In the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City became home to 30,000 miners hoping to strike gold in the Yukon terrain. Today, the town has preserved much of their exciting history, making it a unique spot to visit. Whether you want to take a trip through time by visiting the Dawson City Museum or go on a thrilling dog-sled ride through the mountains, this northern Canadian town offers plenty to do and see. Here are our top picks of what to do in Dawson City, if you want to venture past the typical destinations of Montreal and Vancouver and embark on a unique Canuck getaway this season. 

Photo: visitdawsoncity on Instagram

Dog Sledding

Head out on an adventure with B-Line Kennels, a dog-sledding team run out of Dawson City. For a one and a half hour long excursion, join your guide and a pack of trained huskies through the town’s wilderness. With plenty of opportunity for sightseeing and photo taking, this tour is a unique way to see the town. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a view of the Northern Lights on your tour!

The Dawson City Museum

For your culture fix, check out the Dawson City Museum. Home to the Yukon’s largest historical collection, the museum’s various galleries illuminate the history of the region. Museum highlights include exhibits on the famous Klondike gold rush and the town’s settlement and founding. Featuring interactive demonstrations, film presentations and regular events, this museum offers a comprehensive understanding of a unique town.

Tombstone Territorial Park

With over 2100 square kilometres of land, the Tombstone Territorial Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region’s nature. Named after the mountain’s visual similarity to a tombstone, the imposing park is just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer. Set out to take in the wildlife by shoeshoe or ski, or go for an exciting snowmobile ride through uninhabited land.

Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall

As Canada’s first casino, Gertie’s Gambling Hall certainly has an interesting story behind it. Opened in 1971, the casino gets its name from Gertie Lovejoy, a dance hall star from the Klondike era who wore a diamond between her teeth. Today, the hall operates as a casino and also hosts daily vaudeville-inspired performances that pay homage to the town’s Klondike history.