Gold Rush town, Dawson City, is located up near the Arctic Circle in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Famed for the infamous Klondike Gold Rush that saw 100,000 prospectors head to the wilderness 125 years ago to find their fortunes, Dawson City is a fascinating place full of captivating history, First Nations experiences, adventures and quirky traditions.
Though steeped in heritage, Dawson City, known as The Paris of the North, is forward thinking and an entertaining place for visitors to experience. There’s no place on earth like Dawson, with its wooden sidewalks, fascinating tales, unique personalities and unparalleled outdoor experiences. Each year under the Midnight Sun, visitors to the city will witness glorious skies and endless summer light. Life flourishes between May and August under hours of intense sunlight and on Summer Solstice, the sun never sets at the Arctic Circle. From August to April, Aurora viewing opportunities are boundless, as a result of the low level of light pollution from the small community.
Here’s a round-up of what’s new in Dawson City:
Dawson’s New Ethical and Contactless Hotel
Dawson Lodge is Dawson City’s newest accommodation option and is a modern boutique hotel located right in the heart of the city, a short walk from all the attractions. The property has enjoyed its first season for international visitors having opened in March 2020 just before lockdown. British couple, Lee Manning and Mike Ellis, renovated the historic lodge from a 1940s grocery store to a cosy downtown retreat. The nine bedroom lodge combines environmentally friendly and ethically focused offerings for travellers. Each beautifully decorated room has a Queen Bed with a private ensuite bathroom. Plant based products are used for cleaning, Carina Organics are placed in the bathroom, and Vegan British treats await guests. Entry to the property is contactless and guests are emailed a code to enter before arrival. Working with Raynor Massage Practitioners the Yukon Spa @ Dawson Lodge offers a range of massages and dermatological treatments that guests can book including the fitting Camp Fire Facial.
Dawson City Music Festival Returns for 2023
The 44th annual Dawson City Music Festival will be returning next year, 22-24 July 2023. The charming festival, set under the Midnight Sun, will run over three days in multiple venues, and offers high-quality and diverse musical experiences. Known as ‘Canada’s tiny, perfect festival’ the event celebrates Dawson’s spirit, hospitality, volunteerism and community life. The festival began in 1979, after a summer barbecue became full of music and dancing. It is now run by Dawson City Music Festival Association, a non-profit charitable organisation run by dedicated Board of Directors and volunteers.
Midnight Sun Hotel Rises Again
The Midnight Sun has risen again in Dawson City after an extensive renovation. History and modern luxuries unite at the property which offers 19 elegant rooms and a private lobby. While the hotel vibe might be turn of the century gold rush, the services offered are definitely 21st Century with complimentary high-speed internet, parking and an airport shuttle service. The hotel will be open seasonally from May to September.
Embrace Dawson’s Indigenous Culture
First Nations history runs as deep as the rivers in the Yukon. The territory has a rich and varied Indigenous cultures and visitors can immerse themselves in a lifestyle dating back more than 12,000 years and learn about the 14 distinct First Nations, each with their own unique traditions and heritage. Visitors to the Yukon are always extended a warm welcome by local First Nations communities and here they will discover an unparalleled richness of First Nation artwork, craft, storytelling, music and dance. To truly experience the Yukon’s First Nations cultures, travellers must journey on the mighty Yukon River. Fishwheel Charter Services in Dawson City, takes visitors on river tours with experienced guide Tommy Taylor, a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizen. Tours offered include Dawson City river tours, custom multi-day river trips, custom single or multi-day snowmobile adventures, and rustic cabin rentals.
http://www.fishwheeltoursyukon.com
About Yukon:
Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada’s most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada’s highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet’s largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of North America’s most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, the Yukon is home to more than 160,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 41,000.
Explore Dawson City with North America Travel Service
North America Travel Service offers an 8-night twin centre package Whitehorse & Dawson City Delights from £1999 per person. Price includes flights from London to Whitehorse with Air Canada, Four nights Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse, four nights Aurora Inn, Dawson City, and five days standard SUV car rental, including insurances. Price based on two adults sharing, travelling in May 2023.
To book, call 0333 323 9099 or visit www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk
For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com