Dawson City, the second largest city in the Yukon, was the capital until 1952. The Gold Rush of 1896 caused over 100,000 people to flock to the region, and Dawson City became the largest city in North America west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle. These 'glory days' were prosperous; everything in Dawson City at the end of the nineteenth century cost a fortune. The economy boomed, tourists and businesses soared in numbers, and Dawson City, Yukon, was at the top of everyone's list of travel destinations.

Unfortunately, once the novelty wore off, the population dwindled. Today, the city is quite small, and relies heavily on tourism, with its preserved wooden sidewalks, unpaved roads and Western facades. Get inside this fascinating gold rush story through tours of the attractions and museums. Literary buffs know that Dawson City is also the hometown of the famous poet Robert Service, author of 'The Cremation of Sam McGee'. His cabin on 8th Avenue hosts public readings of his poems daily by a professional actor, a must-see event. Conveniently, the cabin of Jack Landon (author of White Fang, The Call of the Wild, and other tales of the far north) has been reconstructed next door.

A visit to Dawson City will intrigue you and bring you back to the glory days of the gold rush - just ask its residents, who still enjoy staying up late, partying, and telling tall tales to strangers who will listen.