Embrace Spring with Free Activities in Dawson City, Yukon
As the snow begins to melt, the birds chirp, and flowers begin to grow, the landscapes of Dawson City in the Yukon come alive once again. With three convenient locations in this picturesque region, Coast Hotels invites you to explore the many free activities available in the area that will make your trip unforgettable!
Midnight Dome Viewpoint
Celebrate the arrival of spring by embracing the breathtaking beauty of Dawson City at the Midnight Dome Lookout. Perched high above the town, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panorama of the awakening wilderness. Accessible year-round, the Midnight Dome offers stunning views of the Yukon River and the Klondike Valley. It’s the perfect place to take in a stunning sunset or catch the northern lights!
Take a Hike on Ninth Avenue
Many walking trails offer great hiking all around Dawson City, but one of the most accessible trails is Ninth Avenue. This trail spans from one side of town to the other, offering amazing views of Dawson City along the way. All together this hike takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes to complete and is fantastic for hikers of all levels!
Klondike Institute of Art and Culture
Many people don’t know this but Dawson City offers a thriving arts and culture scene. The Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) is an arts and culture centre in the heart of the town that focuses on cultivating creativity through film, music, visuals and performing arts. They also host festivals such as the Dawson City International Short Film Festival and the Dawson City Riverside Arts Festival. Their ODD Gallery is open year-round and showcases work by local artists and beyond - it’s the perfect place to relax, stroll, and revel in the amazing art pieces!
Tombstone Territorial Park
If you love being outdoors, exploring Tombstone Territorial Park is a must-do activity while in Dawson City. This park encompasses about 2,200 square kilometers of amazing landscape with gorgeous flowers, shrubs and wildlife. There are eye-catching mountain ridges all around, and while walking through the landscape, you’ll be in awe of how wild yet peaceful the park is.
Also located in the park is the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, which is open spring through fall. Here, you will be able to get updates on trail conditions, wildlife sightings, and more. So whether you want to do a short hike or you’re planning a multi-day hike, this park is a true gem!
Discovery Claim
If you’re interested in the history of the gold rush, head to Discovery Claim and take a picture in the exact spot where Skookum Jim, Dawson Charlie and George and Kate Carmack stumbled upon gold in 1896. This interpretive trail offers the chance to escape into the beautiful wilderness of Dawson City while learning about such important historical moments along the way.
Go Gold Panning
Not only can you learn about the history of the Gold Rush, you can also experience it firsthand! At Free Claim #6 you can enjoy an authentic and self-guided gold panning experience. No pans or shovels are available on-site, but you can head to the Visitor Information Centre to borrow some. Once you have your tools, venture into the shallow waters of the Bonanza Creek and “shake” and “swirl” your pan until you strike gold - literally!
Free Claim #6 can be found about half a mile upstream from Discovery Claim, so we recommend making a day out of it!
After a day of exploration, retreat to the comfort of Coast Hotels, where comfort and creating an amazing travel experience are our priorities. At Eldorado, a Coast Hotel, enjoy pet-friendly rooms, onsite dining, and a blend of practicality and comfort. The Downtown, a Coast Hotel offers a central location with an onsite Saloon, perfectly styled to pay homage to Dawson City history. Or, call Midnight Sun, a Coast Hotel your home during your trip. This hotel is a unique blend of history and luxury, featuring meticulously designed rooms and an onsite lounge where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail!
Coast Hotels welcomes you to explore, discover, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Yukon!
