Major city · Canada
Dawson City
Go for 2 nights in Jun–Aug: gold-rush streets on foot, Midnight Dome at midnight, and a 6.5 h drive from Whitehorse. Skip in winter unless you want −30 °C (−22 °F).Go for 2 nights in Jun–Aug: gold-rush streets on foot, Midnight Dome at midnight, and a 6.5 h drive from Whitehorse. Skip in winter unless you want −22 °F (−30 °C).
Dawson City is a gold-rush town of about 1,300 people on the Yukon River, 519 km north of Whitehorse by the Klondike Highway. The historic core is a Parks Canada national historic site you walk in an afternoon; the rest of the trip is the Midnight Dome, Bonanza Creek and the Dempster Highway toward Tombstone. Two nights covers it; three if you add Tombstone or a mine tour.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug (long days, everything open)
- avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, many services closed)
- Airport
- YDA
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Dawson City911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Dawson City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyDawson City is small and safe by Canadian standards; the real risks are the drive (long, remote highway), summer mosquitoes…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYDA Dawson City Airport (Air North flights from Whitehorse about 1 h 10 min; from Inuvik about 1 h 25 min.
- Getting aroundThe historic core is flat and walkable in 15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerdraught in a saloon / can at the storeC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townC$10–20 (≈ US$8–15)
- Budget bedHostel or campground bed, a night, per personC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$180 (≈ US$140) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YDA Dawson City Airport (Air North flights from Whitehorse about 1 h 10 min; from Inuvik about 1 h 25 min. Small terminal, no bus into town: taxi or pre-booked shuttle.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−22°C (−7°F)−7°F (−22°C)
Feb
Avoid
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
Mar
Avoid
−4°C (24°F)24°F (−4°C)
Apr
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (62°F)62°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
Sep
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Oct
not flagged
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Nov
Avoid
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
Dec
Avoid
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−30°C (−22°F)−22°F (−30°C) low), wettest Jul (48 rain days), driest Mar (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Dawson City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−22°C (−7°F)−7°F (−22°C)
−30°C (−22°F)−22°F (−30°C)
17 rd
Feb
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
−26°C (−16°F)−16°F (−26°C)
13 rd
Mar
−4°C (24°F)24°F (−4°C)
−21°C (−6°F)−6°F (−21°C)
11 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (62°F)62°F (16°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
28 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (44°F)44°F (7°C)
44 rd
Jul
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
48 rd
Aug
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
48 rd
Sep
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
30 rd
Oct
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (17°F)17°F (−8°C)
26 rd
Nov
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
−22°C (−7°F)−7°F (−22°C)
23 rd
Dec
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
−27°C (−17°F)−17°F (−27°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The historic core is flat and walkable in 15 minutes end to end. The free ferry crosses the Yukon River to the west bank for the golf course and paddle-boat graveyard. Taxis cover the airport and Bonanza Creek; there is no local bus. A car is needed for Bonanza Creek, Dredge No. 4 and the Dempster Highway.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bonanza Creek and Dredge No. 4
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h round trip plus stops
Drive 18 km (11 mi) south on Bonanza Creek Road from the Klondike HighwayDrive 11 mi (18 km) south on Bonanza Creek Road from the Klondike Highway
Dredge No. 4 is a national historic site; self-guided trails and a viewpoint at Cripple Hill.
Tombstone Territorial Park
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way
Dempster Highway north, about 72 km (45 mi) to the interpretive centreDempster Highway north, about 45 mi (72 km) to the interpretive centre
Day trip for the viewpoint and short walks; overnight if you want backcountry. Fuel and food before you leave.
Moosehide Village
cautionDoor to door: Under 30 min
Boat or a short drive downstream on the north bank
Heritage site of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in; access and events are seasonal, so check before going.
Whitehorse
overnightDoor to door: 6.5 h by car, about 3 h door to door by air
Drive the Klondike Highway (519 km (322 mi)) or fly Air North about 1 h 10 minDrive the Klondike Highway (322 mi (519 km)) or fly Air North about 1 h 10 min
Too far for a day return by road; the seasonal Husky Bus takes about 7 h each way.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Front Street and the historic core
Boardwalks, saloons, the S.S. Keno and the visitor centre within a 10-minute walk. Best for a first visit with no car.
Second and Third Avenue
Hotels, cafés and shops one block back from the river; quieter at night, still walkable to everything.
Highway-side and campgrounds
Government campground and RV sites near the ferry landing; cheapest beds, but you need a car or a 15–20 min walk.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–150 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–260 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or lodge double room1 × 2 nights × C$220 | C$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$180 | C$720 |
| Parks Canada guided walking tour2 × C$7 | C$14 |
| Gold Bottom Mine Tour2 × C$40 | C$80 |
| Diamond Tooth Gertie's summer season pass2 × C$30 | C$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$136 |
| Trip total≈ C$375 per person per day, bed included | C$1,500≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pub meal (burger or fish and chips) | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: draught in a saloon / can at the store | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Grocery run for a self-catered day | C$25–40 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Taxi across town | C$10–20 (≈ US$8–15) |
| Fuel, per litreHigher in remote stretches. | C$1.60–2.00 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer mosquitoes are heavy near the river: repellent and a head net help.
- The Klondike Highway from Whitehorse is 519 km (322 mi) with long gaps between fuel stops: fill up at Carmacks and Stewart Crossing.The Klondike Highway from Whitehorse is 322 mi (519 km) with long gaps between fuel stops: fill up at Carmacks and Stewart Crossing.
- The Top of the World Highway to Alaska is seasonal and partly gravel: check border hours and road status before crossing.
- Winter temperatures fall below −40 °C (−40 °F): only travel with proper gear and a plan.Winter temperatures fall below −40 °F (−40 °C): only travel with proper gear and a plan.
- Many businesses close from September to May: check opening dates before booking a shoulder-season trip.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Dawson CityDawson City
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Dawson City; the nearest consulates are in Whitehorse, and embassies are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Air North Whitehorse → Dawson City: about 1 h 10 min
- Husky Bus Whitehorse → Dawson City: about 7 h, June–September
- Free ferry across the Yukon River: no fare, runs through the day
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you (English is the main language)
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the ferry? — Where is the ferry?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Mähsi — Mähsi (thank you, Hän) (mah-see)
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Dawson City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug (long days, everything open) · avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, many services closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YDA: Air North arrival times, taxi fallback, first-night check-in rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Front Street, Second Avenue, the ferry landing and the Dome Road trailhead.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Dänojà Zho, Dredge No. 4, S.S. Keno, Diamond Tooth Gertie's) and eat pages with last orders.
- Summer and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Dawson
- officialDawson City Visitor Information Centre
- officialParks Canada — Klondike National Historic Sites
- officialAir North
- secondaryWikivoyage: Dawson City, revision 5278758 (CC BY-SA 4.0)