June 4, 2017
Road trip to Dawson City
Whitehorse departure temps: 18/2 C
Departure time: 9 am
Arrival time: 5 pm-ish
Gas price in Whitehorse: $1.13/litre
Wildlife count: 5 black bears, 2 brown bears, coyote, eagle, porcupine, fox
Photo Op Rating: 10/10
I love a good road trip, but not bad roads.
Fortunately, the Klondike Highway from Whitehorse to Dawson City was not nearly as bad as some of the locals led me to believe - but then I’m from Manitoba, which has its own reputation for being road-poor. Dips, bumps, and blips under repair were well marked.Road conditions did deteriorate a bit more as we got closer to Dawson.
Pro tip: If the sign says “Reduce Speed,” do it.
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| Klondike Highway enroute to Dawson City © Dan Silas 2017 |
There were plenty of rest stops, but not many places to dine enroute. If you’re going to need a restaurant, there are no choices conveniently located around the halfway point. Pack some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
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Black bears up close on the Klondike Highway, enroute to Dawson City © Dan Silas 2017 |
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| A gas station at Pelly Crossing, with its bright blue bridge, offered hot dogs and sandwiches for the hungry traveller. © Dan Silas 2017 |
The thinning of dining establishments is easily made up by the many opportunities to capture astounding photos. The road winds and dips through the spacious valley. I could have stopped for photos many more times than I did.
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| Five Finger Rapids rest stop, Klondike Highway enroute to Dawson City © Dan Silas 2017 |
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| At the trail head of the Dempster Highway, another bucket list trip for the future. Note the 'no emergency medical services' warning sign © Dan Silas 2017 |
The drive is thoroughly enjoyable. The speed limit is mostly 90 km/h, and we enjoyed the relaxed pace.
We rolled leisurely into Dawson City around 5 pm and checked in at Juliette’s Manor Bed and Brunch, aptly named since you have your choice of breakfast times up to 10 am - a nice touch if you like to sleep a little later.
The next stop - and this should be any visitor’s first stop - was at the Visitor’s Centre on Front Street where Parks Canada and Yukon Territory staff work together to offer you the best recommendations on what to see and do.
At Klondike Kate’s we shared a green salad topped with fresh salmon and the best poutine ever, Really. How can you not like feta and green onions on your curdy, gravy smothered fries?. Highly recommended, unless you already have a heart condition.
After dinner we took in the 8 pm show at Diamond Tooth Gerties. Not being big drinkers or gamblers, we nonetheless enjoyed the Cancan dancers and singer backed by a superb piano and drum combo.
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| The famous Diamond Tooth Gerties © Dan Silas 2017 |
