Introducing The Downtown, a Coast Hotel in Dawson City
With a rich history dating back to the storied Gold Rush era and its lively, colourful downtown core, Dawson City is the perfect escape in the Yukon. One of those regions that everyone knows but few are lucky enough to actually visit, Yukon offers a unique, authentic Northern Canadian experience situated in the heart of the famous Klondike Gold Rush region. Needless to say, there's no shortage of things to see and do here in Dawson City — and the scenery's second-to-none, too.
From panning for gold and visiting the oldest gambling hall in Canada to window-shopping downtown Dawson City and cruising the Yukon River, you truly can’t go wrong with a trip to Yukon's largest town. And whatever it is that brings you to Dawson City, come enjoy turn-of-the century atmosphere with modern comfort awaits at The Downtown, a Coast Hotel,
Dive Into Dawson City's Fascinating History
Dawson City, Yukon is one of the most interesting cities in Canada, with a rich (and rowdy!) history dating back to the late 19th Century. It served as an important base for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush and to this day, you can check out numerous frontier-style buildings in the city’s Historical Complex.
With so much to see and do in Dawson City, you'll definitely want to stay awhile. Centrally located on Second Avenue, The Downtown is the perfect jumping-off point for your explorations. Step into our Dawson City hotel’s warm, welcoming turn-of-the-century lobby and be transported back to the days when the city was bustling with prospectors.
Introducing The Downtown, a Coast Hotel in Dawson City
Being that Dawson City is Yukon's biggest town (not to be confused with Whitehorse which is the biggest city), you'll enjoy plenty of urban amenities along with a heap of Northern hospitality. But that's just the beginning: this unique region is breathtakingly scenic and famous for its expansive mountains, ice fields, the Northern Lights, and an abundance of native wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Set against a mountain backdrop and just one block from the Yukon River, The Downtown, a Coast Hotel is located in one of the prettiest spots in the entire territory, not to mention Dawson City. And of course, you can't miss our bright red wooden building in the heart of downtown!
Hotel Rooms & Amenities at The Downtown
With its central location, our downtown Dawson City hotel is the ideal place to stay while visiting Yukon. The hotel has 59 spacious, pet-friendly guest rooms, 34 of which are located in the main building. The remaining 25 are in the adjoining annex building. Each room is modern and comfortable, offering free wi-fi, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, air-conditioning, triple-sheeted bed linens, and spacious workstations.
Whether you're visiting Dawson City for business or pleasure, our array of services and amenities will help ensure your trip is comfortable and memorable.
The Famous “Sourtoe” Cocktail at the Sourdough Saloon
Located onsite at The Downtown, a Coast Hotel is the (in)famous Sourdough Saloon, where the biggest draw is its iconic "Sourtoe" Cocktail. Despite its unusual name — and one very unusual ingredient — it's delicious. The full recipe is a secret, but we can tell you the Sourtoe includes Yukon whiskey. The unusual and rather twisted ingredient? A severed human toe!
There’s just one rule when it comes to the Sourtoe: “You can drink it fast. You can drink it slow. But your lips must touch that gnarly toe.” Once you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll be awarded a certificate and get your name inside the ledger for bragging rights!
No matter your reason for visiting the Sourdough, it’s definitely a must for great food, booze, and stories year-round, attracting both guests and non-guests daily thanks to its historic decor and swinging saloon doors.
Dawson City Hotel Amenities & Services
- Free wi-fi
- Free parking and block heater vehicle plug-ins for those famously cold Yukon nights
- Pet-friendly guest rooms (and close proximity to the Dawson City Off-Leash Park, the ideal place to walk your dog!)
- The Sourdough Saloon, home to the famed “Sourtoe Cocktail Club”
- Grace Gift Shop, selling sundries including snacks and souvenirs, located at the front desk
- Free Dawson City Airport shuttle (call the hotel directly to book the shuttle in advance)
Things to do in Dawson City
Located mere blocks from some of Yukon's hottest attractions and natural landmarks, there are so many unique activities within easy access of The Downtown, a Coast Hotel. Embrace the quirkiness and charm of historic Gold Rush-era Dawson City by panning for gold, attending a can-can show, cruising the river, or admiring the colourful heritage buildings in various stages of restoration. You may notice that some have been painstakingly restored, yet remain just a little sloped — it's all part of the charm!
During the late 20th century Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City was one of the wealthiest and most desirable cities in North America. You'll quickly see why it's been affectionately dubbed "Paris of the North!"
Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall
Located just two blocks from the hotel, this is the oldest gambling hall in Canada! It's home to traditional casino games and daily can-can shows, something uniquely northern Canada. Interestingly, Diamond Tooth Gerties is a not-for-profit business, putting any profits back into maintaining and developing the local community.
Dawson City Museum
View the world's largest collection of Klondike Gold Rush memorabilia (over 10,000 images!) and learn about Dawson City's incredible history at this small museum.
Tombstone Territorial Park
A 90-minute drive from Dawson City is the rugged and remote Tombstone Territorial Park. It's a popular destination for hiking and wildlife spotting, with an abundance of animals like moose, grizzly bears, and black bears. The drive between Dawson City and the park is picturesque, the route following the iconic Dempster Highway.
Claim 33 - Gold Panning & Mining Museum
Pan for gold at this family-run museum situated in the heart of the old gold fields. Don't worry if you've never panned before; you'll be able to perfect your technique here! Insider tip: striking gold is pretty much guaranteed at Claim 33, so it's a fantastic family outing. Note that this museum is only open seasonally, from May to September.
Klondike Spirit River Cruise
Where else in the world can you cruise down the Yukon River on a traditional paddle wheeler boat? Learn all about the native Yukon tribes and the history of the Klondike, plus see the Paddlewheel Graveyard. Here, numerous paddlewheelers have been abandoned over the years and left to rot! This truly unique tour can only be booked between May and September.