Kookatsoon Lake | Tagged Posts
2022
13
July
What to Do in Dawson City on a 3-Night Road Trip?
13
July
Question:
Humans say...
Marita
*
Bell
I’m from Whitehorse! Can’t miss Emerald Lake, Kookatsoon Lake (warm enough to swim in) Miles Canyon, Alpine Bakery, Midnight Sun Coffee, Muktuk Kennles, oh and a beer in 98. Moosehide Gathering at the end of this month
Sue
Angie Belzevick thank you!
Tina
Angie Belzevick I wish we’d had someone like you when we went!!
Clare
Drive the Dempster HWy to Inivk and then to Tuk. Most amazing experience
Lyndsie
Stop at Liard hot springs along your way to the Yukon and if you happen to be around Atlin music festival stop in and have a blast of a weekend ...
Sue
Lyndsie liard is on the route!
Kirs
Sue There was a washout recently near Watson Lake. Be sure you have DriveBC or some other source for updates.
Sue
Lyndsie festival is cancelled this year . Thanks
Robert
Just there 3 weeks ago. Parks Canada tour of Dredge #4. National Historic site. That area was built on gold mining and still lots of it now. Also Midnight Dome Lookout
jeff
depending on your timeline/transportation....tombstone territorial park is pretty epic and well worth the short drive up the dempster. a bunch of day hikes are easy to find at the park.
doing the loop through chicken, AK, and down to the alcan crossing and through haines junction is gorgeous as well. would obviously add a bit of time though, and i'm not sure if there's COVID related border closures up there still. but that whole area is still one of my favourite regions on this continent.
Sue
jeff thank you
Tina
Sue agreed that park is unreal gorgeous
Phyllis
jeff you just have to do the ArriveCAN to come back into Canada. We did the trip in June this year. Amazing
Katie
I don't think Ur allowed to leave Dawson City without drinking the sour toe
Helene
Liard Hot Springs, north of Fort Nelson.
Elizabet
So many incredible things to see & do in the Yukon !!! Enjoy
Tina
Yes! Get a copy of the Milepost. It’s a “must have Bible of the North” It goes into crazy detail, mile by mile. Has valuable information on where to stay, camp, eat, it will answer ALL your questions. Even if it’s 5 yrs old - things don’t change that much.
Be aware: There is a washout of the Alaska Hwy over the Liard River. Be sure that won’t affect your route choice.
Tina
Tina i was going to recommend that but couldn’t remember whether it was Canadian also
Jerilyn
Tina where does one get the Milepost? We’re heading to Tuk in August
Tina
https://themilepost.com/
THEMILEPOST.COM
The MILEPOST
Sue
Jerilyn thank you!!
Jerilyn
Tina Thanks so much !
Sue
Tina got one!
Tina
We did this bucket list drive in 2007!!! Nine days though. We actually did NOT do the toe, because barf. Unneeded. We drove the Dempster just past Eagle Plains and camped in the Arctic circle. We went to farmers markets. We had the best beef brisket I’ve ever had at the main restaurant in Dawson (the only one). We went to Lake LaBarge (where they cremated Sam McGee; also bought the book at the Whitehorse bookstore) and hung out with the only person who lived at the lake, who had gold rings on every finger and a parrot and baked us sourdough bread. We went to Fairbanks Alaska and ran a 10k at midnight; also went to the Fairbanks little league game they’ve been playing for a century every solstice at 11pm in natural light, and drank with the mayor in the back of his pickup (we were there for solstice so lots of parties). Fairbanks was so cool. Went to North Pole AK where they’ve built a whole city around insisting that Santa is American haha. Went to the Yukon museum which was amazing. Met a random girl who built a cabin in the woods; went there and learned about cabin building and moose hunting from her and her bf, and they also had and raised “real” sled dogs (not pretty). The white stripes were playing the North when we were there and we didn’t even go we were so busy.
Nita
Boya Lake on the Stewart Cassiar is a beautiful stop. Good fishing too apparently and not too cold for swimming. Good Hope Lake is tropical blue! Liard Hotsprings is a must. A lot of the old stops along the highway are closed down so if you don’t have an RV, book ahead and take a cooler for snacks.
Jennifer
Drive to Skagway if you have time for a day trip from Whitehorse. Skagway is whatever but the drive is amazing! Also get to to top of the dome and walk down in the midnight sun. Look for porcupines along the way. Go see the dredge and explore old mining roads and camps.
Heather
Take insect repellent
Penny
The McBride Museum in Whitehorse and I suggest buying gold.
Cheryl
Join the FB page 'RVing to Alaska 2022 (Original)'...tons of great info every day on travelling through the Yukon.
Alice
We spent a month in the Yukon - drove up from Vancouver last year. Made some videos of our highlights. Must do Dawson City + Sourtoe! Destinationzoomer.com/Yukon
DESTINATIONZOOMER.COM
YUKON
Janet
Went there with my daughter and had an amazing time. We did the tour with the huge dredge up the Klondike river valley and I found that very impressive.
Rachel
Book a hotel room in advance of your arrival. We went to Dawson City without a reservation and we ended up having to sleep in our car! Not a single room was available. Not joking
Liz
Joe's Wood Fire Pizza in Dawson for great pizza and wine, Cheechakos for delicious baked goods/sandwiches. Go up the Midnight Dome (bonus points if you hike up!). Tombstone is amazing, I second the recommendation of the commenter above. If Moosehide Gathering is happening while you're there, go! I do suggest going in to chat at the visitors centre to see if there are any other events etc going on. Have fun!
Barbara
Yukon is on fire...the gonernment was asking people to stay away earlier this week. Check before you travel...many roads are closed.
Dee
Check out
Tutchone Tours for an amazing experience!
Sigrid
I ate at the Drunken Goat Taverna in Dawson City & it was good.
I also did the sourdough cocktail “ceremony”, gross, but mind over matter
Cindy
If you don’t want to drink the toe you can drive to Eagle Plains and drink the Talon! Spend the night at the Arctic Circle!!
Blake
Make sure you have accommodations booked in advance.
There are next to zero hotel rooms in town without notice this summer.
Pro tip.
Carol
Liard Hot Springs
Michelle
Check the forest fire updates...
Anne
Have friends up there now and lots of changes required in plans due to fires etc
Anna
Bring money.
Fish n chips was $45.
Bug spray, big flies that bite.
Make hotel reservations.
Check on the wildfire status.
Yukon was covered in smoke recently.
Be amazed!
Sampoorn
Echoing some of the previous comments: Liard and Tombstone are amazing! The Grizzly Lake hike is a good one - I think you can hike to a lookout point and turn back, to make it a short day hike. You can also go to the lake, but that's long for one day.
Don't know if they're still doing it, but go for the history walk in town! The guides dress up in period costumes, and they're super knowledgeable and fun. Also check out Diamond Tooth Gertie's for their dance shows, they're quite fun!
Susan
Sampoorn yes i am in the yukon now the parks canada walks are great
Sue
Be aware that there are a number of wildfires burning in the Yukon, that may affect travel. It is a very serious situation there this summer.
Bruce
Went for 10 days last year and Dawson City was great. Walk on the free ferry across the River and walk to the Sternwheeler graveyard. Get a free loaner gold pan from Dawson visitors center and go to their free claim and pan for gold. Bonus, you go by several great free historical sites on the way. Take a parks Canada tour of Robert service historic cabin.
Doug
Sue Barbara Sue ...fire situation has been down graded significantly. For updates check yukon.ca/en/yukon-wildland-fire-activity-report .
For all things Dawson checkout travelyukon.com and dawsoncity.ca
Add The Pit, Gerties, and Bombay Peggy's to your list.
Safe travels.
YUKON.CA
Yukon wildland fire activity report | Government of Yukon
Sue
Doug that is good news! Thanks for the update and the link.
Sue
Doug thank you
Duncan
A must try is Braeburn lodge. get a cinnamon bun... https://www.facebook.com/gianormousfood
Braeburn Lodge
Peter
Take a midge cap and lots of OFF and buy a mosquito trap when you get there.They make great souvenirs.
Or go in Sept after first night frost and avoid all of the above.Daytime Temps and sunlight great and there are no bugs.
Sue
Peter leaving Sept 2nd from Vancouver ... praying no bugs lol
Peter
Sue You might luck in.Keep track of nighttime Temps for that time.
Peter
Sue I would still pack a midge cap and bug repellent just in case.
Sue
Peter I will!
Peter
Sue Apparently Yukon has the biggest mosquito infestation in the last 20 years, but one cold night can make a huge difference .Cross your fingers.
Teresa
Saw this on another site so check your route.
Sue
Teresa thank you for this
Jennifer
If you go up the highway toward Alaska check out Liard River Hot Springs. It’s amazing! A friend of mine went and it’s been on my bucket list for years. You can day visit or camp there.
Sue
Jennifer on our list. Spending a night there
Jennifer
Sue have a wonderful time!!
Colleen
Following
Lillian
It is advised not to travel to the Yukon because of the wild fires. Some roads are closed due to flooding
Sue
Lillian not going until September
Susan
i'm in Watson Lake now on my way south rain rain rain....i guess that's good i would make reservations for hotels lots of people up here
Cheryl
Sour Toe Cocktail
A.I. says...
Yukon and Dawson City Adventure
Yukon and Dawson City offer a unique and unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. From historic sites to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone in this rugged and beautiful region. Here are some tips to make the most of your three nights in Dawson City:
Must-See Attractions
- Klondike National Historic Sites: Step back in time and explore the Gold Rush history by visiting sites like the Dawson Historical Complex, Dredge No. 4, and the Robert Service Cabin.
- Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall: Experience a taste of the Gold Rush era at this lively gambling hall and cabaret, complete with can-can dancers and vaudeville-style entertainment.
- Midnight Dome: Hike to the top of this iconic viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of Dawson City and the surrounding wilderness.
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking: The Yukon offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Check out the Crocus Bluff Trail for stunning views of the Klondike Valley, or the Midnight Dome Trail for a challenging but rewarding hike.
- Canoeing or Kayaking: Paddle along the Yukon River or explore one of the many scenic lakes in the area. Rentals are available in Dawson City.
- Gold Panning: Try your luck at striking it rich by panning for gold in the streams and creeks around Dawson City.
Dining and Nightlife
- Sourdough Joe's: Indulge in classic Yukon fare like bison burgers, caribou chili, and sourdough bread at this cozy restaurant.
- Klondike Kate's: This lively bar and restaurant offers a taste of Gold Rush-era entertainment with live music, dancing, and the infamous "Sourtoe Cocktail" (if you dare!).
- Alchemy Café: Start your day right with delicious coffee and pastries at this local favorite.
Don't forget to experience the famous "Sourtoe Cocktail" at the Downtown Hotel if you're feeling adventurous! And be sure to check out the Dawson City Music Festival if your visit coincides with it.
With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique attractions, the Yukon and Dawson City promise an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the spirit of the Gold Rush and create lasting memories in this rugged and captivating region.
Sue
Hi! So our road trip is now going to take us to the Yukon (bucket list) and Dawson City.
Any tips for special things to do?
Spending three nights. Probably going to take the paddle wheeler on the river .
Drink the toe drink is still being decided ..,
Tips for things to do, good eats etc? Nearby east hikes , sights