The Yukon's Gold Attractions

	Gold Seekers Take a Break during the Klondike Gold Rush1

Since the first twinkle of gold was spotted in Rabbit Creek—now Bonanza Creek—by intrepid gold hunters back in 1896, hardened sourdoughs (experienced prospectors) and amateur panners have journeyed to the Yukon with hopes of striking it rich in this wild and generous landscape.

That lucky 1896 discovery sparked history's most frantic scramble for gold: the Klondike Gold Rush. A surge of thousands of hopeful prospectors flooded into Dawson City and over the next seven years or so extracted millions upon millions of dollars from the area's gravel creek beds. Gold put the Yukon on the map and although now much of it is gone, it continues to contribute to the province's economy via corporate mining operations and family-run placer gold claims.

Visitors will find a bonanza of gold-related history and attractions in and around Dawson City and a visit to Whitehorse is also rewarding. From museums to guided tours to panning, the Yukon's sites pay off for visitors suffering bouts of gold fever.

DAWSON CITY

The gold rush swelled Dawson City's population to a whopping 30,000 by the end of the 19th century. Then as the precious metal dwindled, so did the traffic. Now a town of approximately 2,000 folk, Dawson City holds on tight to its spirited past. Visitors to this vibrant community will discover streets lined with historic gold rush buildings, colourful galleries and tales of intrigue echoing on the breeze.

Dredge No. 42

Golden Attractions
Various sightseeing tours, such as Gold City Tours, venture into the gold fields along Bonanza Creek. For a different spin, the team at the Yukon Adventure Company offers jeep tours, as does Gray Line Yukon. In addition to historically profitable gold claims, including the original Discovery Claim on Bonanza Creek and the reputed mother lode King Solomon's Dome, many of the tours include a stop at Dredge no. 4, the biggest bucket line dredge in North America and a National Historic Site. Although no longer digging up gold, this monstrous machine is one of the most impressive relics of industrial mining from the early 20th century.

Eureka Gold Panning Adventures offers custom guided tours of the gold fields and even has a camp set up on Hunter Creek where budding prospectors are invited to try their luck with a pan. Their site is approximately 45 minutes across the gold fields from Dawson City by car and a shuttle service is provided. Those keen to really experience the Klondike gold rush way of life can stay on site in cabins or canvas wall tents.

Pursuers of gold can also camp out at the working GoldBottom mine. Set on the former gold rush-era townsite of GoldBottom, this family-run operation provides mine tours, gold panning and cabin accommodation. If unable to make the trip into the gold fields, those with a get-rich-quick attitude can dabble in a little panning at GoldBottom's downtown panning location on Front Street.

	Downtown Dawson City3

Conveniently combining centrally located accommodation with the thrill of gold seeking, the Bonanza Gold Motel and RV Park, just 2 km (1.5 mi) south of downtown, runs sightseeing tours that include stops at significant Klondike gold rush sites. Bonanza Creek meanders right through the Dawson City RV Park and Campground, a mere 15-minute stroll from town, and here guests can roll up their sleeves and enjoy some free gold panning.

Visitors can also fish for free gold at Claim no. 6, located approximately 14 km (9 mi) up Bonanza Creek Road, not far past the famed Discovery Claim. Pans can be rented in town from the Klondike Visitors Association.

There are real treasures to be found downtown, too. The Dawson City Museum delves deep into the history of the Klondike gold rush and the town of Dawson itself. From mid-May to mid-September the museum brings this golden era back to life through various events such as miners' meetings and gold-pouring demonstrations. Out on the streets there are numerous charming galleries and shops with brightly painted façades reflecting Dawson City's heyday. Inside many of these, that otherwise elusive nugget may be found beautifully crafted into a unique piece of jewellery. Dazzling collections wait to be discovered at the Forty Mile Gold Workshop and Studio and the Klondike Nugget and Ivory Shop.

How to Get There
Thankfully, today's travellers have a much easier time getting to their destination than the brave Klondike gold rushers. Direct flights to the Dawson City Airport—15 km (9 mi) east of town—are available from Whitehorse.

Top of the World Highway4

Travelling by road reveals majestic scenery and wildlife and is often a highlight of any Yukon adventure. The Klondike Highway is open year round and roughly follows the route of the old prospectors, running from Skagway, Alaska to Dawson City, passing through Whitehorse. From Tok, Alaska, the Top of the World Highway leads to Dawson City, where a vehicle ferry carries passengers across the Yukon River to the centre of town. This lofty road is closed during winter.

Alternatively, one can pull up in a canoe or kayak after a multi-day trip along the Yukon River from Whitehorse, or other riverside communities.

WHITEHORSE

The present-day capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse was established in 1900 with the construction of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway during the great gold rush. As a major connection point for travellers on their way to Dawson City, Whitehorse too buzzed with gold fever.

Golden Attractions
A tent town called Canyon City sprouted up on the east bank of the Yukon River, just above Miles Canyon in 1897. Erected around a tramway built to transport gold seekers around the treacherous rapids, Canyon City planted the seeds of Whitehorse. While nothing of this once bustling “city” remains aside from the stunning canyon on which it was set, this ghost town lives on through historical and environmental interpretation provided by the Yukon Conservation Society's guided tours.

	The Train Departs Carcross on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway5

In downtown Whitehorse, the MacBride Museum swells with artifacts and photos from the gold rush era. Educational and entertaining, many of the museum’s special and permanent exhibitions portray the life of those who scratched out their fortunes on the Klondike gold fields, from miners to dance hall girls.

Standing resolute on the corner of Third Avenue and Main Street since 1992, the prospector statue also pays tribute to unfalteringly brave and committed prospectors—then and now. With his faithful dog beside him, this three-metre-tall bronze prospector, laden with the tools of his trade, inspires all to follow their dreams, or at least to admire those who do.

With easy road access and a daily summer bus service to and from Skagway, Alaska, Whitehorse is a popular launching point for unforgettable expeditions on the Chilkoot Trail. The 53-km (33-mi) trek traverses the US-Canada border, from Dyea (near Skagway) to Bennett, British Columbia, and follows the historic route of the gold-seeking masses. The constant overflow of travelling prospectors turned an already formidable mountain pass into a truly treacherous journey along which many perished. Today, hikers can trace the courageous footsteps of those who made it along this very challenging yet rewarding trail through a remote, rugged and spectacular landscape.

Visitors to Whitehorse can also connect via motorcoach with White Pass and Yukon Route Railway excursions leaving from Carcross during summer. An International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 177-km (110-mi) railway between Skagway and Whitehorse was originally built in 1898 to serve the influx of gold miners. Winding through mountains, across ravines and teetering along cliffs, the famous tracks climb nearly 915 m (3,000 ft) in only 32 km (20 mi) over White Pass and today carry impressed tourists between Skagway and Carcross.

How to Get There
Present-day gold seekers can fly directly to Whitehorse from Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver and even from Frankfurt, Germany in summer.

Alternatively, the well-maintained Alaska Highway leads to Whitehorse and beyond from Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Highway 37 (Cassiar Highway) takes travellers straight up the province of British Columbia from Kitwanga to join the Alaska Highway west of Watson Lake. From Skagway, the Klondike Highway leads directly to Whitehorse, then on to Dawson City. All set the scene for the ultimate road trip.

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (with motorcoach connection) is also a popular mode of transport (and unforgettable experience) for those travelling to Whitehorse from Skagway.


If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Yukon: What a Rush
• Historic Sites in the Northwest Territories

1. Historic Photograph of Klondike Prospectors circa 1900; YT, Canada
2. National Historic Site Dredge No. 4; Dawson City, YT, Canada
3. Downtown Dawson City; Dawson City, YT, Canada
4. The Top of the World Highway Runs from Tok, Alaska to Dawson City, Yukon; YT, Canada
5. The Train Departs Carcross on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway; Carcross, YT, Canada