Dawson City: History, Culture and Landscape

Dawson City brings together the history of the gold rush and a vibrant cultural landscape. In the historic centre, the Dawson Historical Complex includes more than two dozen buildings. The city also has a history of river transport and places that are significant to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. You can tailor your stay to suit different interests—from historic sites to cultural activities and landscapes.

Historic Buildings and River History

The Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site offers an overview of the historic buildings in the centre: it includes more than two dozen buildings. Anyone interested in Dawson City’s history will find a place here where many historic buildings are brought together. The complex is also part of the Dawson experience, which is not limited to a single building.

Another historical highlight is the S.S. Keno National Historic Site. Built in 1922, it is located on the scenic waterfront of Dawson City, between Front Street and the Yukon River. The S.S. Keno tells the story of river transport during the gold rush. It adds the story of river traffic to the picture of the buildings in the historic centre.

Dawson City is also one of eight components of the Tr’ondëk-Klondike serial World Heritage Site. The city is therefore part of a larger World Heritage Site and should not be equated with the site as a whole. For travellers interested in history and cultural heritage, this context provides another way to appreciate Dawson City and its historic places.

Moosehide Slide and Traditional Routes

On the northern edge of Dawson City lies Moosehide Slide (Ëdhä dädhëchą), a natural and cultural landscape in the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. It is located on unsurveyed Commissioners’ land in the Yukon. The place brings together landscape and cultural significance; both are part of its character.

The Moosehide Trail crosses Moosehide Slide and forms an overland route between Moosehide and Tr’ochëk. It is one of the few traditional routes of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in still in use today. Those interested in trails and landscapes will encounter a different side of Dawson City here than at the historic buildings and the S.S. Keno. The trail is not simply another name on a list: its significance also lies in the fact that it is a traditional route that continues to be used.

Cultural Activities and Discoveries for Children

At the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, visitors can take part in river walks, thematic exhibitions, art exhibitions and film screenings. These different formats offer a variety of ways to engage with culture: outdoors on a walk or through exhibitions and films. Families with children can also use Parks Canada’s Dawson City Xplorer Booklet. Designed for children, it guides them through the Dawson Historic Complex and the S.S. Keno National Historic Sites. The booklet is available at the Visitor Information Centre on Front Street.

The Visitor Information Centre on Front Street helps visitors plan their stay in Dawson City. You can also find out about Parks Canada interpretive programs and special events there. Parks Canada has also placed geocaches around town. For families looking to add an exploration activity alongside historic sites, the Xplorer Booklet is a practical starting point; the geocaches offer another way to explore Dawson City.

Choose Dawson City as Your Destination

Whether you’re most interested in historic buildings, river history, cultural heritage or the landscape, Dawson City offers several distinct areas of interest for a trip. Tailor your search for a vacation rental or holiday home to the aspects you’re most keen to discover.

More destination pages: Haines Junction, Whitehorse, Beaver Creek.

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