If you’re looking for an incredible summer experience, there’s no better place than Dawson City. Dawson City is a small northern town on the banks of the Yukon River located in the traditional territory of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin. Each year people from across Canada and beyond migrate to Dawson to spend their summer working and playing under the midnight sun, and every year those people have the best summer of their lives! 

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There is so much to do in Dawson City that it’s hard to know where to start. People find themselves hiking the trails around town, the local goldfields, and through the Tombstone Mountains. Spend your days mountain biking our extensive network of trails, rafting down the Klondike River, or canoeing on the Yukon River. Join the friendly softball leagues, drop in on a cricket game, or play any number of recreational sports offered throughout the summer. Take the George Black Ferry to West Dawson and try out the golf course or hike along the Yukon River to the Paddle Wheel Graveyard. Explore the diverse community of artists who reside in Dawson by visiting the ODD Gallery or drop in for a number of classes at KIAC to learn a new skill like pottery or silk screening. Explore the rich history of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre. There are also dance programs, yoga classes, and a recreation centre with a gym to stay fit and healthy.

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Dawson City has an active and exciting nightlife. Take in live concerts, join in the open mic nights, compete in trivia, or watch a can-can performance at Diamond Tooth Gerties. If you just want to relax and have a beer or cocktail, you can hang out in one of our many iconic bars or at the world-famous non-profit casino, Diamond Tooth Gerties. With summer skies filled with the midnight sun, there is plenty of time to explore every opportunity Dawson has to offer!

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Have some time off work? Why not jump in the car and drive the hour and a half to Alaska over the Top of the World Highway. You can also drive to the Arctic Circle along Dempster Highway, if you don’t want to stop there you can drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean! You’ll also get to experience all of Dawson City’s summer events: the Dawson City Music Festival, Yukon Riverside Arts Festival, Moosehide Gathering, Yukon Gold Panning Competition, Discovery Days, The Great Klondike International Outhouse Race (yep.), and many more.

Ok, we’re going to stop – as we said, there is so much to do and this just scratches the surface!

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 Dawson City has an influx of tourists every summer, which means there’s always a lot of work available in many industries. Whether you want a job bartending, serving, dealing cards at the non-profit casino, working for one of the many shops, guiding tours, or even gold mining, there is a job here for you. There are also many opportunities to work or volunteer at a festival or event happening around town.  To be honest, there will be two or three jobs here for you if you want ’em!

Dawson City is a remote Northern Community situated six hours away from the next major city. This means temporary summer accommodations are in high demand. Having said that, there are some pretty great alternative options; some of the businesses throughout town offer staff housing for employees, which is a great way to secure a place to live. Some people arrive with a trailer or a van-turned-bedroom and live the van life. Many people over the years have come with a tent and spent their summer living at a campground – if you’re looking to save money and love camping, we suggest this option! Another great resource for finding shared housing within Dawson City is the community’s Facebook pages and word of mouth.

Spending your summer in Dawson City is an incredible experience. Come with a friend (or two). If you come alone, be prepared to meet many new friends when you get here, either way, you’re sure to have an amazing time. Many people came up for a summer, and after falling in love with the community they decided to stay – it’s a story you’ll hear over and over as you meet folks that live here.

Don’t wait for someday, start your planning now! You won’t regret it.