You’ll run out of steam before you run out of daylight during the June solstice in the Yukon. The territory is sometimes called “land of the midnight sun” because, yep—you guessed it—the sun is still shining at midnight. So to help you make the most of endless days under bright, beautiful skies, we’ve put together a fun-filled, 24-hour itinerary in the Dawson City area. Use it to plan for your trip next year. Because the midnight sun isn’t going anywhere.
Fuel up for the day
Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Especially if you’re planning to stay up 24 hours. Luckily, Dawson City delivers on delicious. Pick up some fresh baked goods and a famously great cup of coffee at Red Mammoth Bistro. Stop by Jack London Grill to enjoy a hearty meal in 19th-century style.
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The egg bennies are a consistent crowd pleaser. Or check out a Front Street favourite: River West Bistro. Known for their excellent expresso drinks that go perfectly with homemade muffins, it’s recommended that you get there early—because they’re also known for line ups. Second breakfast might be in order. But no napping! There’s too much to do.
It’s time to work off some of those baked goods in the most exhilarating way possible: a kayak or canoe trip on the Yukon River. There’s nothing quite like the glistening-green current carrying you away while surrounded by the stunning raw beauty of northern nature. Pro tip: don’t worry about your hair. The wind will dismantle any semblance of a “do.”
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And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like golden eagles, osprey, moose, and even grizzlies. Should you be concerned that a kayak will not fit in your luggage, fear not. A number of local vendors, including Dawson City River Hostel, Klondike River Adventure Tours, and North of Sherwood Guiding rent equipment and even offer expert-guided tours.
You’re not tired yet, right? After a few arm stretches, now would be a good time to get your pan on. Dawson City was at the centre of the Klondike Gold Rush, and roughly 40,000 gold-seekers showed up to strike it rich. Yeah, that’s a lot. You came up here to get away from the crowds. Great news is, they’ve left. So you can enjoy your vacation in peace and tranquility. Visit Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site, then head to Free Claim #6 to get knee-deep in gold rush history.
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It’s about a half a mile upstream from the original Discovery Claim that kicked off the whole thing. You’re allowed to keep what you find—though you need to bring your own equipment. Pick up a pan at Home Hardware, or the Dawson Trading Post. Get some waterproof boots too and you’ll be panning like a real old timer prospector—only you probably have more teeth.
Hopefully, you found some rare nuggets of gold to fund your next epic adventure—though a credit card works too. Strap into a chopper and watch the scenery change from lush forested hills to the arid alpine tundra that makes up the Tombstone Park. Fly by dramatic, jagged, grey and black peaks and down into deep valleys and glacial-fed lakes.
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Of course, you could drive there. But the most breathtaking, and rockstar, way to see it is by air. Land at Talus Lake for lunch where the lichen-covered ground crunches satisfactorily under your feet before springing right back. It’s not the moon, but it definitely feels like another world.
After being awed by nature, get ready to go back in time. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall is the ultimate Wild West experience with an authentic saloon atmosphere. Dig into signature plates like burgers, lasagna and “the best steak in town” while watching a rousing can-can show.
George Fischer
Diamond Tooth Gertie will dazzle you with, well, her tooth obviously, but also her vocals. And the Gold rush Girls—with their high spirits and kicks—may make you want to dance along. Note that stretching is one-hundred percent recommended.
A mere eight kilometers from Dawson City is the Midnight Dome. Named for the fact that for decades people have gathered at the top of this 877-metre (2911ft) hill to watch the midnight sun and the spectacular changing colors of the bright night sky.
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This is what you came for. And there’s nothing in the world like it. Marvel at the panoramic view of the city below, as well as the beauty of the Yukon River and Klondike Valleys. You may even spy on the Ogilvie Mountain Range in the distance. Renting a bike is easy. Riding it up the hill is a bit less so, but you got this. Check out Dawson City River Hostel to rent your ride.
Coast back down the hill just in time for last call. The Pit at the Westminster Hotel is famous for its after-hours action. With live bands and a lively local crowd, it’s open in the summer until two in the morning. Or, if you’re quick, you can sneak in a martini at Bombay Peggy’s before they close at 1 am. Finally, you cannot leave the Yukon without trying the Sourtoe Cocktail at the Downtown Hotel.
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It’s not the law. But maybe it should be. There is quite literally a shrivelled, preserved toe in the beverage. The local saying is “You can drink it fast, or you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe”. It’s a tradition. Sure, a gross one. But also a memorable one.
By now it’s almost morning. You must be tired. But not the sun. It’s still going strong. So gather around a campfire and share stories of your amazing 24-hours. Believe it or not, sunscreen is still a must. Slather up generously, because a 4 am burn hurts as much as a 4 pm one.
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Since you’ll be stumbling to your tent, the easiest place to camp is just across the river from Dawson City at the aptly named, Yukon River Campground. You can look for Peregrine Falcons from their viewing deck. But honestly, you probably won’t have the energy.
