DAWSON CITY, YUKON- Live like a local in fun & funky historic goldrush town!

In today's video, I take you to my hometown of Dawson City, Yukon. Dawson City's main claim to fame is the fabled Klondike Goldrush. However, she's not just a one trick pony! In addition to a thriving mining industry, Dawson welcomes visitors from near and far with its vibrant indigenous culture, stunning natural landscapes and vistas, festivals, events and welcoming, friendly locals. The Klondike is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not to brag... Explore with me and I'll share my favourite spots!

This video takes place on the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation! Thank you for having us!

Here are my TOP recommendations in Dawson City as of July 2024. Keep in mind, things change! Make sure to do your own research as well!

Bars/entertainment:
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall (known as Gertie’s)- Nightly entertainment with 3 shows, gambling, drinks and food.
The Westminster Hotel (known as The Pit)- Iconic dive bar. Feels like you’re stepping into history & perhaps the set of an indie movie, often featuring live music.
Bombay Peggy’s- Historic brothel that is now a pub & Victorian Inn. Try the espresso martini! Deck and occasionally live music.
The Drunken Goat Delish Greek restaurant & bar! Deck & occasionally live music.

Events:
Dawson City Music Festival- Annual music festival- This year’s dates: July 19-21, 2024, variety of genres and venues around town. Lots of fun! www.dcmf.com

Moosehide Gathering- Happens every two years usually at the end of July. Celebration of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (Hän) culture and traditions. Showcases indigenous culture. Takes place at historic Moosehide village, 2 km downriver from Dawson. Free boat service. All welcome! This year’s dates: July 25-28, 2024 https://www.trondek.ca/moosehide-gath...

The International Gold show- Every Victoria Day weekend in May. Mining tradeshow.

Discovery Days- Celebrating the discovery of gold in the Klondike! Activities include a parade, a fastball tournament, a horticultural exhibition, live music and art! Every Discovery Day weekend (3rd weekend in August).

Farmer’s Market- Every Saturday from May- September on Front Street. Locally grown and produced food, artisanal products and art.

For a complete list of all events and activities in and around Dawson City, visit: https://dawsoncity.ca/events/

Restaurants/Food:
Bonton & Co. – Farm to table, focus on fresh, seasonal, local food. Award winning, fabulous ambiance. As close to haute cuisine as it gets in Dawson! Highly recommend!

The Drunken Goat- A long-standing local favourite, Greek food, big portions, big pours. The Saganaki is a must!

Klondike Cream & Candy- (also known as the Ice Cream Store) variety of hard and soft flavours of ice cream, frozen yogurt, slushies, milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes, you name it! Locally owned and operated!

Cheechakos- Amazing bakery selling, bread, a variety of sandwiches & baked goods. Everything is delicious. My personal faves are the turkey club and sticky buns!

Triple J Hotel- Restaurant and pub- pub food, lots of variety, consistently good.

Aurora Inn- Great service. One word, brisket.

Sourdough Joe’s- Best fish and chips in town! The batter is super light and crispy.

The Taqueria- Authentic Mexican tacos!

Riverwest- Go for the coffee, stay for the curly fries! Social centre of town in the summer months.

The Eldorado Hotel (known as the Eldo)- I haven’t been here since it changed owners but used to be a great breakfast spot and the Bonanza Burger was top notch!

Yukon Spa- Newly opened, lovely ambiance, great coffee, vegan fare. The cardamom bun was soooo good!

Tours/activities:
Visit the Information Centre on Front Street, they’ll get you sorted!
Dredge #4
SS Keno
Commissioner's Residence- From Tr'ondëk to Klondike
Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre
Dawson City Museum
Yukon Spa
Fishwheel Charters https://fishwheeltoursyukon.com
Klondike Experience https://klondikeexperience.com
Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture https://kiac.ca

Walks/Viewpoints/Hangouts:
9th Avenue Trail
The Dyke
Shipwrecks
Discovery Claim
Crocus Bluff
Trail network on Dome
Sunnydale Rd viewpoint
The gazebo on Front St.
Father Judge Memorial
The riverbank

Campgrounds:
Gold Rush Campground
Yukon River Campground

Shopping:
Trading Post- local store with antiques, camping and outdoors supplies, craft supplies, etc.

Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre gift shop- Gorgeous, intricate, hand crafted indigenous art.

Dancing moose- Locally owned, featuring lots of local products & gifts.

True North- Curated boutique, art, apparel & home décor.

Fortymile Gold- artistic & unique gold jewelry, art, curios.

Klondike Nugget & Ivory- An institution in Dawson. Every kid that grew up in Dawson bought their mom a Christmas gift from this store. Every husband bought their wife gold jewellery from this store.

Hotels:
Bombay Peggy’s- Victorian Inn with clawfoot tubs! Treat yourself!
Aurora Inn- Locally owned & operated. European vibes!