Klondike National Historic Sites of Canada

Klondike National Historic Sites exist to share the amazing stories of Canada in the Klondike. A set of five historic sites running the gamut from the Dredge No. 4 - a huge gold dredge - the SS Keno paddlewheeler, and the Dawson Historical Complex comprised of buildings scattered throughout the vibrant town of Dawson City, the Klondike National Historic Sites provide a wide range of programs daily to help you experience the wonder and impact of what took place in this corner of Canada. See the elegant Palace Grand Theatre, the stately Commissioner's Residence, historic banks, a post office, and even a brothel! 

DAWSON CITY HISTORICAL COMPLEX NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Robert Service Cabin

Robert W. Service, the bard of the Yukon, immortalized the gold rush and brought Canadian literature to a worldwide audience. Service lived in this cozy two-room cabin nestled amidst the willows and alders. It is a must-see—a spot to contemplate an intriguing life through the man’s own poetry and unexpected life story.

DREDGE NO. 4 NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

This, the largest wooden hulled, bucket line gold dredge in North America, was pulled from the muck in 1992, exactly as the last shift left it 32 years before. Now you can explore the belly of the beast and witness how the insatiable quest for tiny gold flakes transformed not just the landscape, but Yukon society. As a poignant counterpoint to this monster of industry, don’t miss the peaceful and thought-provoking creekside trail at the original Discovery Claim, a bit further down the road.

Tours daily. Contact Goldbottom Tours or Husky Hus. 

S.S. KENO NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Built in 1922 to transport silver, lead and zinc ore from the mines on the Klondike river, the S.S. Keno was the answer to getting resources into and out of an extremely isolated spot. For many, this steamer was the first and last contact with the outside world each season, and residents lived according to its schedule. Explore this grand lady of the river at your own pace, with a costumed staffer on-hand to provide insight and answer questions.

The Palace Grand Theatre

Arizona Charlie Meadows built this beautiful theatre in 1899. Throughout its history it has provided entertainments ranging from vaudeville to silent films. Daily tours relate the dramas and dreams of the leading ladies, percentage girls and miners desperate for a place to spend their gold dust. Explore backstage haunts, and the 2nd & 3rd floor nooks both public and private.

The Commissioner’s Residence

Experience the grandeur of the official residence of the Yukon’s federal government representative, the Commissioner of the Yukon, from 1900 to 1916. Throughout the decades it also served as a hospital, and as the home of one of the Yukon’s most intriguing and influential women, Martha Black. Listen for the whispers of history while exploring this opulent home.

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Strange Things Done under the Midnight Sun - Town core tour

It's all about the gold....but gold can do strange things to those who seek it. As Robert Service eloquently wrote it, "The Northern Lights have seen queer sights" and let's be clear, Service was talking about Dawson City! With a transition from a patch of moose pasture to a topsy-turvy boomtown in the blink of an eye, anything and everything could, AND DID happen! Find out how much stranger than fiction the truth really is while wandering through the historical core of this amazing town.

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Greatest Klondiker Contest - Interactive Theatre Presentation

Thousands of men and women with great talent and greater dreams made their way to the Klondike in the stampede of 1897. Some stayed and made a name for themselves, other disappeared into obscurity, their dreams never realized. In this program, you will meet three of the remarkable Canadians who "made it" during the gold rush. They will regale you with their adventures and let you know why they, and they alone are the greatest of the dreamers and schemers who made such great contributions to this particular place and time. When it's all said and done, its up to you to decide who will be crowned the Greatest Klondike Canadian!