The 1897 discovery of gold in Rabbit Creek (now Bonanza Creek) by George Carmack, Dawson Charlie, and Skookum Jim set off a phenomenon that transformed the Yukon. By 1897, Joe Ladue and Arthur Harper founded Dawson City, and within a year, news of “gold you could pick off the creek floor” drew thousands of hopeful prospectors from as far as San Francisco. At its 1898 peak, Dawson swelled to over 40,000 people, briefly making it the largest city in Canada. Today, its beautifully preserved 19th century buildings make the town feel like a living gold rush museum.
Though the Klondike Gold Rush ended in 1899, Dawson’s history remains front and centre. False-front buildings, original signage, and wooden boardwalks still line the streets, offering an irresistible step back in time.
The city has something for everyone: explore the Jack London Museum, board the historic SS Keno, or, if you’re adventurous, try the famous Sourtoe Cocktail. Dawson’s culinary scene is surprisingly diverse too, with flavours from around the world.
Winter brings a quiet, magical landscape illuminated by the northern lights, while summer delivers endless daylight under the midnight sun. Stroll the Yukon River, soak in the long evenings, or visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s for cabaret shows and classic casino fun.
Packed with history, charm, and natural wonder, Dawson City is a one-of-a-kind destination ready for exploration.
Air North Getaways offers vacation packages designed to match your style of adventure—whether you’re looking for outdoor escapes, urban exploration, or family fun. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.
Dawson City offers the best of everything you’re looking for in a northern town: exciting Gold Rush history, a thriving arts scene, and an eclectic calendar of events.
Booking a charter with Air North means enjoying safe, reliable, and personal service from the moment your trip begins. Their dedicated team tailors each flight to your needs, making every journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely cared for.