Paddlewheel Graveyard
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Paddlewheel Graveyard

4.6
·91 reviews·Dawson City, Canada

Explore the eerie, decaying remains of historic paddlewheel ships slowly being reclaimed by nature on the Yukon River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for walking

CrowdLow
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Paddlewheel Graveyard

Paddlewheel Graveyard

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for walking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the eerie, decaying remains of historic paddlewheel ships slowly being reclaimed by nature on the Yukon River.

4.6
(91 reviews)

"It's quite impressive! Such history. I was amazed at how large they actually are."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Take the Free Ferry

The free Yukon River ferry is the easiest way to access the graveyard from Dawson City.

🚶‍♀️ Follow Campground Path

Walk through the Yukon River Campground to reach the riverbank path leading to the wrecks.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 91 reviews

Type

Historical Place

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Decommissioned Paddlewheelers

Decommissioned Paddlewheelers

Yukon River bank

Explore the eerie remains of historic paddlewheel ships slowly being reclaimed by nature. A unique glimpse into the past.

Riverside Walk

Riverside Walk

Yukon River bank

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Yukon River, taking in the fresh air and scenic views on your way to the wrecks.

Hidden Wrecks

Hidden Wrecks

Woods near main site

Venture slightly off the main path to discover additional, more hidden wrecks nestled within the surrounding woods.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Graveyard

To reach the Paddlewheel Graveyard, take the free Yukon River ferry from Dawson City. Once across, follow the campground road to the river's edge. A short, easy walk along the bank leads you to the wrecks. Reddit

Best Time for Exploration

Visit during daylight hours for the best views and safest exploration. The site is accessible year-round, but summer offers pleasant weather for walking along the river. TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for walking
Crowd
Low
When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for exploration & safety
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Across the Yukon River from Dawson City is the Paddlewheel Graveyard. This is the site of 4 paddlewheel ships that were decommissioned, parted out, and left for nature to reclaim. They used to be ship-shaped (and shipshape!) but now are basically flattened piles of lumber. We both enjoyed exploring the site. If you want to learn more, Google: “West Dawson Shipyard Walking Tour”, and a great little...
nicoelh
16 likes • 305 views

🚢 Take the Free Ferry

The free Yukon River ferry is the easiest way to access the graveyard from Dawson City. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Follow Campground Path

Walk through the Yukon River Campground to reach the riverbank path leading to the wrecks. Reddit

The Paddlewheel Graveyard just down river from Dawson City, today. Just one of the sites on Tommy Taylor’s Fishwheel River Tour! @indigenousyukon #yukoncommercialphotog
archbouldphotography
67 likes • 753 views
Excursion du jour #paddlewheel #épave #Yukon https://dawsoncity.ca/listing/paddlewheel-graveyard/
lesalfreds
11 likes • 425 views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring. Reddit

📸 Capture the Eerie Beauty

The decaying ships offer a unique and photogenic subject, perfect for capturing the Yukon's wild spirit. Instagram

reddit.com

Must go places in Yukon Territory?

Heading there this summer, maybe end up in Alaska. I love the outdoors and hikes, where should I go? Thank you in advance Edit: Thank you everyone for you kindness and great suggestions!

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Take the Free Ferry

The free Yukon River ferry is the easiest way to access the graveyard from Dawson City. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Follow Campground Path

Walk through the Yukon River Campground to reach the riverbank path leading to the wrecks. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring. Reddit

📸 Capture the Eerie Beauty

The decaying ships offer a unique and photogenic subject, perfect for capturing the Yukon's wild spirit. Instagram

⚠️ Explore with Caution

Some areas can be tricky; it's advised not to explore alone, especially off the main path. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(91 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Paddlewheel Graveyard a cool, eerie, and impressive place to explore, offering a unique glimpse into Yukon's river transportation history. The easy walk and free access are highly praised, though some note the wrecks are quite decayed.

"Really cool place to explore! It's a little eerie going through it but definitely worth checking it out. You can get to it by driving through the campground, then parking at the end of the main road at the point closest to it that's a road, and then its a 5 minute easy walk on the rivers edge."

A Dive Into the World of NASCAR

"A must do when in Dawson. Cross the river with the free ferry. Take the lower road through the campsite until it beers left by a yellow metal gate. Go through the gate down to the river and follow the flat river bank about 300 m. There are some more wrecks with big wheels in the woods close by. (within 50m of the main site)"

Steve Jones

"A nice beach for a walk. The old paddle wheelers were easy to find."

Travis Werklund

What People Like

Eerie atmosphere
Unique history
Easy access

What People Dislike

Wrecks are very decayed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is to take the free Yukon River ferry across from Dawson City. Once on the other side, you'll drive or walk through the Yukon River Campground to reach the riverbank. The graveyard is a short walk from there. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can park at the end of the main road within the Yukon River Campground, or in the public parking area after taking the ferry. Reddit

Absolutely! After taking the free ferry, you can walk through the campground to the river. It's about a 15-minute walk to the main site. Reddit

You can drive to the campground and park, then walk the rest of the way. The path to the wrecks is generally flat but can be uneven. Reddit

No, you can visit independently. While tours are available, many visitors find it easy to explore on their own after taking the ferry. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee. Access to the Paddlewheel Graveyard is free, making it an accessible historical site. Reddit

The Paddlewheel Graveyard is an outdoor site and is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit spontaneously after crossing the river. Reddit

While generally safe, the terrain can be uneven, and there might be small streams to cross. It's suitable for most ages, but caution is advised for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

The site is accessible in winter, but conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice. Visiting in warmer months is generally more pleasant. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The best way is to walk along the riverbank. You can explore the main wrecks easily, and some visitors venture into the nearby woods for more hidden discoveries. TikTokReddit

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the main site and taking photos. If you explore the surrounding woods, you might spend a bit longer. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to the uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are also recommended, as Yukon weather can change quickly. Reddit

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or visitor centers directly at the graveyard. You'll find amenities in Dawson City or the nearby campground. Reddit

The graveyard showcases decommissioned Yukon River paddlewheelers, offering a glimpse into the era of river transportation and trade in the Klondike region. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The decaying paddlewheel ships themselves are the main attraction, offering dramatic and atmospheric shots. The river and surrounding landscape also provide beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for dramatic shots of the wrecks. Midday light is also good for capturing details. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check current Transport Canada regulations and any local advisories before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the wrecks. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. A tripod can help with low-light photography. Instagram

Yes, you can get quite close to the wrecks along the riverbank. Be mindful of unstable structures and personal safety when getting close. Reddit

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