Day 28 - Arrived in Dawson City, YK

We left Mayo only to get 10 km down the road when we had our first grizzly bear sighting. He/she was about 300 yards off the road just at the tree line eating grass. Unfortunately, we were already past it by the time I stopped. I am not getting out of my truck for this one. We should see lots in Alaska.

As we continued on we made one more stop at Gravel Lake. The two white specs on the lake are Tundra Swans. There were a slew of ducks as well. The rest of the drive was pretty much uneventful as far as wildlife goes. But, we really got our first taste of what frost heaves are all about. If it says to slow down, trust me slow down. If you don’t, you could be skyrocketed into space…or worse.

Like so many before us we are on the doorstep of the greatest Gold Rush City in history. Yes, we are in Dawson City, Yukon “the Klondike”. As we drive towards town, for as far as the eye can see there’s nothing but tailings (the leftover mounds of rock that have been mined). We find our campground, which was built on tailings and quickly get set up because I’m eager to get exploring.

Since Dawson isn’t really big, walking is the best way to see things. The Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site of Canada (that’s a mouthful) has over two dozen buildings in the downtown core that date back to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898.

The grandest is the Palace Grand Theatre which was built in 1899. The owner wanted to prospect gold directly from the miners by offering vaudeville shows, comedy, and music. At midnight the dance hall girls would keep miners on their toes for a dollar a dance. Drinking and gambling would continue until breakfast.

There are several buildings on our walk we noted that had For Sale signs on them. Not sure what will become of them but they look like they were built in the Gold Rush Era.

Several structures caught our eye for one reason or another. This is Dawson City today.

We were getting close to calling it an afternoon when we heard fire engine sirens. Everyone was pointing to the top of a hill. I was wondering how they were going to get up there. Nothing serious I hope.

After supper we all went for a drive up to The Midnight Dome Lookout. For over 100 years, Dawsonites gathered on the Dome to watch the setting of midnight sun. What a spectacular view. These pictures were taken at 9 pm but they could have been taken at midnight since it doesn’t get dark here during the summer months.

Downtown Dawson City

Tailings from mining activity

The Mighty Yukon River

We found out where the black smoke earlier in the day had come from. The climb up to the dome is quite steep. It obviously was too much for this tour bus. No one was hurt I hope. 

Its so good to be in Dawson City. The people are great. Remember there are only 2100 year round people that live here.