Dawson City

Dawson City is a town in the Canadian territory of Yukon. It became very important during the Klondike Gold Rush from 1896 to 1899, when many people came looking for gold. Even though many have left since then, Dawson City still holds a special place in history. As of the 2021 census, the town had a population of 1,577 people, making it the second-largest place to live in Yukon. Today, visitors can learn about its past and enjoy its unique charm.

History

Long ago, the area around Dawson City was home to the Hän-speaking people of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. They used it for hunting and fishing, with a special camp called Tr'ochëk by the Klondike River and Yukon River. This camp was important for their summer gatherings and moose hunting.

Dawson City was founded in January 1897 by Joseph Ladue and named after George M. Dawson, a Canadian geologist. It became the capital of Yukon from 1898 until 1952. The town grew quickly during the Klondike Gold Rush, which started in 1896. Thousands of people came looking for gold, making the town very busy. After the gold rush ended in 1899, many people left, and the town's population dropped.

Dawson City faced many challenges over the years, including fires and floods. After World War II, the Alaska Highway was built, and Whitehorse became the new capital of Yukon in 1953. In recent years, Dawson City has seen growth again because of tourism and gold mining. In 1978, workers found many old films buried in the ground, which were saved and moved to safe places for keeping.

The town has been home to many writers, including Jack London, who wrote The Call of the Wild. In 2023, Dawson City became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sadly, on May 17, 2026, a famous old hotel called the Westminster Hotel was destroyed by fire.

Geography

Dawson City is located on the Tintina Fault, which has formed the Tintina Trench. Near the town, you can find old lava flow rocks.

Climate

Dawson City has a subarctic climate. Its winters are very cold and its summers are cool. The average temperature in July is about 16 °C (60 °F), and in January it drops to around -26 °C (-14 °F). The town sits at an elevation of 320 meters (1,050 feet). The ground stays frozen, and this frozen ground is called permafrost. If the permafrost melts in the future, it could affect the town's buildings.

Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population led by Statistics Canada, Dawson City had 1,577 people living in 770 of its 836 homes. This was an increase from the 1,375 people living there in 2016. The town covers an area of 30.91 km² (11.93 sq mi), giving it a population density of 51.0 people per km² (132.1 per sq mi) in 2021.

Ethnicity

According to the 2021 Census, most people in Dawson City have European Canadian roots. Indigenous Canadians make up a part of the population, and East Asian Canadians also live in the town.

Economy

Today, Dawson City's main industries are tourism and gold mining.

Electricity in Dawson City is provided by Yukon Energy Corporation. Most power comes from dams near Mayo, Whitehorse, and Aishihik Lake. In 2004, the city was connected to this system, and diesel generators are used only for backup.

Gold mining began in 1896 when gold was found at Bonanza Creek. Thousands came for the Klondike Gold Rush, and many became entrepreneurs to support miners. Large gold dredges operated from about 1906 until 1966, changing the landscape. One famous dredge, Dredge No. 4, is now a National Historic Site. Recently, big mining companies have shown interest in the area again.

Dawson City has eight National Historic Sites, including the Dawson Historical Complex. The Downtown Hotel is famous for its Sourtoe Cocktail, which includes a real mummified toe. Bonanza Creek has two historic sites: the Discovery Claim and Dredge No. 4. Tr'ochëk is a traditional fishing camp site owned by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall offers vaudeville shows each summer.

Sports

Every February, Dawson City is a stop for the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. Racers rest for 36 hours and get ready before continuing the race.

The city has a softball tournament in late summer with teams from Inuvik. Each October, there is a volleyball tournament for high schools across Yukon.

Long ago, in 1905, the Dawson City Nuggets hockey team went to Ottawa to play for the Stanley Cup. They traveled by dog sled, ship, and train but lost both games.

Government

In 2004, the Yukon government helped Dawson City when it had money problems. In 2006, the government forgave a lot of the town's debt. Later that year, elections were held, and John Steins, an artist, became the new leader. He was later replaced by Peter Jenkins, and then by Wayne Potoroka.

In 2021, William (Bill) Kendrick became the mayor after winning an election. Dawson City is part of the Klondike electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of Yukon, represented by Brent McDonald from the Yukon NDP. The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation also has its government based in Dawson.

Dawson was named a city in 1902. Even when fewer people lived there, it kept this title. Later laws changed how towns were named, but Dawson was allowed to stay a city for historical reasons and to be different from Dawson Creek in British Columbia. The town's official name is now the "City of Dawson".

Infrastructure

Dawson City has several ways for people to travel and stay connected.

• Airports: Dawson City Airport is located 8 nautical miles east of town, and Dawson City Water Aerodrome is next to the community on the Yukon River. Both can handle small planes.
• Roads: The Klondike Highway connects Dawson City to Whitehorse all year. The Top of the World Highway and Taylor Highway link to Tok, Alaska during the warmer months.
• Winter travel: In winter, an ice bridge across the Yukon River lets people and vehicles cross.
• Rail: There is currently no railroad service. See Klondike Mines Railway
• Boat: The George Black Ferry crosses the Yukon River from May to October, connecting different highways. The Yukon River can also be used for travel when it’s not frozen.
• Cable TV: The town has its own system with several channels from satellite.
• Phone and Internet: Northwestel provides phone service and fibre internet, which came to the community in 2021.

Education

Dawson City has a special art school called the Yukon School of Visual Arts. It is a program for people studying art.

The town also has one main school for children from kindergarten to grade 12. It is named Robert Service School, after a famous writer, Robert William Service. It is one of the schools in the Yukon Territory.

Media

Television

Radio

Print

Dawson City does not have a daily newspaper. The local newspaper, called the Klondike Sun, is published every two weeks. People can also read the Yukon News, which comes out twice a week and is based in Whitehorse.

Notable people

Dawson City has been home to many interesting people. Pierre Berton, a well-known writer, grew up there and wrote about the gold rush. The town also welcomed Martha Black, one of Canada’s first women elected to government.

Other famous residents include Jack London, the author, and Robert W. Service, known for his poems about the Klondike. The town has attracted writers, explorers, and leaders.

Freedom of the City

Some people and military groups have been given a special honor called the Freedom of the City of Dawson City.

Military Units

• The Canadian Rangers: 22 August 2022.