tundraimg.jpg
Experience True Nature

Alaska

Wilderness Adventure Tours beyond Imagination

This scenic "Mountain Peaks & Glaciers" driving tour offers travelers an in-depth look at Alaska's most beautiful national parks. The 11-day vacation includes a spectacular flight over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, an adventurous drive on the legendary McCarthy Road from the historic ghost town of Kennicott / McCarthy to Chitina, a drive through the Matanuska Valley - Alaska's fertile farmland with an immense number of summer sunshine hours where vegetables grow to incredible sizes (the cabbage record is 106 pounds), the opportunity to see the "the Big Five" species of Denali NationalPark - wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and bears, and finally the goldrush town of Fairbanks which is the gateway to Alaska's Arctic region.

  • Tour Itinerary

  • Dates | Rates

  • Options | Extensions

  • Self Drive FAQ

  • Dawson City Information

Day
01

Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer to your hotel. Pick up your rental car and get ready for a Alaska vacation of a lifetime. Anchorage features dozens of parks and 122 miles of paved bike paths. Warmed by a maritime climate, you can spend the day with salmon fishing on downtown's Ship Creek, hiking the nearby mountains, photographing glaciers and dining at a four-star restaurant. Within a 15-minute drive from downtown on the Hillside is the tree-lined trailhead of Anchorage’s most popular hike, Flattop Mountain. A short floatplane ride opens up the possibility of almost any type adventure. That’s one reason why Anchorage’s Lake Hood is the world’s busiest floatplane base. Try some fresh Alaska seafood (Salmon, Halibut and Dungeness Crab) for dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants around the hotel. Afterwards enjoy a stroll along the coastal trail with sweeping views of Mt. McKinley and Mt. Susitna aka: the "Sleeping Lady". Overnight: Anchorage


Day
02

Anchorage | Prince William Sound 26-Glacier Cruise

This morning take the scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm to the glacier studded Portage (Lake) Valley. To access the remote community of Whittier, you will travel through North America's longest shared rail - and vehicle tunnel. The Prince William Sound is one of the few places left in the world where a concentration of glaciers can be found in such abundance. On the 26 Glacier Cruise (Tour Included), you will explore the serenity of Esther Passage, view the majestic alpine and tidewater glaciers within College and Harriman Fjords covered with ancient ice, observe a large variety of marine wildlife and travel in luxurious comfort aboard the Klondike Express - the fastest catamaran in Alaska. Your captain and the US Forest Service ranger will point out the sites along the way. Watch for playful sea otters, harbor seals, kittiwakes, bears, whales or mountain goats. Return to Anchorage with a stopover at Portage Lake Visitor Center and at the Alyeska Ski Resort. Overnight: Anchorage


Day
03

Anchorage - Matanuska Valley - Chitina - Flight to Kennicott / McCarthy

Travel towards the Matanuska Valley - a fertile farmland that was settled by families as part of a New Deal relief program in 1935. Because of the fertile farmland and the immense amount of summer sunlight, vegetables grow to incredible sizes. The Alaska record cabbage is 106 pounds! This is just one of the attractions at the State Fair held in Palmer. The Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers, a 27-mile long river of ice poking out of the Chugach Mountains that is visible for miles along the highway. A self-guided hike leads to the gravel-laced ice. Arrive in Chitina from where you will take a scenic flightseeing trip (Included) to McCarthy (departures 2:45 pm & 5:45 pm). You will see the Kennicott Glacier as it winds its way 25 miles to the North where it tumbles off the South East face of Mt. Blackburn. The Root and Gates Glaciers flow from ridges of Mt. Regal to join the Kennicott forming one of the most spectacular vistas in the park. Travel Distance: 200 Miles + Flight.


Day
04

McCarthy | Kennicott (Wrangell - St. Elias National Park)

In recent years, the National Park Service has restored most of the mine buildings, and tours of the huge mill building, bunkhouses, a train depot and worker's cottages are available.Visit the Kennicott Mine with it's white-trimmed red buildings that stand out against the dramatic mountain-and-glacier backdrop at the actual mine site. The entire area is for sure a photographer’s dream. Get ready today for a 1/2 day Root Glacier Hike (optional). The hike is most likely the best day hiking trip in Alaska, and almost certainly the best glacier hiking in Alaska! After meeting your guide and getting fitted for crampons, you'll start out on the 1.8 mile hike to the "white ice" of the Root. Along the way your guide will share interesting details on the local natural and human history. Once on the ice you will explore other-worldly formations unlike anything else you have ever seen: blue pools, waterfalls, canyons, crevasses and moulin holes drilled hundreds of feet deep into the ice by the flowing meltwater.


Day
05

McCarthy | Kennicott - Flight to Chitina, Copper Center  

Spend this morning to explore the area of Kennicott & McCarthy. The mine was abandoned in 1938 but many of the historic buildings still stand as they were on that last day, leaving a living history of those rugged days of high adventure. Many of the buildings are also open for the public to explore during the day. Wrangell-St. Elias is truly a wilderness park offering great opportunities for alpine hiking, rafting or flightseeing. Return to Chitina by bushplane - or optional - onboard a comfortable passenger van on the 60-mile McCarthy Road. Follow the path of the Copper River & Northwestern Railway, nicknamed 'Can't Run and Never Will'. You will stop at the Kuskulana River, which is a 525' steel bridge built in 1911 that spans a 283 ft. gorge, and at the Gilahina River railroad wooden trestle.  Your scenic flight or van transfer ends in Chitina where you left your car. See fishwheels turning while crossing the Copper River bridge, home of the famous Copper River Red Salmon. Your tour ends in Chitina. Overnight: Copper Center 


Day
06

Copper Center - Fairbanks

Leave Copper Center on the Richardson Highway. Known as a paradise for anglers and rafters searching for big fish and whitewater adventure, Gakona, Copper Center and Glenallen are great jump-off points during the famed Copper River Red Salmon runs (Sockeye). For trout and grayling as well as salmon, try the Gulkana River, which is also nearby. Continue to Paxson with it's many sled dog kennels and further on to Delta Junction - a telegraph station established in 1904. The intersection, marked by an oversized white milepost for Mile 1422 of the Alaska - and Richardson Highway, is known as the Triangle. Delta Junction is also home to the 90,000-acre Delta Bison Sanctuary, which was created to contain a free-roaming herd of more than 500 animals. The area features spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the Delta River. On clear days the panoramas of Mount Hayes, Mount Moffit and other peaks are stunning. Travel Distance: 260 Miles | Overnight: Fairbanks


Day
07

Fairbanks

In 1902, Felix Pedro found gold in the region and thousands of prospectors swarmed to the area in search of the “Mother lode.” Nearly a century later, Fairbanks is the trade and transportation center for Interior and Far North Alaska. From mid-May through July, visitors can enjoy more than 20 hours of sunlight a day. Today you have the unique chance to cross the Arctic Circle and to visit the vast interior. Join us on a guided van tour along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. En-route enjoy stunning views of the interior and the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline, put your hand in the Yukon River, travel through the wetlands and crest the high plateau of Finger Mountain looking out for wildlife. You can also join a bush mail plane flight and experience how the Gwich'in Athabascan Natives live in "Bush" Alaska. Another option is to drive along Chena Hot Springs road, go on a hiking trip and visit Chena Hot Springs Resort. Here you can relax in the large natural outdoor rock lake and visit the Aurora Ice Museum.


Day
08

Fairbanks - Denali National Park

Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, is the gateway to the interior and features almost 24 hours of daylight during the summer months. You are invited to explore the local gold rush history, its vibrant traditional native cultures as well as its abundant wildlife and fantastic scenery. Tucked into miles of unexplored wilderness only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks offers excellent year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. This morning you may visit the renown Alaska University Museum featuring Alaska's natural history best collection, Alaskaland or take an authentic sternwheeler on a scenic 20-mile roundtrip cruise down the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Enjoy lively narration, stop at a reconstructed Athabascan Indian Village to learn about native hunting and fishing techniques and watch a dogsled demonstration. Leisurely drive to Nenana - known for it's Alaska Ice Classics - to Denali National Park. Distance: 110 Miles | Overnight: Denali National Park


Day
09

Denali National Park

Early departure (pre-reserved time & seating) for a full day national park and wildlife observation tour within the shadows of 20.320 ft Mt. Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) to Eielson Visitor Center or scenic Wonder Lake with a immense (best) view of “ the Mountain”. Tour Included ! Watch for Grizzly Bears, Moose, Caribou, Wolf and Fox along the ridges and river beds or observe one of the 150 different bird species which inherit the park area. This trip offers some great hiking opportunities too. Return to the national park entrance anytime at your own pace. Optional: Upgrade to the narrated Tundra Wilderness Tour or the Kantishna Roadhouse Adventure. This is a full day narrated tour along the Park Road to the Kantishna Roadhouse. This trip covers the entire length of the restricted 95-mile Denali Park Road to Kantishna in a private bus. A trained naturalist provides natural history interpretation and assists in search for wildlife while pointing out the regional biology and geology. A lunch at Kantishna Roadhouse is included.


Day
10

Denali National Park - Talkeetna

Denali National Park and Preserve was created 1980 from the former Mt McKinley National Park. At over 6 million acres, the park is larger than the State of Massachusetts. It exemplifies interior Alaska’s character as one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure and it remains largely wild and unspoiled, as the Athabascan knew it. Enjoy sweeping views of snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance while traveling on the George Parks Highway south towards Talkeetna. Tip: Stopover within Denali State Park for some wildlife viewing, a canoe rental on Byers Lake and excellent hiking opportunities. Denali, the “Great One”, is the name Athabascan people gave the massive peak that crowns the 600-mile long Alaska Range.  Distance 150 Miles | Overnight: Talkeetna


Day
11

Talkeetna - Anchorage

This morning you have the opportunity to join a flightseeing trip within 6-Miles of Mt. Denali's 20.320 ft summit and get a picture perfect view of the Kahiltna and Ruth Glacier with its Great Gorge - over 9.000 ft deep - as well as onto magnificent ice-falls. See the Sheldon Amphitheatre and add on a glacier landing at the base of Mt. Denali. Experience the excitement of standing among the great peaks - the immense scale will astound you. Continue via Wasilla (Iditarod Museum) to Anchorage. Your self drive tour ends today with the rental car drop off at the Anchorage Airport. Optional program extensions are available. Please contact us. Distance 115 Miles

Superior Hotel Category
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 20 - May 31 $4118.00 $2420.00 $1909.00 $1646.00 $669.00

June 1 - August 31 $4784.00 $2753.00 $2131.00 $1813.00 $669.00

September 1 - September 15 $4118.00 $2420.00 $1909.00 $1646.00 $669.00

 

First Class Hotel Category
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 20 - May 31 $4782.00 $2730.00 $2129.00 $1826.00 $681.00

June 1 - August 31 $5954.00 $3316.00 $2511.00 $2108.00 $681.00

September 1 - September 15 $4782.00 $2730.00 $2129.00 $1826.00 $681.00

 
Departure Days
Departures Daily from May 20 - September 15

 

Services included
  • 10 Nights Superior or First Class Hotel Accommodation
  • Hotel & State Tax
  • 11 Day Rental Car (Compact) - Upgrades available
  • Unlimited Free Mileage
  • VLF Rental Car Licensing Fee
  • CFC / State Vehicle Rental Tax 
  • Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
  • Whittier Harbor Tax
  • Scenic Round Trip Flight Chitina - Kennicott / McCarthy 
  • Denali Wildlife Shuttle Bus Tour to Eielson Visitor Center
  • Tour Documentation
  • Sightseeing Information
Flexible Tour Options - Upgrades and Sightseeing
Rates in US $ | per Person Adult
Kennicott / McCarthy: 1/2 Day Root Glacier Hiking Tour $ 110.00

Talkeetna: Mt. Denali Flightseeing Tour + $120 Optional Glacier Landing
(includes 11 % Transportation Fee, Tax)
$ 265.00

Fairbanks: Bush Mail Plane Flight to Arctic Village $ 229.00

Fairbanks: 5 hr Arctic Circle Flightseeing Tour to Fort Yukon & the Yukon River $ 509.00

Fairbanks: Full Day Guided Arctic Circle Van Tour (7 AM - 10 PM) $ 199.00

Denali: Extend your Shuttle Bus Tour to Wonder Lake $ 30.00

Exchange Shuttle Bus to Escorted 13-Hour Kantishna Wilderness Lodge Tour | Denali
Backcountry Lodge Adventure including Interpretive Program, Gold Panning and Lunch
Departure: 6:00 am / Return 7:30 pm
$ 160.00

Denali: Exchange Shuttle Bus to 8-Hour Tundra Wilderness Tour including Boxed Lunch
Departure: 2:00 pm / Return 8:00 pm
$ 130.00

Denali: ATV Wilderness Adventure (2 1/2 hrs) $  115.00

 

Rental Car - Upgrade
Rental Car Category Rental Car Type      Tour Upgrade      Additional Day     
Compact Car Chevrolet Aveo or similar Included $ 145.00
Mid Size Car Toyota Corolla or similar $ 10.00 / day  $ 155.00
Full Size Car Chevrolet Malibu or similar $ 17.00 / day $ 160.00
Standard SUV Toyota Highlander or similar $ 98.00 / day $ 250.00
Premium SUV Chevrolet Suburban or similar $ 180.00 / day $ 325.00
Mini Van Toyota Sienna or similar $ 98.00 / day $ 250.00

Rates include Taxes, Unlimited Free Mileage

 

Additional Nights - Anchorage
Rates in US $ | per Person (+tax) Hotel Category      Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 15 - May 31 Superior Hotel $185.00 $93.00 $67.00 $52.00 $10.00
June 01 - August 31 Superior Hotel $190.00 $95.00 $70.00 $55.00 $10.00
September 01 - September 15 Superior Hotel $185.00 $93.00 $67.00 $52.00 $10.00

May 15 - May 31 First Class Hotel $315.00 $158.00 $110.00 $89.00 $10.00
June 01 - August 31 First Class Hotel $330.00 $165.00 $116.00 $93.00 $10.00
September 01 - September 15 First Class Hotel $315.00 $158.00 $110.00 $89.00 $10.00

 

Alaska Sightseeing Destinations

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Juneau

McCarthy

Homer

Seward

Cooper Landing

Talkeetna
Self Drive Tours Information - FAQ


  Q:
A:
I like to spend more time in a certain destination. Can I change the routing?
All of our tours are ”Flex Drives” and we can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online.

  Q:
A:
What is the difference between single, double, triple and quad room?
Single: A room assigned to one person. May have one or more beds.
Double: A room assigned to two people. May have one or more beds.
Triple: A room assigned to three people. May have two or more beds.
Quad: A room assigned to four people. May have two or more beds.
The maximum occupancy per room is four.
We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.

  Q:
A:
I cannot find the list of hotels included?
Each tour includes a choice of pre-reserved superior hotels (*** category) or first class hotels (**** category). If you have any special requirements we can certainly customize any of the advertised tours. Please contact us for advice and applicable rates. Hotel accommodation does not include breakfast or other meals. Please Note: A large number clients and travel agencies are using our pages and travel ideas to plan their “own” customized tours. This is the reason why we do not publish the hotel names for each trip on top of all travel planning information already included on our pages. If you have any particular question about accommodation, please contact us.

  Q:
A:
Do you offer bed and breakfast accommodation
Yes, we can substitute our advertised hotel category with bed and breakfasts (B&B) accommodation (breakfast included) for any of the advertised itineraries. Please contact us for availability.

  Q:
A:
Do you have one-way rental cars or tours between Alaska and the Yukon/Canada?
No - we do not provide any one way rentals between Alaska (USA) and the Yukon Territory (Canada) Certain government and insurance regulations do not permit such rentals. We offer one way rentals to Skagway, Haines & Juneau.

  Q:
A:
Are Car Rental Charges Included?
Yes, the rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flex drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade details and rates for mid and full size car, passenger vans or a sport utility vehicle (4x4) are available on each self-drive page. All upgrade rates are per car and not per person. Our advertised rates include also local taxes, unlimited free mileage, airport concessionaire fees, licensing fees. Rental car insurance is optional. Many Americans have their own car insurance that also covers them with the rental cars. Please contact us if you require rental car insurance. We provide a complimentary transfer from your downtown hotel to the rental station.
A valid driver license and a valid major credit card are mandatory for all individual vehicle rentals and/or tour packages including vehicle rentals. Driving on gravel roads/highways is at own risk. The rental car insurance is void on the following highways Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and all other gravel roads. You will be responsible for any damages. Drivers have to be more than 25 years of age and the drivers license has to be valid for more than 1 year. Contact us if you are below 25 years of age.

  Q:
A:
What if something unexpected goes wrong during the Tour?
We do not anticipate anything but you can contact us, the rental car company or any of the pre-reserved hotels for assistance. We have a 24 hr emergency help line available for our guests.

  Q:
A:
What type of Identification do I need to enter Canada and Alaska/USA
The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.

  Q:
A:
Which services are included in your Self Drive Tours
Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, highway tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours.

  Q:
A:
What is the advantage of Self-Drive Tour -VS- Escorted Tour
This depends on your personal preference. Alaska and the Yukon are providing some good and scenic highway connections and driving is very easy. A rental car with individual pre-reserved hotels are an independent way to discover the beauty of the northern wilderness areas and national parks: You can stop were you want, you have plenty of time for sightseeing off the beaten path and you are very flexible. Escorted tours are usually limited in flexibility because you are traveling with a group and fixed departures and routings.

  Q:
A:
When should I book a tour
If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend to make a  reservation as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and destinations - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us.

  Q:
A:
When should I Travel
May, June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy.

  Q:
A:
When is the best time so see the Northern Lights
Due to the long daylight hours (up to 24-hours) during the summertime, it is impossible to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from approximately mid May until the middle of August. Northern Lights are occuring mainly during the fall/winter months from end of August until the beginning of April. For further information please refer to our winter tour program.

  Q:
A:
What’s about sightseeing options during cruises and self-drives
We provide a choice of optional sightseeing adventures and activities such as wildlife viewing, rafting, self drive tours, flightseeing, hiking, rafting and day cruises. If you book these tours with us in advance - instead of onboard the cruise ships or locally - you will save a significant amount of money.

  Q:
A:
Should I compare rates & services on the Internet
Yes definitely. You notice sooner or later who actually provides the best services, rates and most affordable or specialized tour program because at these days almost everyone within the industry provides similar statements. Thus, you may also notice that some of the competitors web sites are completely outdated, terms & conditions are not published and that some of these people don’t even know the State – actually they are not even located within the USA or Canada. When you compare rates and services look for hidden charges such as reservation fees or ticketing fees, inclusion of taxes (up to 11 %), the exact service description, hotel categories, rental car standards etc and than make your decision.

  Q:
A:
Could I organize the same tour package by myself for less money
Probably not - because tour operator and corporate identities with a high volume of clients and revenue receive much lower rates than an individual person or a travel agent with a few reservations per year. In addition be prepared for: (1) a significant amount of time to find and identify the right products and destinations (2) to contact the different suppliers may be multiple times and wait for their response (3) exchanging continuously sensitive personal Information over the phone/internet (4) getting professional assistance and advise for the entire tour package - which usually includes a variety of tour components. Virtually impossible ! You can certainly book your hotels through Travelocity, Expedia or other global players – but this does not guarantee any savings either or the success of your vacation. PS: we do not even markup reservations for sightseeing tours. So you'll get always the current original rate when booking with us.

  Q:
A:
How can I get to Alaska or the Yukon Territory
Seattle is a major Alaska Airlines hub with multiple daily flight connections between the lower 48's and Alaska. In addition Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and San Francisco are alternative gateways with non-stop flights on Alaska Airlines, United, American Airlines and Delta to/from Anchorage and other destinations within Alaska. Clients from Europe may check Condor Airlines with it's non-stop flights between Frankfurt and Whitehorse, Fairbanks or Anchorage. You can fly to the Yukon Territory (Whitehorse) from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton with Air Canada.

  Q:
A:
Do you offer railroad tours between Canada and Alaska
No, because there is no railroad access or any connection between Canada and Alaska.

  Q:
A:
How about traveling by ferry
Bellingham (USA) and Prince Rupert (Canada) are the main gateways for Alaska Marine Highway Ferry trips throughout the extremely scenic Inside Passage in southeast Alaska. Port of calls are: Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Sidka, the Glacier Bay, Skagway and Haines. If you plan to travel to Alaska by ferry please check our website for departures, fares, rates and reservations.

  Q:
A:
Should I purchase travel insurance ?
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip. We have made arrangements with Allianz Travel Insurance Services for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Feel free to contact Allianz if you have questions on this policy or its coverage as we are not equipped to provide specific answers to questions on the insurance program.
Dawson City - Yukon Territory FAQ

  Q:
A:
How about History?
It all began with Robert Henderson, a fur trapper and part-time prospector who, in 1894, found gold in Rabbit Creek (later renamed Bonanza) not far from where the Klondike River empties into the Yukon. When he had prospected this clear, shallow stream, he was certain he was close to a major find. Two years passed, however, before he could persuade his friend, George Washington Carmack, to go into the area. Carmack and his native companions, Dawson Charley and Skookum Jim, explored the area around the river the Indians called "Tr'ondek"—or Klondike to English tongues. The three lucky prospectors discovered gold on Bonanza Creek on August 17, 1896. A short time later, at the nearby mining camp of Fortymile, Carmack registered the discovery claim. Within days, Bonanza and Eldorado creeks had been staked from end to end. Carmack forgot to tell poor Henderson, who missed out entirely on the richest claims. Thirty thousand (some say fifty) pick-and-shovel miners, prospectors, storekeepers, saloon keepers, bankers, gamblers, prostitutes and con men from every corner of the continent poured through snow-choked mountain passes and down the Yukon River to stake their claim to fortune on creeks with names like Eldorado, Bonanza, Last Chance and Too Much Gold.

Most seekers found no gold at all. But the prospect of sudden riches was not all that mattered. For many of those who made the incredible journey, the Klondike represented escape from the humdrum, the adventure of a new frontier. The town grew up in the shadow of a scar-faced mountain called Midnight Dome. Here on the flats of two riverbanks was a city of trampled mud streets, saloons, churches, gambling houses and theatrical shows. Wharves and warehouses lined the river's shore. White Pass & Yukon steamers could usually be found berthed at riverside docks, part of a fleet of 250 paddlewheelers, which plied the Yukon River.

In early-day Dawson, gold dust could buy almost anything. One grizzled old prospector is reputed to have bought a dance-hall queen for her weight in gold. Traders, who packed tons of freight over difficult trails, priced their merchandise at whatever they felt the traffic would bear. Condensed milk sold for $3 a can; eggs, $18 a dozen, sugar, $100 a sack; butter, $10 for a two-pound can. A bowl of soup in a restaurant cost a dollar and a pint of French champagne sold for $30. A Seattle paper sold for $10, and its buyer rented it out for $2.50 a reading.

By 1904, an estimated $100 million in gold had been shipped from the Klondike. No one really knows how much gold was found, however, because lots of it was never registered. At its height, Dawson City had a population of 35,000, but the "stampede" of `98 died out almost as quickly as it began. Stories of a new gold discovery at a place called Nome began filtering into the Klondike. As thousands of prospectors and miners rushed westward, Dawson as many towns before her became a ghost town. Unlike many gold camps, Dawson was never swept aside or buried in the onrush of civilization. When its dream was over, the town stood still.

Many of the old landmarks disappeared one by one in disasters by fire or the callousness of man. But what remains provides a unique travel experience for those with a sense of history and adventure. "A symphony in honky-tonk that played itself out in four frenzied years." That's the way one famous early-day writer chose to describe the gold rush city of Dawson. Some of the old landmarks, like the Palace Grand theatre, have been reconstructed. Others, such as the Old Post Office, have been restored, since many sites in Dawson City have been designated of National Historic significance by the Canadian government. Restoration and maintenance of numerous gold rush buildings and at least one mining complex is being carried out by Parks Canada.

Some of the town's firms like the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, have opened their doors every business day for almost a century. In the bank, gold still is weighed and handled here, but not in the same quantities as it was when Dawson revelled in her prime.

  Q:
A:
How about Shopping?
The Dawson City General Store on 540 Front Street (across from the Sternwheeler) Phone/Fax 867-993-5813 stocks fresh produce, in-store bakery, a full line of groceries, in-store deli. Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm.

Gold Claim 3rd Ave. Phone: 867-993-6387.
Provides the largest display of gold nuggets in the Yukon.

Klondike Nugget & Ivory Shop on Front Street features a unique display of gold nuggets from the Klondike Creek and a 9 ft Mammoth tusk. This business has operated for over 90 years and produces exquisite jewellery using genuine gold nuggets from the area.

The Maximilian’s Gold-Rush Emporium
A center for information on the Klondike Gold Rush, The North, Wildlife, Books, Gifts, and souvenirs. They also have great selection of postcards.

Peabody's Photo 2nd Ave. At Princess Ave.
Old fashioned portraits, photo supplies & gifts, photo finishing and film.

The Ravens Nook on 2nd & Queen
Specialized in gold nugget jewellery, souvenir spoons, T-shirts, Sportswear for mens and ladies. Dawson City’s mini department store

  Q:
A:
How about Sightseeing?
Most Dawson City attractions are open from mid- May to mid-September. Advance reservation for Tours, Hotels, B&B, and other accommodations are highly recommended.

Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall.
A real Klondike Gold Rush-style gambling hall featuring Texas Hold'em poker, Blackjack and other table games plus slot machines. Live entertainment features Diamond Tooth Gertie and her Can-Can Girls. Licensed bar and snack bar. Doors open at 7pm nightly. Shows at 8:30pm, 10:30pm and 12:30am

Discovery Days Festival
The annual festival about the historical gold discovery in 1896
Events feature a parade, numerous exhibits, plus raft, canoe and bathtub races, dances and other activities during the third weekend of August. Advance reservations for accommodation are recommended.

Gaslight Follies
A highly recommended variety show that relives the Gold Rush era, playing every night at the Palace Grand Theatre. Check for show times. Admission fee.

Jack London's Cabin
An interpretative center featuring the life of famed American author Jack London during his time in the Klondike. Open 10 - 6 daily with live presentations. Located on Eighth Avenue near Robert Service Cabin. Admission $1.00

Old Post Office
Stamps may be purchased, so letters may be postmarked and mailed at Dawson's original post office constructed in 1901. The old building is a National Historic Site restored and maintained by Parks Canada.

Robert Service Cabin
Daily at 10am and 3pm ballads of the Yukon poet Robert Service are recited. Tours and readings are conducted daily.

Dawson City Museum
At Fifth Ave. and Church St. in the old Administration Building, is open daily from 10am to 6pm and features an interesting display of early-day relics. Special features include Dempster slide show, silent movies and historical films. Minto Park, located next to the museum, has a collection of old locomotives, including an old diamond stacker used in early mining operations in the Klondike district.

The No. 4 Dredge
Is the biggest wooden hull, bucket-line gold dredge in North America It rests on Claim No. 17 on Bonanza Creek, 10 miles from Downtown Dawson City on Bonanza Creek Road. Maintained by Parks Canada, the giant dredge offers visitors tours daily.

The Palace Grand Theatre
Originally built in 1898 by impresario and gold seeker, Arizona Charlie Meadows. It has been fully restored and is a National Historic Site. It can be found at King Street and Third Avenue.Tours are conducted daily.

Top of the World Golf Course
On Sunnydale Road, off Top of the World Highway.Golf under the midnight sun. There are 9 holes with grass greens, driving range, putting green, pro shop, licensed lounge and free unserviced RV parking for golfers. No tee times required. Call 867-667-1472

Tr'ondek Hwech'in Cultural Centre
Front and York Street, 867-993-6564. Featuring tours, Theatre and Gift Shop.

Walking Tours of the Historic Downtown Area
Are scheduled during the summer months, from the Visitor Reception Centre. Walking tours of the Government Reserve including the N.W.M. Police buildings, old churches in the area and Commissioner's residence. Leaves twice daily from the Commissioner's Residence.

Midnight Dome Road
Is a five-mile-long road to the top of Midnight Dome overlooking Dawson City, the Yukon River and it’s gold fields. This road takes you 2900 feet above sea level, allowing a panoramic view of the Klondike Valley, the Sixty Mile country, and the Yukon River. From the Dome you can see the  "Midnight Sun" on June 21st barely dipping down behind the Ogilvie Mountain range in the North

  Q:
A:
How about Gold Panning
Gold panning is prohibited at claims other than those commercial ventures who are having been opened to visitors and claim #6 above Discovery, which is owned by the Klondike Visitors Association and is preserved for public use free of charge. Here you can try your hand at panning for gold. What you find, you keep. Bring your own gold pan.

  Q:
A:
How about the Yukon River Ferry?
George Black Ferry. Ferry operated by the Yukon Government. It runs 24 hours daily in the peak summer periods (except for it's weekly maintenance on Wednesdays from 5:00 - 7:00 am) across the Yukon River. Depending on the ice, the ferry commences it's operating season from the third week in May to mid-October. It departs on demand to carry vehicles and passengers across to the public campground and is the only connection to the Top of the World Highway. Peak traffic periods are from 7:00 - 11:00 am and 4:00 - 7:00 pm during busy summer periods. All propane appliances must be shut off for the trip and follow directions from ferry personnel when loading and unloading. Tour bus traffic has priority 6:00 - 9:00 am and 5:00 - 9:00 pm fuel traffic has priority from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am. Phone 867-893-5441 or 993-5344 for more information.

  Q:
A:
Yukon Territory Trivia
  • Gold is 19 times heavier than water.
  • In 1904 the Klondike was the largest gold producer in Canada and the fourth largest in the world.
  • The engines that turned the massive paddle wheels on Yukon’s riverboats burned a cord of wood per hour. The 500 mile journey from Whitehorse to Dawson City took only 40 hours while it took as much as 4 days the other way.
  • More than 250 sternwheelers plied Yukon waters from 1896 to the mid 1950′s. At one time, there were up to 70 of the majestic riverboats on the Yukon River alone. The 500 mile journey from Whitehorse to Dawson City took only 40 hours while it took as much as 4 days the other way
  • A Dawson City team set two Stanley Cup records. In 1905, the Yukon team played the Ottawa Silver Sevens in Ottawa and established the worst goals against record with a 23-3 loss. Ottawa’s one-eyed Frank McGee scored the most goals by one player in the playoffs – 14.
  • The Yukon River is 2200 miles (3520 km) long, the 4th longest in the world.
  • A gold nugget was unearthed in the Klondike that weighed over 72 oz. It was nearly 6″ long. In 1898, the nugget was valued at $1,158. Today, it would be worth well over $30,000.
  • The Klondike got its name from the Indian word “Thron Diuck” meaning “Hammer Water”. Early settlers had difficulty with the pronunciation and thus it became KLON-DIKE.
  • Dawson City was the largest city north of Seattle and west of Winnipeg.


  Q:
A:
How about the First Nations?
The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in is a Yukon First Nation based in Dawson City. The citizenship of roughly 1,100 includes descendants of the Hän-speaking people, who have lived along the Yukon River for millennia, and a diverse mix of families descended from Gwich’in, Northern Tutchone and other language groups. from ground level, you can frequently see it while on a hike that gains elevation, or on a flight seeing trip.

  Q:
A:
How about the Cultural Scene?
Dawson may be a small town, but its arts scene thrives with the help of Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC), the Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS), the Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF), and the northernmost art school in North America, the Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA)

  Q:
A:
How about Gambling?
Find many casino favourites at Diamond Tooth Gertie's, named for the dance-hall queen Gertie Lovejoy and her signature diamond-studded smile. Games include blackjack, roulette, poker, slot machines and more. For some fun, catch a live can-can girls performance, with three nightly shows. Food and beverage services are also offered. Open from May to September.

  Q:
A:
How about Parks Canada?
The Klondike National Historic Sites of Canada commemorate the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, the role of large corporation gold mining in the Klondike and river transportation in the Yukon. Dawson City, conveniently located at the junction of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers, quickly became the heart of the gold fields during this time. For a glimpse of the glorious past of the gold rush era, visit the Klondike National Historic Sites of Canada such as Chilkoot Trail Historic Site, S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, Klondike Goldrush National Historic Park.

  Q:
A:
How about the Music Festival?
The festival takes place at five separate venues in downtown Dawson City. All of our venues are in easy walking distance of one another - and of Dawson’s many hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds, RV Parks, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and other amenities.Mainstage concerts are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Concerts at the Palace Grand Theatre occur on Saturday and Sunday evenings, as well. This year’s festival includes a special Saturday evening concert in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, concurrent with mainstage and Palace Grand activities. Having trouble deciding which concert to attend? Don’t worry, the mainstage will be going strong well past midnight, so there’s often lots more music to catch after the off-site shows. The mainstage is also home to Saturday’s KidsFest. For the rest of us, daytime concerts and workshops take place in venues throughout town all-day Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a free Kick-Off Concert at the Gazebo on Front Street on Friday afternoon. This event is presented by CBC North.

  Q:
A:
How is the Weather?
The weather at Dawson City is extremely variable. You can expect sun, wind, rain, clouds and even snow - sometimes all on the same day. Temperature can range from the mid 20's in early May and September to 85 degrees in July. Normal temperatures are in the high 60's with nights cooling off to between 40 and 50 degrees. Wearing layers of clothing makes it easy to regulate your body temperature. Also, you'll find that a good waterproof raincoat is invaluable. It will be daylight for almost 24-hours a day throughout May, June, July and August Weather Forecast
Go Alaska Tours | Secured Reservation Request Form

A secure transmission of your personal information is very important for the Alaska Travel Network Group LLC at these days and that's why we have taken steps to ensure that we have the most secure method of transmission on the Internet available. All online reservation request and contact forms are providing a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology with a 128-bit encryption for transmission of data between your web browser and our web server which provides the highest level of protection from tampering and eavesdropping. 128-bit encryption is considered so secure that cryptographers consider it impossible to crack. There is no safer way for your personal information to be transmitted. In fact, both the Canadian and US Governments use 128-bit encryption for transmission of their sensitive data. The Go Alaska Tours Website (www.goalaskatours.com) uses GeoTrust for its SSL and 128-bit encryption.