20 January, 2026

Trail Profile: Dawson City Trails

This Trail section follows the circumference of the City of Dawson, Yukon Territory, taking trail users along the waterfront on one end, and through a wooded section the other. Exceptional views abound, and trail users have easy access to the town’s attractions.

What we love about this Trail section

• It’s close to Dawson City’s hot spots, including National Historic Sites, restaurants and other attractions – plus incredible viewpoints.

• It offers a non-motorized greenway option, ideal for walking, cycling and cross-country skiing.

• It features interpretive signage exploring the region’s culture, history, and flora and fauna

Photo credit: City of Dawson

Explore the Land of the Midnight Sun

Situated in the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëchin people, Dawson City is known for its late summer nights and plentiful winter activities. The Dawson City Trails section of the Trans Canada Trail takes trail users right around town along the waterfront, before continuing to the southeast, where it links to the Ridge Road Heritage Trail.

Walk, hike, cycle or ski along the shoreline of the Yukon River dyke to the confluence of the Klondike River. On the section that runs along Ninth Avenue, a route used during the Klondike Gold Rush, you’ll find historic houses and artifacts, along with heritage panels explaining the route’s history. This forested section of trail has seen upgrades in recent years and is a great option for locals and visitors to explore the nature and history of the city. Ninth Avenue connects to the east end of every street in town, making it a very popular walking route for town residents, year-round. The trail is groomed in the winter, and fat-tire biking is another popular option when weather conditions are appropriate.

Photo credit: City of Dawson, John Howland

From the Ninth Avenue section of the trail, you can connect to more strenuous local trails in the area. En route, take the time to stop and read the interpretive signage, which highlights natural features of the trail, the history and culture of the area, and more. Take the time to enjoy the spectacular views along the way! Dawson City Trails takes users right to the base of the Moosehide Slide (Ëdhä dädhëch), one of the most iconic natural features of the Yukon.

Waterfront wonder – and history

Along the waterfront section of Dawson City Trails, take in the views of the Yukon River. Don’t miss a stop at the renowned S.S. Keno National Historic Site, where you can visit a paddlewheeler built in 1922 to transport silver, lead and zinc ore from the mines on the Stewart River. Seasonal guided tours of the ship are available through Parks Canada.

Also, along the waterfront, don’t miss the Former Territorial Court House National Historic Site of Canada, and just off the waterfront, stop at the Dawson Historical Complex, which protects several buildings associated with the Klondike Gold Rush.