BEST OF DAWSON

YUKON

In August 1896, prospectors struck gold on a tributary of the Yukon’s Klondike River, and the rush was on. Within three years, Dawson was the largest city in Canada west of Winnipeg. Today, its population tops out at about 2,200 in the summer, yet it’s anything but sleepy. Here are five reasons to plan a summer sojourn to Dawson.

1 RIVER RIDE Klondike Spirit

The paddlewheeler was a vital part of Dawson’s growth, transporting supplies and equipment on the river until 1955, when a road connecting Dawson and Whitehorse was finally completed. A 90-minute cruise on the Klondike Spirit, the only paddlewheeler still operating in the territory, takes you by sites such as the Paddlewheel Graveyard, a collection of boats abandoned on the riverbank. klondikespirit.com

2 THEN AND NOW Klondike National Historic Sites walking tour

Led by Parks Canada guides in period costume, this daily tour stops at lovingly preserved Klondike-era buildings such as the Red Feather Saloon and the Westminster Hotel. Along the way, you’ll meet characters such as Father William Judge, the Jesuit priest who tended to the sick and established the city’s first hospital in 1897, who will regale you with tales of the Gold Rush days. dawsoncity.ca

3 GREAT GREEK Drunken Goat Taverna

Dawson is about as far from the Med as it’s possible to get, but this cosy couzina offers surprisingly authentic Greek dishes in portions designed for sharing. Try the paidakia — marinated spring lamb chops — paired with a pint of Yukon Brewing’s Chilkoot lager. A word of warning to those tempted to ring the bell that hangs over the bar: if you do, be prepared to buy a round — the rule at any Dawson watering hole. 950 Second Ave.

4 SOURTOE SIPPIN’ Downtown Hotel

If for some reason you haven’t heard of the Sourtoe Cocktail at the Downtown Hotel’s Sourdough Saloon, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Since its invention in 1973, more than 100,000 people have completed this Yukon rite of passage, which involves sucking back a shot of the liquor of your choice garnished with a real mummified human toe that tradition dictates must touch your lips. downtownhotel.ca

5 TRAVERSE TOMBSTONE

A 90-minute drive northeast of Dawson will bring you to the breathtaking Tombstone Territorial Park. Hiking and backcountry camping opportunities abound in the park, but one of the best ways to experience it is on horseback. Companies such as Tombstone Outfitters and Yukon Horsepacking Adventures offer rides ranging in length from a few hours to a few days, so you can let your four-legged friend do the work while you enjoy the views. yukonhunting.ca; yukonhorsepacking.com