The Dawson City Museum is housed in the Old Territorial Administration Building at 595 Fifth Avenue, a handsome heritage building from the years when Dawson was the capital of the Yukon. Its collections, exhibits, research library and interpretive programmes explore the connection between the Klondike and the modern world. It is the best indoor stop in town, and because many of the summer attractions are closed in the cold months, it is the one that visitors can often still reach in the off season. According to the museum, it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm in summer, and from mid-September to mid-May it is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is modest, with reduced rates for seniors and students and free entry for children under twelve.
Use the museum as a rainy-day or winter anchor. As of 7 November 2026 the museum's schedule points to weekday opening, from 9 to 5, but check the museum's website or call 867-993-5291 before you go, because holiday and winter hours can change. The museum also has an archives and research library for people tracing family or mining history.
The building is part of the story. It was built for the territorial government during the years when Dawson was the capital of the Yukon, and it gives a sense of the confidence of the gold rush town. Inside, the exhibits cover the people, industries and communities of the Klondike, and the museum links the gold rush to the modern world. The page we read does not list individual exhibits, so ask about current displays when you visit.
Allow about an hour or two, longer if you like archives. It is within walking distance of the historic district, Diamond Tooth Gerties and the Visitor Information Centre, so it fits easily into a day of walking. In winter, dress warmly for the walk between buildings, and combine the museum with a hot meal and, if the sky is clear, a night of aurora watching. It also makes a good first stop in summer, before the Parks Canada tours, because it provides background that makes the tours more meaningful.
What to expect
The experience
A museum and archives in a heritage building, with exhibits and interpretive programmes on the Klondike.
Best time
Any time, with daily hours in summer and weekday hours from mid-September to mid-May.
How long
One to two hours, longer if you use the research library.
Tips
Check hours before you go, ask about current exhibits, and use it as a warm indoor stop in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want an indoor introduction to Klondike history, especially in the off season.
- Families
- Children under twelve enter free, which makes it an affordable family stop.
- Couples
- A calm, interesting way to spend a cold morning.
- Pair with
- The Historic Town Walking Tour in summer or the northern lights in winter.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What are the museum's hours?+
The museum says it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm in summer, and Monday to Friday from mid-September to mid-May. Check before going.
How much does it cost?+
Admission is modest, with lower rates for seniors and students and free entry for children under twelve.
Where is it?+
It is in the Old Territorial Administration Building at 595 Fifth Avenue in Dawson City.
Can I do research there?+
Yes, the museum has a research library and archives. Call 867-993-5291 to ask about access.
Is it open in winter?+
Yes, on weekdays from mid-September to mid-May, according to the museum. It is one of the few indoor attractions open then.
