The best camping near Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site

In August 1896, gold was discovered on Rabbit Creek, later named Bonanza. When word reached the outside world, the Klondike Stampede began. Over 100,000 people started out for the Klondike goldfields and some 30,000 actually reached Dawson City in the summer of 1898. At this time Dawson City was the largest centre west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle. A modern community quickly emerged at the junction of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers. Dawson City became the supply and service centre for the miners and was capable of providing the newcomers with all that they needed from champagne to oranges. It became obvious during the Gold Rush that there was an immediate need for the enforcement of Canadian law and the firm administration of Canadian policies. To address this issue the Canadian government established the Yukon Territory and a large civil service was soon in place. Dawson became the centre that provided the administrative and legal role for the running of a mining community and a territory. The decline of Dawson City was almost as rapid as its rise and with the development of industrial mining, the days of the individual miner was over. Though the population declined, those who stayed remained optimistic. Between 1899 and 1905, Dawson passed from a frontier town to a sophisticated community and was truly the "Metropolis of the North", a rival to any city in the south of similar size. Dawson remained the service and supply centre for an industrial region and the commercial and administrative headquarters of the Yukon until the mid 1950s. Dawson's survival as a community was the result of years of mining activity by the Yukon Consolidated Gold Corporation and its fleet of dredges. Nonetheless, the town and the economy continued to erode slowly over the decades. It was in response to this gradual decline that Parks Canada became involved in the late 1950's. Over the next 30 years, Parks acquired and stabilized designated structures and artifacts. Today, the Dawson Historical Complex is a vibrant historic community.

The best time to visit Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are long. Winter can be harsh and is best avoided unless you're prepared for extreme cold and limited services.

• Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
• Wear sturdy footwear to navigate the historic grounds comfortably.
• Accessibility may vary across different areas of the site; inquire ahead for specific needs.
• Plan your visit between 8:30am to 5pm to make the most of the guided tours and exhibits.
• Remember to respect the site's heritage by not removing any artifacts or disturbing structures.