We rolled into
Dawson City and excitedly began to explore. First stop was lunch at Klondike
Kate’s where we each devoured a burger on the back patio.
 |
| Delicious burgers at Klondike Kate's |
Much of the town
has been preserved due to its world famous roll in the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush.
Many of the buildings are taken care of by Parks Canada, Some by the city and others
by private business owners. Many more, with no patron to fund their costly
upkeep, have become decrepit and precariously lean on their neighbours.
 |
| Permafrost heaves and decades of decay leave some buildings inaccessible |
 |
| Yukon River car ferry |
Our search for
lodgings lead us to the West side of the town. The Yukon River is easily
traversed by a free car ferry. The Canadian government has never gotten to
building a bridge, so they fund the ferry instead. It’s available 24 hours a
day in the summer. After the river freezes, the locals simply drive across the
ice in the winter.
 |
| On the ferry, that water's moving fast! |
We decided to stay at the rustic, but very cozy Dawson City River Hostel. Their cabins had no power or running water. In the kitchen was a wood burning stove, outhouses for toilets, and for a shower- a Turkish bath. To use a Turkish bath, you must first heat a tank of water by lighting a fire under it. Then, fill a bucket with both the heated water a fresh cool water to the desired temperature. Proceed to dump the bucket over your head. It was quite the experience.
 |
| Top bunk gremlin |
Once we settled in we crossed back over the river into town to check out the night life.
 |
| Tours running on the Yukon River in a historic boat. |
Diamond Tooth Gerties is a must do attraction in town. There are three different shows running each night capturing both period style cabaret as well as modern style entertainment. There's also a casino and restaurant.
 |
| First show of the night |
 |
| Enjoying a few drinks |
 |
| Our winnings!! |
 |
| Volunteers brought up on stage to dance with the girls |
 |
| Bill with the ladies |
 |
| Walking home at 1 am in the midnight sun |
The next morning we hurried back over to town to catch the Canada Day Parade. We missed the first half unfortunately, but we were in time for the flag raising and community BBQ a the city museum.
 |
| Side car dog sticking it out in the rain |
 |
| Gerties Dancers and Mounties doing the flag raising on Canada Day |
 |
| More of the parade |
 |
| Restored buildings in town. |
After the BBQ we stayed to watch a documentary about Dawson City at the museum and get out of the rain for a bit. Afterwards we headed over to the cultural center for free bannock.
 |
| Free bannock and jam at the cultural center |
 |
| Exploring the Palace Grand Theater |
Our snacking continued at Alchemy Cafe where we got some tasty smoothies and enjoyed a cool atmosphere.
The Dawson City Soft ball team was putting on a fundraiser BBQ and car wash. Some of the players dressed down for the occasion.
 |
| Dawson City Soft Ball team fundraiser car wash |
 |
| There was also a band playing at the BBQ |
 |
| Historic S.S. Keno is permanently moored on Front St. |
 |
| On the Yukon River |
 |
| Apparently people actually rent this place out year round. |
It was our last evening in Dawson City, and we had one more task on our to do list. The Downtown Hotel offers a most unusual drink called 'The Sourtoe Cocktail'. If you're interested, bring your drink to the corner of the bar after 9 pm and a toe will be deposited in your drink. While you drink your drink your Sourtoe Cocktail, the toe must touch your lips but no further. The fine for swallowing the toe is $2500.00. Recently raised from $500 after a customer deliberately swallowed the toe. The bar has gone through eight toes since the tradition began in 1973. Yes it is a real toe.
 |
| Yes, that is a real toe. |
 |
| Car ferry |
 |
| Midnight sun |
Down the river from our hostel was a shipwreck grave yard containing at least three disintegrating river boats. After the gold rush they out lived their usefulness and were abandoned on the shores of the river.
We carefully explored the rusting hulks. This could definitely be a scene for a scary movie.
)
)
)
)
)
