Downtown Historic Complex Dawson City
Step into the Yukon's Gold Rush past at the Commissioner's Residence, a beautifully restored historic site offering immersive living history tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Downtown Historic Complex Dawson City
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the Yukon's Gold Rush past at the Commissioner's Residence, a beautifully restored historic site offering immersive living history tours.
"The actors make history come to life – a truly entertaining and educational experience for all ages!"
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Purchase tickets for popular interpretive tours at the Dawson Information Office before your visit.
👟 Protect the Floors
Wear the provided shoe covers inside the Commissioner's Residence to help preserve the historic flooring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Commissioner's Residence
Dawson Historic Complex
Step back in time in this beautifully restored 1901 residence, a symbol of Canadian authority during the Gold Rush.
Living History Tours
Commissioner's Residence
Experience history come alive with costumed interpreters and engaging skits that captivate visitors of all ages.
Murder Mystery Escape Room
Commissioner's Residence
Test your detective skills in a fun, themed escape room set within the historic Commissioner's Residence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Tours
Embrace Living History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Purchase tickets for popular interpretive tours at the Dawson Information Office before your visit.
👟 Protect the Floors
Wear the provided shoe covers inside the Commissioner's Residence to help preserve the historic flooring.
📸 Flash Photography Allowed
Capture memories freely; flash photography is permitted inside the Commissioner's Residence.
🎭 Engage with Actors
Participate in programs and interact with the costumed interpreters for a truly immersive experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Purchase tickets for popular interpretive tours at the Dawson Information Office before your visit.
👟 Protect the Floors
Wear the provided shoe covers inside the Commissioner's Residence to help preserve the historic flooring.
📸 Flash Photography Allowed
Capture memories freely; flash photography is permitted inside the Commissioner's Residence.
🎭 Engage with Actors
Participate in programs and interact with the costumed interpreters for a truly immersive experience.
✈️ Remote Location
Dawson City is remote; plan your travel to this northern gem carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Commissioner's Residence and its 'living history' tours, praising the engaging actors who bring the Gold Rush era to life. The beautifully restored architecture and interactive elements like escape rooms are also highlights. Some find the admission costs a bit high, particularly for families, but the immersive educational experience is widely considered worthwhile.
"The Commissioner’s Residence is a key component of the Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site, managed by Parks Canada.
Built in 1901 by architect Thomas Fuller, the Commissioner’s Residence is a two-and-a-half-story wooden structure with classical architectural influences, featuring a platform frame, wood cladding, and landscaped grounds facing the Yukon River. Designed as the official home for the Commissioner of the Yukon—a federal appointee tasked with territorial administration—it symbolized Canadian authority, stability, and refinement during the chaotic gold rush period. The building’s elegant exterior and interior, including period furnishings, underscored the government’s efforts to establish order amid the influx of prospectors and to assert colonial control.
The residence housed successive commissioners until 1916.
Today, the Commissioner’s Residence is open to the public for guided tours, interpretive programs, and special activities such as escape rooms and flower-pressing workshops, providing insights into the Yukon’s social, political, and cultural history."
Francis Hemmings
"My family took the Commissioners Residence Tour today. The Mountie, The Maid and The Miner. What a wonderful interpretive tour. Our tour guide was very good. She was very articulate and adjusted her language for all age ranges. She was aware of her audience. The very best part of this tour was the actors and the skits they performed. This kind of 'living history' is very entertaining to watch but for those with children or people who are visual learners, this type of education is so important. My 10 year old loved it and wished there had been more. Congratulations to all the actors (interpretive staff) at the house for making history come to life - keep it up! The house itself is very impressive. They ask you to wear shoe covers to protect the house but flash photography is allowed and visitor participation in the program is encouraged. My only one bug with the whole Dawson Historic Site and other Parks Canada sites is the cost. Having travelled extensively in the USA where they have the National Park system and a budget that offers these kind of educational programs for free, it's such a shame that Parks Canada can't do the same. It cost our family over $40 for 3, 1 hr programs (even with the Parks Discovery Pass). Education opportunities offered here should be free for children. Touring Dredge #4 (reviewed also) costs a family over $50 for a 1 hr tour."
Beth Hurst
"Beautiful, charming house! We did a “murder mystery escape room” well worth the price, the kids also loved it! Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Dawson information office"
Lisa Jeffries
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dawson City is located in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Access is typically via Dawson City Airport (YDA) with flights from Whitehorse, or by driving the scenic Klondike Highway. The historic complex is centrally located within Dawson City itself.
While Dawson City has local transport options, getting to Dawson City from major hubs like Whitehorse usually involves flying or driving. Once in Dawson, the historic sites are walkable.
Winter travel to Dawson City can be challenging due to weather. Flying into Whitehorse and then arranging ground transport or flying directly to Dawson City (weather permitting) are options. Many sites may have reduced hours or be closed in winter.
Parking is generally available on the streets in Dawson City. Be mindful of any posted parking restrictions.
Several tour operators offer bus tours to Dawson City, often as part of a larger Yukon itinerary. This can be a convenient way to reach the historic complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for most interpretive programs, including those at the Commissioner's Residence, must be purchased in advance at the Dawson Information Office.
Operating hours vary by season and specific site. The Commissioner's Residence is typically open during Parks Canada programs and special events, primarily in the summer. Check the Parks Canada website for current schedules.
Yes, there are fees for specific interpretive tours and programs. While a Parks Discovery Pass can be used, some programs may still incur additional costs.
Access to the Commissioner's Residence is generally through guided interpretive tours or special events. It's not typically open for self-guided exploration outside of these programs.
Information on group rates or family packages should be inquired about when purchasing tickets at the Dawson Information Office.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Mountie, Maid, and Miner' interpretive tour at the Commissioner's Residence for its engaging actors and 'living history' approach. The murder mystery escape room is also highly recommended.
Absolutely! The interpretive tours with actors are very entertaining and educational for children, with one visitor noting their 10-year-old loved it and wished for more.
Yes, flash photography is allowed inside the Commissioner's Residence, so you can capture the beautifully restored interiors.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You'll be asked to wear shoe covers inside the Commissioner's Residence to protect the floors.
The interpretive tours, such as the one at the Commissioner's Residence, are usually about an hour long.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The historic complex itself does not typically have on-site dining facilities. However, Dawson City offers a range of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Dawson City offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual pubs and cafes to more formal restaurants, often featuring local ingredients and comfort food.
While not specifically designated within the Commissioner's Residence, you might find public spaces or benches in Dawson City where you can enjoy a picnic.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks before or after your tours. Check specific site rules, but typically outside food is not permitted during interpretive programs.
Ask locals or check online review sites for current recommendations. The Dawson Information Office might also have suggestions.
📸 📸 Photography
The Commissioner's Residence itself, with its classic architecture and landscaped grounds facing the Yukon River, offers beautiful photo opportunities. The interiors are also photogenic.
Yes, flash photography is permitted inside the Commissioner's Residence, allowing you to capture detailed shots of the period furnishings and architecture.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and the interpretive staff. Flash photography is permitted inside the Commissioner's Residence.
Morning light can be lovely for exterior shots, while interior tours offer opportunities to photograph the preserved rooms. Consider the time of year for unique lighting conditions.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing tours or other visitors. It's best to check with Parks Canada staff on-site if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking the murder mystery escape room for an extra dose of family fun. Remember to purchase tickets in advance at the Dawson Information Office. The site encourages visitor participation, so encourage your kids to engage with the interpreters. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to use shoe covers inside the residence.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for free walking tours of Dawson City itself, which can provide a great overview of the town's history without a direct cost. Many of the town's charms can be experienced by simply walking around and soaking in the atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Commissioner's Residence: A Glimpse into Yukon's Past
Today, the residence is a vibrant hub for visitors, offering guided tours, interpretive programs, and unique activities like escape rooms and flower-pressing workshops. These experiences provide a tangible connection to the Yukon's social, political, and cultural history. The 'living history' approach, featuring costumed interpreters like the Mountie, Maid, and Miner, is particularly praised for bringing the past to life in an engaging and memorable way for all ages.
While the cost of admission has been noted as a drawback by some, the immersive and educational value of these programs is widely appreciated. Visitors are encouraged to wear shoe covers to protect the historic floors, and flash photography is permitted, allowing ample opportunity to capture the beautifully restored interiors and period furnishings.
Experiencing 'Living History' in Dawson City
This method of historical interpretation is highly effective for a broad audience, especially for children and visual learners who benefit from dynamic engagement. The actors' ability to adapt their language for different age groups ensures that everyone can connect with the stories. Visitors often highlight the actors' performances as the best part of their visit, transforming a static museum into a lively historical tableau.
Beyond the Commissioner's Residence, the spirit of living history can be found throughout Dawson City, encouraging visitors to not just see history, but to feel and interact with it. This makes the Dawson Historic Complex a uniquely engaging destination for understanding the Yukon's past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit