to brave the Klondike Highway or a plane ride up there. Truly, a place where history, weirdness, and northern wilderness collide – sounds like Dawson is worth the trip, even for a brief, curious visit!
Discover the hidden gems of Dawson City, Yukon, from its rich history to stunning landscapes, making every moment a memorable adventure.
Embark on an adventure through Dawson City, Yukon, filled with captivating history, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences – a journey not to be missed.
You have shared your personal experience of exploring this historic and charming town, as well as some of the highlights and attractions that it offers. Your article is well-written, engaging, and humorous, with stunning photos that capture the essence of your trip. I think your article is a great introduction to Dawson City and its appeal as a travel destination.
Great post please keep me updated
Amazing post, really loved it, thanks for sharing guys, really interesting to read. The pictures are stunning too. Really loved the town architecture, and the backdrop of the entire town is amazing.
Frankly, had never heard of this place. But do love western movies and have seen such scenes before. Loved the buildings. Also the Tailings Pond seems eerie!
Oh my gosh I love the old timey feel of this place!!! I want to go now, thanks.
Fantastic pictures and great write up on this quirky town!
Wow one can sense the history through these pictures, good job on the post, it makes me want to visit.
Thanks and you should!