The Dawson City

We’re spending two nights in Dawson City, Yukon Territory Canada. What can I tell you about Dawson? It is the home of the Klondike Gold Rush and gold is still being mined today. The charm is that it looks the same , in most respects, as it did 1898. There is one paved road that goes through town, the rest are still dirt and gravel. In the winter, -40 to -65 degree temperatures are not uncommon. Even though there are sunset and sunrise times designated, there’s 24 hours of sunshine today and 75 degree temperature.
There’s Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, an original casino and saloon with a Can-Can Show that runs three times per day, seven days per week. Our group was set-up by our Tour Director and ended up in the front row not even thinking about what might happen. Well, I, and one other guy from Texas, ended up on stage attempting to dance the can-can with ladies in the show. For my fun and embarrassment, I got to remove the garter from the lady who was training me to dance – I still haven’t figured out if that was worth it, but I kept the garter!
Next, most of the group went to the Sourtoe Saloon where the brave and crazy down a shot of liquor, with a human toe in it (ugh!), just to get a signed certificate. A little over 26,000 people have done this over the years.
Sourdough Joe’s restaurant quickly became a favorite of many in the group. They had excellent Halibut & Chips, Split Pea and Fish Chowder Soups and an Apple Crisp Dessert with whipped cream.
There is an Information Center that you should visit as soon as you get to town. You can find out about Walking Tours given by folks dressed in the attire of that time period.
The Grand Palace is worth a visit. It has been beautifully refurbished by Parks Canada and is still utilized today for special occasions.
There is an opportunity to see a working gold mine and to visit Dredge #4, which was used to separate gold from rocks, sand and dirt.
Dawson City was a nice, peaceful place to spend two nights.