The Downtown is Dawson's largest hotel, with 59 guest rooms at 1026 Second Avenue, and Travel Yukon lists it as open year round. Room types include two double beds in the annex building and two queen beds, each around 275 square feet and sleeping up to four, which suits families and groups. It has free Wi-Fi, free self parking, a free roundtrip airport shuttle on request, laundry facilities, a gift shop and a 24-hour front desk. The on-site Sour Dough Saloon is home to the Sourtoe Cocktail, one of the Klondike's best-known quirks, and the hotel also has a restaurant. Breakfast is available for a surcharge. Pets are allowed, up to two per stay, with a nightly fee, and service animals are exempt.
Location and getting around
The Downtown is in the historic district, so the Visitor Information Centre, the museum and Diamond Tooth Gerties are all within an easy walk. The airport shuttle is free on request, which is useful because the airport is a drive from town. For Dredge No. 4, Tombstone or the goldfields you will need a vehicle or a tour, and the front desk can help with bookings.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are large for the price, with two double or two queen beds in around 275 square feet, so families and groups of four fit comfortably. Some rooms have air conditioning, and a limited number of pet rooms are available on request. The hotel has laundry facilities, a gift shop and a banquet hall, plus a 24-hour front desk, which helps late arrivals and aurora-chasing guests.
The Sour Dough Saloon serves dinner, and breakfast is available for a surcharge. Some guests report that restaurant and bar hours can differ from those posted, so confirm them in the off season.
Who it suits and good to know: it suits families, groups and travellers who want a large, central, year-round hotel with a lively bar. Check-in starts at 4 pm and check-out is at 11 am, with late check-out available for a fee. The hotel is Green Key certified for sustainability. Its sister property, the Midnight Sun, is next door and seasonal, and check-in for that property is handled here.
Why stay here
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free airport shuttle on request
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Sour Dough Saloon and restaurant
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓Rooms for up to four guests
- ✓Pet-friendly rooms (fee)
Good questions
Is The Downtown open in winter?+
Travel Yukon lists it as year-round service. It is a practical base for northern lights trips, but confirm restaurant and bar hours when you book.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is available for a surcharge and is not part of the standard rate. The Sour Dough Saloon serves dinner.
Can I bring a pet?+
Cats and dogs are allowed, up to two per stay, with a nightly fee. Service animals are exempt.
