1. Introduction to Dawson City
Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory is home to remarkable outdoor adventures and fantastic queer-owned businesses.
2. A Welcoming Community
LGBTQ travelers often face unique questions when choosing their next destination. Even in progressive countries, safety can be a concern. It can be easy to categorize places as blue state/red state or rural/urban when considering their welcoming nature. Therefore, it was refreshing to discover Dawson City, an unexpectedly inclusive outpost in Canada’s sparsely populated Yukon Territory.
This city, with a population of 1,500, is extremely remote; it’s a 1,200-mile flight north from Vancouver or a 400-mile flight east of Anchorage. Dawson City not only offers remarkable outdoor adventures but also features a downtown reminiscent of a 1950s Western. Moreover, it’s home to a diverse LGBTQ community, challenging many stereotypes about queer acceptance in smaller and rural areas.
3. Accommodation
I opted to stay at the queer-owned Dawson Lodge, a boutique property right in the heart of downtown. Behind its unassuming western façade lies a funky hotel with an industrial vibe and a focus on sustainability. Instead of a traditional front desk, guests receive keypad codes for access to the main entrance and their rooms upon arrival. Although smaller in size, the lodge boasts the Yukon Spa, specializing in Raynor massage treatments, alongside beauty services like dermaplaning, micro-needling, and facials.
4. Owner Insights
Dawson Lodge is owned by a gay British couple, Lee Manning and Mike Ellis, who have big plans for this small town that they accidently discovered. When they decided to leave the U.K. in 2017, Dawson City was the only place where they could easily obtain work visas in Canada.
“Dawson City is just amazing, the most inclusive community I have ever lived in,” Manning shares. He appreciates the friendships formed, the business opportunities in town, and the wonderful work-life balance. “It feels like you’re in a ‘frontier’ location, but it is fully inclusive, which is very rare.”
Manning and Ellis plan to construct a larger, separate version of the Yukon Spa a few blocks away on land they have purchased. This new spa will feature more treatment rooms, a café, and a private courtyard. Interestingly, it will not serve alcohol, an important decision given the serious issue of alcoholism in isolated communities like Dawson City, particularly during the long winters.
5. Cultural Experience
I toured the charming downtown area with Janice Cliff, National Historic Site and Visitor Experience Manager from Parks Canada, who identifies as queer herself. She explained that the park system is expanding its narrative beyond the gold rush stories that traditionally attract visitors. Parks Canada is including the history of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation People, who have inhabited this land for 12,000 years, along with stories that center on women and the LGBTQ community.
While wandering the town, I came across various expressions of Dawson City’s culture of acceptance. Flyers for the monthly “Gaaaymes Night” at the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture were displayed alongside announcements for skiing festivals and pottery classes. I also enjoyed a fantastic lunch at queer-owned BonTon, acclaimed as one of the country’s best new restaurants. Additionally, I encountered the “Queer Newfoundland Hockey League” traveling exhibit at the ODD Gallery, featuring artist Lucas Morneau’s playful creations that reclaim LGBTQ slurs through hockey jerseys.
6. Outdoor Adventure
While the accepting community is a wonderful draw, the primary reason many travelers flock to Dawson City is for outdoor adventures, which are plentiful and cater to all activity levels.
Through local outfitter The Klondike Experience, I sought out the northern lights in relative comfort. My guide Noby picked me up for a short, 15-minute ride to the town’s edge. From there, we hiked through a pristine evergreen forest to a well-equipped yurt, where a wood-burning stove kept us warm while coffee, hot chocolate, and sweets awaited. This unique setup allowed us to enjoy the cold, clear skies while staying cozy. The winter season is the peak time for observing the northern lights, and Dawson City is ideally situated to witness the stunning green and purple glow that is often elusive further south.
The next day, I met Jesse from Klondike Experience for an exhilarating two-hour snowmobiling adventure. With ease, I navigated the powerful machine as we traversed endless woods, winding along roads and trails before speeding across the frozen surface of the Yukon River, retracing the route of a dogsledding race from days prior.
7. Unique Experiences
Dogsledding is a popular activity here, and I joined Wild-Country Dog Sled Adventures. Matty, the musher, emphasized the need for positive reinforcement for the dogs during the journey. Our team of ten mixed-breed dogs howled with excitement as we prepared to leave. Once on the trail, they became focused and attentive, responding to Matty’s commands. I had the unique opportunity to take control of the sled, gliding through breathtaking scenery alongside these amazing animals.
The highlight of my trip included a term I had never encountered before: Flightseeing. Outfitter Great River Air took us up on a perfect, clear day, allowing us to soar over the town. We glided northward, weaving through the Tombstone Mountains while admiring the stunning snow-covered valleys below and searching for herds of caribou. My initial anxiety about flying in a small aircraft dissipated as our skilled pilot Scott expertly guided us, showcasing breathtaking views that soon made me forget my fears.
8. Conclusion
Dawson City, I eagerly anticipate my return—wearing my Pride shirt and looking forward to even more adventure.
