Dawson in a Day
While it’s true that you need at least three days to fully experience all that Dawson City has to offer, we understand that sometimes you only have one to spare! So we’ve covered the must-see highlights for you. Get ready for a whirlwind of fun!
Morning: Stroll the Streets
Drop by the Visitor Information Centre and grab a Dawson City map to plan your route. Or join one of the many Parks Canada Walking Tours and be guided around town by a historic Dawson character. Snap photographs amid our picturesque buildings or visit our shops and take home a one-of-a-kind Dawson treasure. Have a little extra time before lunch? Jump on the George Black Ferry to cross the mighty Yukon River and explore the shipwrecks at the Paddlewheel Graveyard (via the Yukon River Campground).
Lunch: Midday Meal on the Waterfront
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, pick up some lunch from one of our bakeries. We recommend you take your midday treat to the Waterfront Park. You might catch one of the many summer performances, or simply experience the enchanting sight of the flowing river.
Afternoon: Gold Fever
Get a little taste of “gold fever” by taking a drive out to the mining roads. Visit the place that started it all—Discovery Claim—and learn how a single nugget spawned the Klondike Gold Rush. Then swing by Free Claim #6 and try your own hand at panning. Develop a personal technique and take home whatever you find! A drive to the gold fields isn’t complete until you see Dawson’s engineering wonder: Dredge Number 4! You can take a tour inside or read the informative panels outside.
Dinner: A Taste of Variety
The Dawson region is chock-full of the finest ingredients, from morel mushrooms to wild game. So we recommend that you visit one of our charming restaurants and see how these local ingredients transform into tantalizing meals. From pub fare to fine dining, Dawson has a wide variety of tastes and textures for you to explore!
Evening: Hit the Town
Dawson City’s crowning glory is the spectacular panorama that can only be seen atop the Midnight Dome. So be sure that your camera batteries are charged and there is room on your memory card, because you don’t want to miss an opportunity to capture this enchanting vista. Once you have recovered from the breathtaking view, make your way to Canada’s first (and friendliest) gambling hall, Diamond Tooth Gerties. Be entertained by Gertie’s powerhouse vocals and her high-kicking “Gold Rush Girls.” We guarantee that 21 will be your new favourite number!