Top things to see and do in Dawson City
Immerse yourself in old-world charm or explore the wild side of the Yukon in Dawson City. With up to 21 hours of daylight in summer and only 4 hours in winter, there’s always something to do. Even the darkest days in winter are lit up by festivals and events in this small town that never seems to stop. Dawson City is a great little town that feels like you are stepping foot into a gold-mining movie set.
KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH
DIAMOND TOOTH GERTIE'S
With cancan dancers and a singing master of ceremonies named Gertie, Canada’s oldest gambling hall gives you a chance to re-live the days of Dawson’s Gold Rush era. With three nightly summer shows by Gertie and her Girls, Diamond Tooth Gerties is today a fixture of fun-filled entertainment where patrons can enjoy a beverage while playing blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold'em poker and an array of glittering slot machines.
SOUR TOE COCKTAIL
The Sourtoe Cocktail has become a Dawson City tradition. The Sourtoes are actual human toes that have been dehydrated and preserved in salt. Swallowing one is not suggested. "You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow-- but the lips have gotta touch the toe." You'll even get an official Sourtoe certificate that attests to your achievement.
DAWSON CITY MUSEUM
Head to the Dawson City Museum for an in-depth look at Dawson’s social and mining history, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in People, pre-gold rush history, the colourful Gold Rush era, and the natural history of the Klondike. They have three Klondike Mines Railway locomotives in the train shelter, many great exhibits and a gift shop.
DANOJA ZHO CULTURAL CENTRE
The Centre is a meeting place for cultural activities, performances and special events that celebrate First Nation traditions and how the community live today. The Dänojà Zho gift shop specialises in a wide variety of hand-made clothing, beaded footwear, jewellery and First Nation books, art and music.
MIDNIGHT DOME ROAD
The Midnight Dome Road runs 8km to its summit from the Klondike Highway. Aptly named because from its summit at midnight on June 21 you can watch the sun dip to the horizon before rising again. Overlooking Dawson City and the Yukon River, it is a beautiful view.