Dawson City isn’t just a gold rush town with a colorful past—it’s also a birding paradise tucked away in the wild northern landscape. Perched along the Tintina Trench, a major migration superhighway, this vibrant community is surrounded by a patchwork of forests, wetlands, and tundra that attract an incredible variety of feathered visitors. From towering spruce trees to shimmering riverbanks and alpine meadows, Dawson offers a front-row seat to the north’s birdlife drama. With 164 species recorded—including rare sightings like the King Eider and Siberian Blue Robin—birdwatchers can expect the unexpected. Whether you’re spotting Arctic Terns on the fly or hoping to catch a glimpse of that elusive Wandering Tattler, Dawson’s birding scene is as wild and wonderful as the land itself. Ready to spread your wings and explore? The birds are waiting!

Downtown Dawson

Downtown Dawson City isn’t just charming—it’s a birdwatcher’s dream! The town’s lush gardens and vibrant yards are a magnet for all kinds of feathered friends. In the summer, it feels like every yard is home to a bustling family of Yellow Warblers or White-crowned Sparrows, while Cliff Swallows flit around, creating their signature mud nests on building eaves. Bird feeders throughout town attract a colorful mix of residents, including Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Pine Grosbeaks, and Common Redpolls. During migration, the air is alive with a chorus of sparrows, and in the warmer months, you’ll spot Pine Siskins joining the mix. Whether it’s a casual stroll through town or a dedicated birding expedition, Downtown Dawson offers an easy and exciting way to see the north’s avian wonders up close!

Yukon River Campground

Hop on the George Black Ferry and cross the Yukon River for a quick escape to the Yukon River Campground—a birding hotspot just minutes from downtown Dawson! Tucked in the heart of forested wilderness, this campground is like a VIP lounge for northern songbirds. You’ll hear the soulful melodies of Swainson’s and Varied Thrushes, spot Hammond’s Flycatchers darting through the trees, and catch a glimpse of White-winged Crossbills adding a pop of color to the branches. Townsend’s Warblers flit about like they’re auditioning for a role in a nature documentary, and if you’re lucky, a Tennessee Warbler might make a cameo appearance. For the ultimate birdwatching thrill, head to the viewing platform, where you can scan the cliffs for Peregrine Falcons. In late summer, the air is filled with the squawking requests of their hungry chicks, as if the falcons themselves are rolling their eyes at their constantly demanding offspring. Whether you’re there for the birds, the views, or just the pure Yukon charm, this campground is an absolute must-see!

Klondike River Campground

Nestled in the quiet beauty of older White Spruce forests, the Klondike River Campground is a peaceful birdwatching retreat with all the charm (and occasional cheekiness) you’d expect from the Yukon. Here, you’ll find Three-toed Woodpeckers tapping away, Boreal Chickadees flitting about, and a colorful mix of warblers like Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s flitting through the trees. Keep an eye on the sky for Pine Grosbeaks and White-winged Crossbills, while Pine Siskins make an appearance in the summer months, adding to the musical chorus of northern birds. The river itself is perfect for spotting Mew and Herring Gulls soaring overhead or Spotted Sandpipers doing their charming little bob-and-walk along the shoreline. But a word of warning: don’t leave your picnic unattended! The resident Gray Jays, aka “Camp Robbers,” are experts at swooping in for a snack. So, while you’re busy watching the birds, make sure you’re keeping an eye on your lunch—those clever little bandits don’t miss a trick!

The Goldfields

Ready to hit the backroads of the Klondike? The Goldfields area, easily accessed via Bonanza Creek Road (just 2.5 km east of Dawson) or Hunker Creek Road (about 1.5 km west of the airport), is a birding haven that feels like a hidden treasure. While a four-wheel drive isn’t strictly necessary, be sure to bring your sense of adventure—and some good judgment—because these backroads can be a bit rugged. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for ducks and geese gliding through ponds and creeks, and look for Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers darting along the shores. Wetland shrubs are home to a chorus of Gray-cheeked Thrushes, Fox and Lincoln’s Sparrows, and Wilson’s Warblers, while Northern Waterthrushes add their musical notes to the mix. In summer, the forested slopes come alive with a variety of breeders, including Olive-sided Flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewees, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, which doesn’t pop up in the Yukon every day. Whether you’re exploring by car or on foot, the Goldfields offers a birding experience that’s as rich and rewarding as the gold that once drew prospectors here!

Midnight Dome

For a birdwatching adventure that pairs stunning views with a dash of northern charm, take a trip up the Dome Hill Road to Midnight Dome. While you’re soaking in the panoramic vistas of the midnight sun (though, let’s be real, probably not at the exact same moment you’re birdwatching), you’ll also be treated to some prime avian action. Midnight Dome is one of the best spots in Dawson to catch a glimpse of the elusive Townsend’s Solitaire, often perched on a high branch or darting through the trees. Come fall, the area comes alive with waves of migratory songbirds—think mixed flocks of Blackpoll, Wilson’s, Orange-crowned, Yellow, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, along with White-crowned Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos, all putting on their own little “goodbye show” before heading south. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the sky—this is also prime raptor territory, so you might spot a majestic bird of prey soaring above. Whether you’re after songbirds or sweeping views (or both!), Midnight Dome offers a birding experience that’s as unforgettable as the landscape itself.

Henderson’s Corner

Just 22 km east of Dawson, Henderson’s Corner is a hidden gem for birdwatching, where the peaceful rural landscape of open pastures, willows, aspen groves, and small ponds creates the perfect habitat for a variety of feathered friends. In the summer, you’ll hear the cheerful calls of Alder Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, and Savannah Sparrows, while Wilson’s Snipe adds its quirky “winnowing” sound to the mix. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Sandhill Crane soaring overhead. Keep your eyes on the treetops for a Northern Hawk Owl or an American Kestrel keeping watch over the fields below. But what really makes Henderson’s Corner stand out is its reputation as a rarity hotspot. Over the years, this charming spot has hosted some truly exciting sightings, including the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Eastern Phoebe, Western Kingbird, and even the elusive Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just looking to enjoy some quiet time in nature, Henderson’s Corner promises plenty of surprises!

For a more comprehensive list of the birds around Dawson and the Yukon check out this useful guidebook:

https://yukonbirds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dawson-bird-checklist-2015.pdf