Lots of fun to be had for your $20 tickets, good for all 3 shows for 3 days. Each show is different. If you like a small casino, there is lots to do. Plenty of seating for the first show but it gets busy as the night goes on. By midnight (the last show) the place was packed and standing room only. Small bar and food selection but the quality was good. Some merchandise for sale, too. The show was terrific; great costumes, singing, Cancan dancing, some audience participation and a great, family friendly atmosphere. Be aware; it can be noisy so take decibel blockers if volume is an issue for you. Wheelchair accessible onto the main floor and toilets but the wooden boardwalks in D.C. are uneven due to permafrost heaving. If you are in Dawson City, population just under 600, don't miss the show!

Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall is a historic casino and entertainment venue located in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. Established as Canada's oldest legal gambling hall, it combines elements of gaming, live performances, and Klondike Gold Rush-era ambiance to provide a unique visitor experience. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall was founded in 1971 by the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA), a non-profit organization aimed at promoting tourism in the region. The initiative involved collaboration with a Las Vegas consultant to design the facility, which opened as the country's first legal casino. The building itself dates back to 1901, originally constructed by the Arctic Brotherhood, a fraternal organization prominent during the Gold Rush era. It has since been designated a Municipal Heritage Site, preserving its architectural and cultural significance. The hall's design and programming evoke the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, a period of rapid economic and social transformation in the Yukon, though the venue itself postdates the rush by several decades. All proceeds from operations are reinvested into the Dawson City community through the the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA). The hall is named after Gertie Lovejoy, a renowned dance-hall performer and entertainer from the Klondike Gold Rush era. Known as "Diamond Tooth Gertie," she earned her nickname by having a diamond embedded between her two front teeth. Table Games: Blackjack, North American Roulette and Red Dog. Poker, slots. Gambling is optional, allowing visitors to focus solely on entertainment if preferred. The venue is renowned for its cancan-inspired performances, featuring high-kicking dancers in period costumes, often led by a portrayal of Diamond Tooth Gertie with powerful vocals and engaging banter. Three distinct shows are presented nightly during peak season. Admission is typically $20 for the shows.

Most places in Dawson City are walkable. We walked to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s opens at 7:00,3 shows a night, bar, food and casino. Wasn’t sure what to expect after reading reviews. It was a long day we stayed only for 2 shows as all are a different, I read some reviews claiming the shows are more broadway than authentic. I enjoyed the first show as it was related more to the gold rush, the second was more broadway relating to Dawson being referred to the Paris of the north. $20 Canadian to enter which is a season pass so if you’re here more than one night you only pay once. So for the cost the shows are worth it. To enter you can charge your fee, food could also can be charged. Bar was cash only. Heard reviews saying food was not great, we ordered the Schnitzel and a large Cesar and thought they were very good, and priced reasonably.

Each show was better than the last. Drinks service was prompt and friendly, dealers at the table were friendly and helpful. It was a warm, welcoming environment and I can't wait to go back

There was only one 8:30pm show so there was no cover charge. The show was heaps of fun and more entertaining than we expected. The venue had a good vibe mixed between the bar, card tables and slot machines.

Great place! Good ambience, fantastic shows (different shows at 8:30pm, 10 and 12) and all the profits from the casino go to funding the local community (a non for profit casino!)

So good! Don't miss the opportunity to see the show and hit the casino. Such a great time!

Great museum to show the history of Dawson and gold rush.

A genuinely interesting museum. With great informative 20 minute tours offered every half hour (several different ones)

The Dawson City Museum, situated in the Old Territorial Administration Building at 595 Fifth Avenue in Dawson City, Yukon, serves as a premier heritage institution dedicated to chronicling the region's history. Designed by architect Thomas W. Fuller, it originally functioned as the territorial courthouse and administrative center, exemplifying early 20th-century architecture with features such as curved banisters and high ceilings. The museum's exhibits comprehensively trace the evolution of the Klondike from prehistory and the traditional territories of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in (Hän First Nations) people, through the impacts of the fur trade and the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, to Dawson's transformation into a vibrant boomtown. The second and third storeys relate to the history of the city following World War I.

This is one of the best small town museums I've ever visited! And it rivals some of the bigger city ones also. CA$10 for entry is worth every penny. Lots of local history intermingled with what it was like to live in the Yukon and Dawson City near the turn of the century, and it's presented in an easy to digest manner. The reading of information is quick, but effective and the stories are entertaining. Routing the whole museum takes maybe 60-90 minutes and is worth it. If you're in Dawson City for a day, VISIT!!

A must see if you are in Dawson, amazing building. Give yourself at least 2hrs because there is a lot to see and read.

Very interesting museum! Lots of historical items, but my favorite thing was from outside! They had a placard dedicated to the man who helped romania during ww1! As a half romanian I never expected seeing this all the way here!

Enjoyed the museum and especially the locomotive your happening at scheduled times. I'm a fan of beads and found many artifacts of that kind! Check their special events too (I got a free Robert Service reenactment!)

One of the most beautiful parks visited. It's a bit low on service and heavily trafficked. Could not land a camping spot with booking. Serene mountains all around. The camping area has trails which display the different fauna of the region in walk of few km's. The hike to grizzly lake view point is stunningly beautiful. The views are just spectacular.

Amazing experience! The trail into Mount Monolith was a soul-searching experience. A well maintained trail through the tundra with great tent pads, near gorgeous lakes. Glacade pass was a struggle to get up however, not impossible. It's worth the planning and back country reservations. Post backpack, we took a rip up the Demoster to visit the interpretive center. The staff were knowledgeable and the facilities were clean.

Did a winter day trip to Tombstone from Dawson with the Klondike Experience. The drive was reasonable, only ~1.5h and the road conditions were actually quite good. It's quite amazing to be driving along the Dempster Highway itself while learning about its history. The park is absolutely stunning and otherworldly...I felt really lucky to be able to see such scenery. We drove across the continental divide and the furthest we got to was Two Moose Lake, before turning back. It was amazing to see two distinct types of scenery: boreal forest and tall mountains vs. tundra landscapes. The tundra part felt straight out of a Lawren Harris painting...We also saw a moose crossing the road. Definitely an underrated destination in Canada and a place that makes me appreciate life even more.

My wife and I hired a pilot and helicopter to take us to the Tombstone Territorial Park for our wedding anniversary last summer. We flew out of Dawson City and went with a company called Trans North. Our pilot Nathan was exceptional. He ensured I safely and comfortably was able to maneuver myself into the helicopter, and ensured I didn’t feel rushed while walking to Talus lake from the heli. Nathan gladly offered to take photos and took time to describe the area to us. The Tombstone mountain and surrounding area was quite surreal to be there. The day we went was picture perfect, no one else was there, and it was calm, peaceful and beautiful. For any Yukoner or person visiting the Yukon, This experience should definitely be on your life time bucket list. The helicopter option is great if you don’t want to worry about camping, bears and bugs, it also gives you another amazing perspective of this gorgeous area!

great spot, a few issues with hiking permits. they want you to use a "bear barrel" for food, its the size of a small keg, heavy and doesnt fit in most backpacks. you must buy your own, they have none to borrow or rent. they are not cheap. the nearest place to buy/rent one is dawson city over a 5 hour round trip away. be aware that even though you have to register and check in and out..., they will not initiate a search if you go missing and fail to show up. most of the scenic points are off trail and serious trekking to reach. walking on tundra is like walking on a 12 inch thick memory foam mattress and exhusting. rolling an ankle is a serious hazard.

Best remote park I have visited, we went early September, where it is chillier but not that crowded. Nice hikes and breathtaking views all around. Good service at the interpretive center.

The best national park I've ever seen as far as mountainous terrain goes. The isolation is warmly intimidating and the views set to stunning! The moose are huge here!

The City tour with Nicholas was top notch. And Abigail gave us a new appreciation of Robert Service. Really well done. The Bear Creek can be missed. Unintelligible factoids spilled out with no context left everyone bewildered. If you're a mountain biker get up to the dome and ride down. Great trails. Dawson City rocks!!

Lovely visitor centre, very friendly and kind people working here. We watched the movies, looked at the exhibits and sorted out some other tours with the helpdesk. They gave us loads of information on things we didn’t know about which was so helpful. Oh and we borrowed gold pans as well for the public claim out the road. Thanks so much!

Excellent. Lots of information including museum rooms, video room. Employees are dressed according to the city dressing code and are knowledgeable, they speak English and French. This place should be the first thing to visit in Dawson city!

Having recently explored Dawson City through a comprehensive guided tour of the historic downtown area and visits to the iconic SS Keno sternwheeler—a remarkably preserved relic of the Klondike Gold Rush era—and Dredge No. 4, which offers fascinating insights into the region's industrial gold mining past, I found the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre to be an invaluable resource upon arrival. The centre's multilingual staff stands out for their exceptional knowledge and accommodating approach.

Took a wonderful walking tour of Dawson City. I’m sure all the guides are very good but Fred shared his great knowledge and deep love for his city. I highly recommend the history walking tour of the town. We’ll worth the small cost.

Staff were very helpful and the Canadian government/chanber sponsored tours are very affordable and informative.

The ladies at the visitor centre were very helpful and gave us lots of ideas of things to do and places to see. Did the walking tour with Gabriela and it was great. So informative and entertaining. Thanks so much. Nancy and Stephen. We plan on returning. See you soon.

No visit to Dawson City is complete without a visit to Dredge No. 4 just outside Dawson City. It's a free authentic site to walk around with lots of info boards to tell you what you are seeing. The dredge is HUGE and the collection of buckets make for an interesting slice of authentic history. Seeing the endless tailing trails of rock pulled from the riverbed for decades before dredging was ended in 1968 gives you a sense of how big this endeavour was and why so many goldpanners sought their fortunes here.Tours are available but check the website before you head onto the gravel road. Walk the original trail where Cormack found the first Yukon gold. Futher on there is an active placier mining site; sifting gold from the riverbed with water cannons. If you want try your hand at gold pannning, there are businesses in town where you can register a claim and equip yourself but be aware that most local claims are spoken for. Easier yet, support the local smiths who turn local Yukon gold into rustic or refined jewellery without getting your hands muddy.

Dredge No. 4 is a preserved bucket-line sluice dredge located near Dawson City in the Yukon Territory of Canada. It represents a significant artifact from the Klondike Gold Rush era, symbolizing the evolution of gold mining techniques in the region. Constructed in 1912 by the Canadian Klondyke Mining Company, Dredge No. 4 is the largest wooden-hulled bucket dredge in North America. It operated as part of extensive dredging activities in the Yukon from 1899 to 1966, extracting gold from placer deposits along Bonanza Creek. The dredge ceased operations after sinking in 1959 and has since been preserved as a historical site. Standing approximately 18 meters high and spanning an area equivalent to two-thirds of a football field, Dredge No. 4 was designed as a massive gold-digging machine equipped with iron buckets to excavate gravel and process it for gold recovery. It exemplifies the industrial-scale mining that transformed the Yukon's landscape during the early 20th century. Situated along Bonanza Creek Road, approximately 13 kilometers south of the Klondike Highway and 20 kilometers southeast of Dawson City, the site is managed by Parks Canada as a National Historic Site. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the history of the Gold Rush and the dredge's operations. Virtual tours may also be accessed for remote viewing.

Take a guided tour through the interior of this massive machine with Parks staff and discover the evolution of Placer mining-from early pioneers unearthing gold-bearing gravel by hand, to large-scale corporate gold-digging machines forever altering the landscape.

Great tour today with a male guide I didn’t catch his name. He had his script but easily as lobbed when a prop wasn’t there and answered our questions. One question was about the number of revolutions one (thus the power sound etc) of the gears made and it made his gears turn and I think he enjoyed it. That’s is heartwarming to visitors and shows he is receptive to new ideas and questions. His voice projection was very good. Recommend and would do again. Abuse you always learn something new. It’s about a 20 min drive from town so plan for that but I think if you plan it right you can do several guided park tours in a day. This dredge is unique and one of the few dredges preserved for tour (another is in Chicken, AK) so I recommend it. Ur guide ended the tour with some fun facts about the dredge owners other activities and that make it more human and not just about the industrial side of mining. I really liked that and am sorry I didn’t get the guides name.

So cool, but you need to take the tour that takes you inside. This dredge is actually a boat!

Cool tourism spot but TERRIBLE service. We went on Sunday and arrived at 4 PM (the place closes at 5 every day) and there were numerous people but no offical Parks Canada staff working there. Considering its a major attraction, I am surprised by the fact that there were no staff AT ALL and no signs as to why. Also most of the dredge was off limits for no visible reason. Not a good servicing experience, and if you asked the people who were also present, they would probably agree.

Great tour. Very informative. Purchase in advance.

The sign directions for crossing North from downtown Dawson City were very unclear. Several vans and trucks with campers in a long RV line because the over and under 24 feet was on a piece of tape. Southbound is much more defined.

A free ride across the mighty Yukon River. Not a bad price to drive the Top of the World Highway. Be advised, the border closes at night. Plenty of great spots to camp along the way though.

Very friendly staff. Highly recommend. Expect long wait times during the busy season, as only one ferry is currently in operation. The mayor needs to invest more—one ferry simply isn't enough to meet the demand. The workers deserve higher pay; they do an incredible job under pressure.

I recently used Dawson City Ferry to cross the Yukon River and I was thoroughly impressed with the service. The ferry was clean, well-maintained and operated efficiently. The staff were friendly, helpful and made sure everyone was comfortable during the crossing. The views from the ferry were absolutely stunning and added to the overall experience. I would highly recommend using Dawson City Ferry to anyone crossing the Yukon River.

Simple enough ferry to cross the river. Had to wait a little while to get on, but it was at peak times, so waiting was expected.

Not only its free, its frequent! Ferry crossings are about 3-4 minutes in length and the ferry is operating the crossing many times per hour.

Really cool ride. We rolled up from Chicken AK with our FC 27FB. We didn't realize that the only way to get accross the Yukon river was by ferry. We were worried about clearance when loading however the staff were GREAT and made the trip a breeze! We stopped in town for lunch, fuel, dunp/fill and headed out for out next adventure.

An absolute must visit when I'm Dawson City, the parks Canada Rangers are super friendly and informative too.

We have not attended the site - but as a descendent of Robert W Service- I am fascinated by his life in Skagway and Dawson - don’t realise he was such an awarded poet … I have all his poems of course but I never realised - growing up in South Africa as we did - how famous he was

This was fabulous! Justin Aberly recited many of Robert Service's works in such a way it took our group of around thirty folks back in time. He also gave quite a lot of Robert Service history in an entertaining fashion throughout his recitings... We ALL enjoyed this and reccomend taking the time to listen to this gifted man talk about another gifted man!!!

Something to see if your a fan of Robert Service

Excellent and informational tour. The young man did an entertaining reading of a number of Robert Services poems and had a ton of additional stories to pass on (Aug 18/20).

Pretty cabin to look at, but unless you hike the trail or attend a specific tour, there isn’t much else to see. We weren’t able to access the trail as it was quite muddy.

I missed out on the guide retelling stories, still worth the time to visit.

A wonderful glimpse into the life of Jack London. Really cool to see his cabin where he lived while in the Yukon after reading all of his vividly written stories. Staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

Jack London Museum and Cabin The Jack London Museum and Cabin, located in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Firth Street, is a historical site dedicated to the life, writings, and Klondike experiences of the renowned author Jack London. Operated by the Klondike Visitors Association, a not-for-profit organization, the museum highlights London's year in the Yukon during the 1897-1898 Klondike Gold Rush, where he engaged in mining efforts but primarily gathered material for his literary works, such as White Fang and The Call of the Wild. The facility features interpretive exhibits, including over 60 photographs, documents, and memorabilia that chronicle London's adventures, as well as the investigative work of Yukon author Dick North, who played a pivotal role in locating and authenticating London's original cabin. Visitors can explore a replica cabin, furnished with period-appropriate objects representative of a gold rush stampeder's living conditions. Jack London's Original Cabin Regarding Jack London's original cabin, it was constructed in 1897 on the North Fork (also referred to as the left fork) of Henderson Creek, approximately 120 kilometers south of Dawson City, where London overwintered during his Klondike sojourn. The structure remained abandoned in the wilderness until its rediscovery in March 1965 by Dick North, assisted by local guides Joe Henry, Victor Henry, and others, following leads from mining records and discussions with trappers. Authentication involved multiple verification methods: a signature reading "Jack London Miner Author Jan 27 1898" was located on a removed log slab, confirmed by handwriting experts; tree-ring dating placed the logs' cutting between 1875 and 1900; and cross-references between London's stories and historical records matched names and details. The signature slab was physically refitted to the cabin log, providing conclusive proof. In 1969, the cabin was dismantled by Rudy and Robin Burian, with the logs divided to create two smaller replicas for preservation and public display. One half forms the replica at the Jack London Museum in Dawson City, while the other half was transported to Oakland, California—London's birthplace—and reassembled at Jack London Square as a tourist attraction. This division ensured the historical artifact's legacy could be shared between the Yukon and California's literary heritage sites.

What a wonderful experience and Helen is a wealth of knowledge concerning Jack London and his life. Her presentation is riveting.

Arrived 25 minutes before closing and Helen was giving a pleasant audio tour of the author, his life, the cabin, and etc. Love it!

Nice little historic site with lots of well-organized display photos from Jack London's life. Short but nice interpretive talk was the highlight.

Museum is wonderful! Thanks designer and stuff who established this memorized place for phenomenal writer - Jack London! Front desk women is very educated. We enjoyed our visit to see it.

The museum & cabin are closed during the winter, but the grounds remain open for free. You could walk up (through the snow) to the cabin to take a peek inside. A cool historical place in town.

Very interesting tour by Parks Canada. Definitely worth a visit.

Great tour today from Nicholas. What an enthusiastic, energetic and knowledgeable guide. His voice projection was fantastic and I could hear him no matter where I was standing. He was articulate. He answered every question and clearly knew his stuff we gave him some questions that made him think and he gave us credible answers. Highly recommend the tour. It’s a small ship and you don’t think it’s much looking at from the outside but there is a lot of well documented and presented history and stories and the guide is the icing on the cake.

The SS Keno is a historic sternwheel paddle steamer. onstructed in 1922, it exemplifies the vital role of riverboats in the development of the Yukon Territory, transporting goods and passengers along the Yukon River and its tributaries during the early 20th century. Although built after the Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899), the vessel continued the legacy of sternwheelers. Construction and Design The SS Keno was built in Whitehorse, Yukon, by the British Yukon Navigation Company, a subsidiary of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway company, specifically to service the silver mining district around Mayo Landing on the Stewart River, approximately 290 kilometers upstream from its confluence with the Yukon River. Designed for shallow water navigation on the narrow, winding, and often treacherous Stewart River, it featured a carvel-built wooden hull with a shallow draught of two to three feet, allowing it to maneuver around sandbars and tight curves. Key specifications include: Decks: Three levels—the main deck for freight, the saloon deck for passengers, and the upper "Texas" deck with staterooms. Propulsion: Powered by a wood-fired, locomotive-style boiler. Capacity: Licensed for up to 78 passengers (with sleeping berths for 32–53), 120 short tons of cargo, and an additional 225 tons on a towed barge. Service History: the SS Keno's maiden voyage commenced on 15 August 1922, transporting 120 tons of meat supplies upstream. For nearly three decades, its primary role involved hauling silver, zinc, and lead ore from the United Keno Hill Mine and other properties in the Mayo district down the Stewart River to Stewart City, where larger sternwheelers transferred the cargo to Whitehorse for rail shipment to smelters in the United States. Upriver trips to deliver supplies and food to mining camps took three days, while downstream ore runs lasted about 12 hours. The vessel operated seasonally from late spring through fall, stockpiling ore during winter for spring transport. It frequently towed barges, such as the Tookeno loaded with oil barrels near Mayo around 1932. During World War II, in 1942, the Keno supported Alaska Highway construction by ferrying U.S. Army personnel and equipment. Challenges included navigating hazards like submerged rocks and sandbars; notable incidents were a 1927 sinking after striking a rock (repaired) and a 1933 paddlewheel damage. By 1951, post-war improvements to the Klondike Highway and the Whitehorse-Mayo road shifted ore transport to trucks, leading to the Keno's retirement. It was laid up at the BYN Co. shipyard in Whitehorse, joining other decommissioned sternwheelers as the company ended paddle steamer operations in 1955. Role in the Klondike Gold Rush and Broader Yukon History While the SS Keno postdated the Klondike Gold Rush, it was integral to the Yukon's mining economy that stemmed from the rush. Sternwheelers like the Keno were the primary means of transport on the Yukon River system from the 1890s to the 1950s, moving gold dust, passengers, supplies, and later ore. Approximately 250 such vessels operated in the region, forming a lifeline until highways supplanted them. The Keno's service on the Stewart River supported silver mining at Keno Hill, a key post-rush industry, and it represents the technological adaptation of steam-powered navigation to northern rivers. Its operations were confined to the upper Yukon and Stewart Rivers, within Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditional territory. Visitor Information and Tours The SS Keno, located on Dawson City's waterfront beside Front Street, is open seasonally from May to September as part of the Klondike National Historic Sites. Guided tours, led by Parks Canada interpreters.

This boat is 100 years old and the tour was just great. The paddles located in the rear to protect them from debris in the water. It sits only 18 inches in the water. Good part of history saved for other people or younger generations to see.

The streamer was fascinating. We were privileged because no one else signed up so we got a private tour. Absolutely worth the gold.

Wonderful National Historic Site. If travelling with kids as for the free kids pack. Worth a visit for sure! Shame there was a deck closed to the public at our time of visiting.

Great tour, great guide! Really interesting learning about the history of the Keno and the people who sailed her. A short tour (around 30-45 min), price is very reasonable for the tour.

Cool place to visit but apparently they have been permanently closed since July 1. You can still go and walk around the area and look at all the old machinery and buildings, but you can't pan for gold.

Enjoyable visit. Rented a car just so we could pan and see some other sights in Dawson city! Very helpful and nice. No pressure to purchase anything! The one must I had to do on vacation!

Wonderful staff and very friendly even with my wife and I showing up at closing. Took the time to help us and throughout the process and was more than happy to let us take the panning equipment out to the creek afterwards. Fun times 😊

Don’t waste your time if there is a tour bus. Refused gold panning to my 2 kids after waiting in line. Go to see Dredge 4 and do the free panning down the road. Complete disappointment to my kids.

Nice place to get the required experience to pan for gold. after Claim 33 I recommend going to free claim #6.

Very informative on gold mining in the area and allows trying panning yourself

Beautiful scenery,,historic,,fun to pan for gold and get some gold flakes!! Bonanza!!

Very interesting tour by Parks Canada. Definitely worth a visit.

Great tour today from Nicholas. What an enthusiastic, energetic and knowledgeable guide. His voice projection was fantastic and I could hear him no matter where I was standing. He was articulate. He answered every question and clearly knew his stuff we gave him some questions that made him think and he gave us credible answers. Highly recommend the tour. It’s a small ship and you don’t think it’s much looking at from the outside but there is a lot of well documented and presented history and stories and the guide is the icing on the cake.

The SS Keno is a historic sternwheel paddle steamer. onstructed in 1922, it exemplifies the vital role of riverboats in the development of the Yukon Territory, transporting goods and passengers along the Yukon River and its tributaries during the early 20th century. Although built after the Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899), the vessel continued the legacy of sternwheelers. Construction and Design The SS Keno was built in Whitehorse, Yukon, by the British Yukon Navigation Company, a subsidiary of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway company, specifically to service the silver mining district around Mayo Landing on the Stewart River, approximately 290 kilometers upstream from its confluence with the Yukon River. Designed for shallow water navigation on the narrow, winding, and often treacherous Stewart River, it featured a carvel-built wooden hull with a shallow draught of two to three feet, allowing it to maneuver around sandbars and tight curves. Key specifications include: Decks: Three levels—the main deck for freight, the saloon deck for passengers, and the upper "Texas" deck with staterooms. Propulsion: Powered by a wood-fired, locomotive-style boiler. Capacity: Licensed for up to 78 passengers (with sleeping berths for 32–53), 120 short tons of cargo, and an additional 225 tons on a towed barge. Service History: the SS Keno's maiden voyage commenced on 15 August 1922, transporting 120 tons of meat supplies upstream. For nearly three decades, its primary role involved hauling silver, zinc, and lead ore from the United Keno Hill Mine and other properties in the Mayo district down the Stewart River to Stewart City, where larger sternwheelers transferred the cargo to Whitehorse for rail shipment to smelters in the United States. Upriver trips to deliver supplies and food to mining camps took three days, while downstream ore runs lasted about 12 hours. The vessel operated seasonally from late spring through fall, stockpiling ore during winter for spring transport. It frequently towed barges, such as the Tookeno loaded with oil barrels near Mayo around 1932. During World War II, in 1942, the Keno supported Alaska Highway construction by ferrying U.S. Army personnel and equipment. Challenges included navigating hazards like submerged rocks and sandbars; notable incidents were a 1927 sinking after striking a rock (repaired) and a 1933 paddlewheel damage. By 1951, post-war improvements to the Klondike Highway and the Whitehorse-Mayo road shifted ore transport to trucks, leading to the Keno's retirement. It was laid up at the BYN Co. shipyard in Whitehorse, joining other decommissioned sternwheelers as the company ended paddle steamer operations in 1955. Role in the Klondike Gold Rush and Broader Yukon History While the SS Keno postdated the Klondike Gold Rush, it was integral to the Yukon's mining economy that stemmed from the rush. Sternwheelers like the Keno were the primary means of transport on the Yukon River system from the 1890s to the 1950s, moving gold dust, passengers, supplies, and later ore. Approximately 250 such vessels operated in the region, forming a lifeline until highways supplanted them. The Keno's service on the Stewart River supported silver mining at Keno Hill, a key post-rush industry, and it represents the technological adaptation of steam-powered navigation to northern rivers. Its operations were confined to the upper Yukon and Stewart Rivers, within Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditional territory. Visitor Information and Tours The SS Keno, located on Dawson City's waterfront beside Front Street, is open seasonally from May to September as part of the Klondike National Historic Sites. Guided tours, led by Parks Canada interpreters.

This boat is 100 years old and the tour was just great. The paddles located in the rear to protect them from debris in the water. It sits only 18 inches in the water. Good part of history saved for other people or younger generations to see.

The streamer was fascinating. We were privileged because no one else signed up so we got a private tour. Absolutely worth the gold.

Wonderful National Historic Site. If travelling with kids as for the free kids pack. Worth a visit for sure! Shame there was a deck closed to the public at our time of visiting.

Great tour, great guide! Really interesting learning about the history of the Keno and the people who sailed her. A short tour (around 30-45 min), price is very reasonable for the tour.

Then we visited, the museum was closed and the staff distributed materials detailing the history of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. For more info: Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre Overview The Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, meaning "Long Time Ago House" in the Hän language, is a key institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. Located in Dawson City, Yukon, it serves as a gateway to the history, culture, and contemporary life of the first people of the Klondike region, emphasizing their resilience and traditions distinct from the Klondike Gold Rush era. The centre highlights the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in's deep connection to the land, incorporating elements of traditional architecture while maintaining a modern aesthetic. History Established in July 1998, the centre was designed by a Yukon architectural firm, drawing inspiration from Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditions such as salmon drying racks and winter shelters. It was created to assert a strong indigenous presence in the traditional territory, symbolizing the community's history, perseverance, pride, and hope for the future. In 1999, the facility received the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia’s Medal in Architecture. Notably, it stands as an exception to Dawson City's building bylaws, which typically mandate structures resembling Klondike-era designs, allowing it to reflect older indigenous architectural influences. Mission and Cultural Significance The centre's primary mission is to act as a meeting place for cultural activities, performances, and special events that celebrate both traditional and contemporary Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in life. It shares the vibrant story of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community, rooted in historical experiences but actively lived in the present, focusing on life before the gold rush, survival skills, leadership, and modern successes. Efforts include revitalizing traditional stories and cultural lessons, compiled from various sources and made available through the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Heritage Library and the Dawson City Community Library for community members. On occasion, when the museum was closed, staff distributed materials detailing the history of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in at a reduced price to ensure continued access to this knowledge. Exhibits The centre features the Hammerstone Gallery, which vividly illustrates stories of indigenous life on the land, survival techniques, leadership, and community strength. The Gathering Room hosts a new thematic exhibition each summer, incorporating artifacts, family heirlooms, photographs, and films to explore various aspects of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in culture. Additional offerings include topical displays, art shows, a variety of film presentations, and a 14-minute introductory Welcome film that provides an overview of the community's narrative. Permanent and rotating exhibits change annually, with a deck overlooking the Yukon River enhancing the visitor experience. Gift Shop and Additional Offerings The on-site gift shop features a wide selection of unique items, including hand-made beaded footwear (the largest collection in Dawson), accessories, jewellery, northern and First Nation-inspired books, art, music, and exclusive gifts celebrating indigenous culture. This supports local artisans and provides visitors with authentic mementos.

A most amazing place. Very welcoming, very helpful and so much to share. It was a beautiful and overwhelming experience. Thank you all for sharing your culture with everyone.

Had a great experience at the Cultural Center. First the exhibition is extremely well curated, great selection of items. On top of that the center store also has some souvenirs and real work of arts from local artists, very high quality hand made pieces. I spent some good times leaning and crafting with Darcy, the manager. A special shout-out also to Majida, thanks for your help! Go visit, do have a talk with them, and check out the movie they have playing during the day.

Knowledgeable and friendly staff that love sharing Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin culture and history. A must-see stop in Dawson!

.Wow. This was an interesting tour. I learned do much about our indigenous people. Thanks

Very helpful people working here that are just waiting to share their culture with people.

They have old style low rubbers for raparound mocacins...

Create some dreams of finding the big nugget. Back breaking spent a total of 4 days panning. Found enough gold for a bag of chips. Still had a great time.

Its FREE! We arrived early evening. Not really the best time to be there as light was getting lower. But no crowds! More interpretive information would have been welcome. Bring your own pan. There are no facilities other than a couple of picnic tables.

Such such a cute fun experience. You get your gold pan on loan from the tourist visitor centre and drive out to attempt to pan for gold. Very cute and tons of quartz.

Had great fun gold panning (May 25, 2025)…. for over 3 hours, didn’t find any thing other than seeing some tiny bits, nothing to get rich but it was worth the whole pleasure of panning. There was a dump of soil/sand by the creek which came from a local mine (they donate it for tourism attraction), from there you take sand and clean it in the creek.

Didn't find any gold but great free activity to spend a couple hours on. Pans are available at the visitor center in town

Great place for just starting out without having to pay. Place is pretty dug through though not much gold, you’ll need to be there a while before you see much.

Easy access to Eldorado Creek to pan for gold. 12 km drive from the highway.

This was a fun tour and out tour guide did an excellent job explaining the history of the theater and showing us around. It's great to see that it's been refurbished and is seeing current use. One point of confusion is that the sign on the door doesn't mention that you have to buy tickets at the Visitor Information Center. I mentioned to our guide the sign needs to mention that and was going to look into it. But until then, buy your ticket at the Visitor Information Center first before joining the tour.

It is one of the most well-preserved original buildings in Dawson City.

So I show up at the Grand Theatre expecting creaky floorboards and a local drama troupe doing Hamlet in Yukon accents. Instead, I’m handed a program printed on cured moose hide and told to “mind the echoes they remember.” Charming! The moment I sit down, the seat warms under me like it's alive. The chandeliers flicker in Morse code (I later realize they’re spelling “RUN”), but by then it’s too late. A woman in an 1898 gown floats past offering peppermints and unsolicited life advice. I accept both. The play begins. Except there’s no curtain call, no clear cast, and somehow the audience seems to be performing? A man beside me turns and says, “You’re doing great,” though I hadn’t said a word. I glance again—he’s gone. Just a steaming cup of spruce tea left on the seat. Act II opens with a literal portal—maybe fog machine, maybe transdimensional tear, unclear—through which a chorus line of prospectors reenacts the downfall of the Gold Rush using only interpretive dance and spoons. By Act III, I’ve aged 6 minutes and 40 years. Someone hands me a certificate of completion signed by "The Spirit of the Yukon." I leave to find my watch runs backward now, and my shadow refuses to follow me down Queen Street. 10/10—life-changing, reality-warping, would recommend if you enjoy experimental theatre or being permanently altered.

Went to 2 shows! Refurbished by Parks Canada to its 1898 glory

when i walked i saw kayne west on stage, and he stared singing cousins and we where all jamming to this very relatable song. then micheal jackson came out and him and kayne statred kissing on stage and we all cheered

Great tour covering the history of theatre in Dawson

Fun hang out place for local music concerts

Essential source of information about the Dempster Highway, specifically in Northwest Territories, about Fort McPherson, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk. If you head that direction, getting your road briefing here first is essential. We met staff person Dawn in sumer 2023 and she was very helpful.

I stopped in to the NWT visitor center in Dawson City on my way North with my adventure bike. I was very glad I did as i met Dawn who was very knowledgeable and helpful with so many things. Dawn even went out of her way and helped me ensure i had a room booked along the way as it had been a week of very bad weather on the Dempster Hwy. I would recommend anybody heading into the surrounding area to stop for a quick visit at this visitor center.

We really enjoyed talking with Dawn. Very informative. Gave us a lot of background information about wonderful Dawson City and the people of First Nation. We are from Pennsylvania and who knew we would find a grad of Penn State University in the Yukon!

Seemed to want to discourage me from traveling up to the NWT like I couldn't handle it. Said the highway is not good for a Goldwing... LOL 45 Years of riding some really bad roads..They should travel some Mountian passes in South America.... The Demester is a good wide road. Just have some experience, and common sense. I was POed so didn't even ask for the passport...

Helped to schedule and explained the park’s canada programs in Dawson. Excellent value and very informative

This is a gem of a place! Donna really lifted our spirits and made our day-thank you. So much information!

The old woman was very funny and helpful, go say hello, she's very nice

The Commissioner’s Residence is a key component of the Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site, managed by Parks Canada. Built in 1901 by architect Thomas Fuller, the Commissioner’s Residence is a two-and-a-half-story wooden structure with classical architectural influences, featuring a platform frame, wood cladding, and landscaped grounds facing the Yukon River. Designed as the official home for the Commissioner of the Yukon—a federal appointee tasked with territorial administration—it symbolized Canadian authority, stability, and refinement during the chaotic gold rush period. The building’s elegant exterior and interior, including period furnishings, underscored the government’s efforts to establish order amid the influx of prospectors and to assert colonial control. The residence housed successive commissioners until 1916. Today, the Commissioner’s Residence is open to the public for guided tours, interpretive programs, and special activities such as escape rooms and flower-pressing workshops, providing insights into the Yukon’s social, political, and cultural history.

Beautiful, charming house! We did a “murder mystery escape room” well worth the price, the kids also loved it! Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Dawson information office

Such gorgeous architecture and a beautiful place to explore.

Beautiful and completely restored. Looks just like the 1914 photos. Only open during Parks Canada programs and special events. The Commissioner's Tea in early June takes place on the lawn and is a great time

The Commissioner's Residence in Dawson City was built at the turn of the last century (1901) and is now a Parks Canada historic site. The annual Commissioner's Tea happens each year on the lawns of the grand Commissioner's Residence in Dawson City. Six commissioners lived in the residence from 1901 to 1916. The best known was George Black, who with his wife Martha, lived in the residence from 1912 to 1916. The Blacks were favorites among locals because they were considered real “Sourdoughs”, having trekked over the Chillkoot Trail and survived many harsh Yukon winters. The main floor has been restored and replicated to show how George and Martha Black would have lived in 1916. George Black was the last Commissioner to reside there dating from the days when Dawson City was the capital of the Yukon. In the late 1940s and early 1950s the Sisters of St. Anne used it as a residence and senior citizen's home. It sat empty for many years and now after restoration, it stands as a symbol of an era in Dawson City that was opulent and fine. The Commissioner's Residence is certainly the most impressive house in Dawson. A huge influx of stampeders raced to the Klondike after gold was discovered in 1896, leading the Government of Canada to create the Yukon Territory in 1898 and send a commissioner to Dawson City to take charge. Built in 1901 by Thomas Fuller, the Commissioner's Residence represents the strong government presence that followed the Gold Rush, and showed the world that Dawson City was here to stay. Located on Front Street beside St Paul’s Anglican Church.

"Red Serge" presentation by Benny was an eye opener. Klondike Goldrush in the eyes of the First Nation people's. The display representing the history and future of all peoples is encouraging.

Excellent place to tour while in Dawson. Was able to enjoy a historical recreation of it's past prominance.