City: Dawson City
Top Things to do in Dawson City
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What to do and see in Dawson City, Canada: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
The Town of the City of Dawson, commonly known as Dawson City or Dawson, is a town in Yukon, Canada. It is inseparably linked to the Klondike Gold Rush (1896–99). Its population was 1,375 as of the 2016 census.
Restaurants in Dawson City
1. Sourdough Saloon
2. Dawson City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
This museum documents the history of Dawson City, with an emphasis on the Gold Rush era.
Reviewed By JenniferandAlan - Easton, United States
The museum is housed in the Old Territorial Administration Building so your history lesson begins even before entering. The exhibits take you from prehistory through the Gold Rush. You learn how the lives of the First Nations people were changed by the fur trade then by the Gold Rush. The story of the Gold Rush is told through the stampeders, the entrepreneurs, and the soiled doves. The history of Dawson City from tent town to the Paris of the North is portrayed through exhibits. The use of the many mannequins dressed in the clothing of the time being part of the exhibits instead of just using the furniture really brings the era to life. Take your time to read the descriptions to really get a feel for the times. As a newly minted senior, I found I was really interested in the "artifacts" as I had used several of them myself. Don't miss the court room upstairs. Enjoy!
3. Palace Grand Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The Palace Grand Theatre is part of the Klondike National Historic Sites in Dawson City, run by Parks Canada. For programs check the website or drop by the Visitor Information Centre on Front Street.
Reviewed By JenniferandAlan - Easton, United States
I admit it, my husband and I have fallen under the spell of the Yukon. We've driven the Alaska Highway and visited Dawson over twenty times. For the past two years the theater has been closed for repairs but I have great memories. Parks Canada has done some very good tours with the guides dressed in Gold Rush attire. The inside of the theater is opulent with a painting of Arizona Charlie (who built the original in 1899) on the wall and a bar on the opposing wall. The theater itself is opulent with red curtains. We saw Parks Canada guides impersonate famous characters of the Gold Rush era on the stage. We saw the balcony with its private boxes and the red dressing room. What an experience. Another year we saw the display of the gowns worn by the present residents to a gala. A beautiful venue. Looking forward to our next visit.
4. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Welcome to Canada’s First Casino, Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall! Since 1971, Diamond Tooth Gerties has been wowing visitors with its unique Klondike period style, cancan entertainment and friendly charm. One visit and you’ll know why we’re a casino like no other! Gerties is operated by the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA) and all proceeds are re-invested in the community. Complete with casino games, nostalgic tunes, and three different cancan-inspired shows, it will be a night on the town that you won’t soon forget! Lucky summer visitors will be hosted by Diamond Tooth Gertie herself, who will blow you away with her powerhouse vocals and cheeky conversation. If that’s not enough, the high-kicking antics of her “Gold Rush Girls” will have you dancing in your seats. Open 7-days a week, from May to September and selected weekends throughout the year. You must be nineteen years of age to enter and have valid ID.
Reviewed By 248dickc - Battle, United Kingdom
Very lively place didn’t gamble had a few beers and watched the show the can can girls were spot on we had a good night out
5. Danoja Zho Cultural Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By IvanOttawa - Ottawa, Canada
A small but very interesting cultural centre. You learn so much about the Danoja Zho culture which is fascinating. We had a tour with a young 19 year old First Nations guide who was absolutely fantastic! He had so many insights and stories that helped everyone perhaps understand Canadian First Nations history in a new light! A must visit!!!
6. Dawson Firefighter Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Frenchie_Cub - Calgary, Canada
Donation Entry - If you have 30 to 40 minutes to kill, please stop by the Dawson Firefighters Museum on the main strip. It is worth the stop and you'll learn a great deal about the history of Dawson City and the former fire stations.
7. Dawson City Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
We are the Yukon Visitor Centre for Dawson City. We are here to provide you with the most accurate and latest information about things to see and do in town. We will do our best to answer all the questions that you can have! We are open from May 1st to September 30th every year from 8:00am to 8:00pm daily. We share our building with Parks Canada who offers walking tours of town and tours of Historic Sites. They are open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm in the shoulder seasons (May and September) and 9:00am to 7:00pm in June-July-August. Come visit us!
Reviewed By AlaskaRoadTrip2019
Great visitor center stop for information, recommendations maps, brochures, short films, bathrooms, and Internet. Very knowledgeable staff to help make the best of short time in the area. Great first stop in Dawson and centrally located in town on the main drag into town, close to many sites and eats. Highly recommended.
8. Commissioner's Residence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
9. Jack London Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 85 reviews
Tucked in a quiet corner of Dawson City, this quaint museum is dedicated entirely to the life and writing of White Fang author Jack London. Browse through historical archives and photographs while learning about London’s adventures before, during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Explore the museum on your own, or visit during one of our interactive and informative presentations. As an extra treat, take a peek inside the home where London resided during his days as a Klondike gold seeker; complete with period appropriate furnishing and objects fit for a stampeder. This replica is built from half of the logs from London’s original cabin, which was located on the North Fork of Henderson Creek; the other half resides in London’s hometown of Oakland, California.
Reviewed By mefmacy - Anchorage, United States
The Museum contains lots of old photos and memorabilia from Londons sojourn in the North. The docent really knew her stuff and goes out of her way to engage visitors from every art of the world. After much research, effort, and expense, Jack's cabin was moved to this site in 1969 from about 70 miles up river. Half of it is original; the other half resides in Jack London Square in Oakland, CA.
