Diamond Tooth Gerties Dawson City
Canada's oldest casino, offering historic gambling, lively Can-Can shows, and community support in Dawson City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
First show, less crowded
Diamond Tooth Gerties Dawson City
Best Time
First show, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canada's oldest casino, offering historic gambling, lively Can-Can shows, and community support in Dawson City.
"All the profits from the casino go to funding the local community (a non for profit casino!)"
🎟️ Multi-Day Show Pass
Your $20 entry fee is a season pass, valid for all shows over three days! :ticket:
🎶 Shows Vary Nightly
Catch different themes, from Gold Rush history to 'Paris of the North'! :performing_arts:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nightly Can-Can Shows
Main Stage
Experience dazzling Can-Can dancers, singing, and audience participation in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Gold Rush Era Gambling
Casino Floor
Try your luck at table games and slots in Canada's oldest casino, steeped in Klondike Gold Rush history.
The 'Paris of the North' Show
Main Stage
Enjoy a different show theme each night, with some celebrating Dawson City's historical nickname.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Gertie's
Budget-Friendly Entertainment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Multi-Day Show Pass
Your $20 entry fee is a season pass, valid for all shows over three days! :ticket:
🎶 Shows Vary Nightly
Catch different themes, from Gold Rush history to 'Paris of the North'! :performing_arts:
💰 Bar is Cash Only
Remember to bring cash for drinks, though food and entry can be charged. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Dawson City's boardwalks can be uneven due to permafrost. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Multi-Day Show Pass
Your $20 entry fee is a season pass, valid for all shows over three days! :ticket:
🎶 Shows Vary Nightly
Catch different themes, from Gold Rush history to 'Paris of the North'! :performing_arts:
💰 Bar is Cash Only
Remember to bring cash for drinks, though food and entry can be charged. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Dawson City's boardwalks can be uneven due to permafrost. :athletic_shoe:
👂 Noise Levels
Shows can be loud; consider earplugs if sensitive to noise. :speakerhighvolume:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diamond Tooth Gerties is a beloved Dawson City institution, praised for its lively Can-Can shows, historic atmosphere, and community-focused non-profit model. Visitors appreciate the value of the multi-day show pass and the friendly environment. Some note that the bar is cash-only and later shows can be very crowded.
"Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall is a historic casino and entertainment venue located in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. Established as Canada's oldest legal gambling hall, it combines elements of gaming, live performances, and Klondike Gold Rush-era ambiance to provide a unique visitor experience.
Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall was founded in 1971 by the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA), a non-profit organization aimed at promoting tourism in the region. The initiative involved collaboration with a Las Vegas consultant to design the facility, which opened as the country's first legal casino. The building itself dates back to 1901, originally constructed by the Arctic Brotherhood, a fraternal organization prominent during the Gold Rush era. It has since been designated a Municipal Heritage Site, preserving its architectural and cultural significance. The hall's design and programming evoke the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, a period of rapid economic and social transformation in the Yukon, though the venue itself postdates the rush by several decades. All proceeds from operations are reinvested into the Dawson City community through the the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA).
The hall is named after Gertie Lovejoy, a renowned dance-hall performer and entertainer from the Klondike Gold Rush era. Known as "Diamond Tooth Gertie," she earned her nickname by having a diamond embedded between her two front teeth.
Table Games: Blackjack, North American Roulette and Red Dog. Poker, slots.
Gambling is optional, allowing visitors to focus solely on entertainment if preferred.
The venue is renowned for its cancan-inspired performances, featuring high-kicking dancers in period costumes, often led by a portrayal of Diamond Tooth Gertie with powerful vocals and engaging banter. Three distinct shows are presented nightly during peak season.
Admission is typically $20 for the shows."
Francis Hemmings
"Most places in Dawson City are walkable. We walked to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s opens at 7:00,3 shows a night, bar, food and casino.
Wasn’t sure what to expect after reading reviews. It was a long day we stayed only for 2 shows as all are a different, I read some reviews claiming the shows are more broadway than authentic. I enjoyed the first show as it was related more to the gold rush, the second was more broadway relating to Dawson being referred to the Paris of the north.
$20 Canadian to enter which is a season pass so if you’re here more than one night you only pay once. So for the cost the shows are worth it. To enter you can charge your fee, food could also can be charged. Bar was cash only.
Heard reviews saying food was not great, we ordered the Schnitzel and a large Cesar and thought they were very good, and priced reasonably."
Harold Burgess
"Each show was better than the last. Drinks service was prompt and friendly, dealers at the table were friendly and helpful. It was a warm, welcoming environment and I can't wait to go back"
Waz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Diamond Tooth Gerties is centrally located in Dawson City, making it easily walkable from most accommodations. If you're arriving in Dawson City, it's a key landmark in the downtown area. :world_map:
Street parking is available in Dawson City, but it can be limited, especially during peak tourist season. Walking is often the easiest way to get around. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around $20 CAD, which acts as a season pass valid for all shows over three days. This offers great value for the entertainment provided. :ticket:
Diamond Tooth Gerties usually opens its doors around 7:00 PM, with three distinct shows scheduled throughout the evening. It's best to check their official schedule for exact times. :clock1:
While the entry fee covers all shows for three days, it's advisable to arrive early for the 8:30 PM show to secure good seating, as it can get busy. :calendar:
The main floor and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. However, navigating the uneven wooden boardwalks of Dawson City outside the venue can be challenging due to permafrost. :wheelchair:
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You can expect lively Can-Can dance shows with singing and audience participation, as well as table games like poker and blackjack, and slot machines. The atmosphere is energetic and historic. :performing_arts:
Yes, the shows are generally considered family-friendly, featuring great costumes and performances. However, be aware that it can be noisy, so earplugs might be helpful for sensitive individuals. :family_amp:
The vibe is a unique blend of a historic Gold Rush casino and a lively entertainment venue. It's known for its warm, welcoming environment and energetic performances. :sparkles:
Absolutely! Diamond Tooth Gerties features a casino floor with various table games and slot machines, offering a chance to try your luck in a historic setting. :slot_machine:
It's known as Canada's oldest casino, established during the Klondike Gold Rush era, and all its profits go towards funding the local community, making it a non-profit establishment. :trophy:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Diamond Tooth Gerties offers a bar and food service. Visitors have reported good quality Schnitzel and Caesar salads, priced reasonably. :knifeforkplate:
While entry fees and food can be charged, the bar is strictly cash only. Make sure to have some Canadian currency on hand for your drinks. :moneywithwings:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially during shows. It's generally best to ask permission before taking photos, particularly of performers or other patrons. :camerawithflash:
The vibrant costumes of the Can-Can dancers and the historic casino interior offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the lively atmosphere during a show can also yield memorable shots. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The casino operates as a non-profit, and the entry fee covers access to all shows for three days, making it a cost-effective way to entertain the family. While the gambling floor is present, the focus for families will likely be on the shows. It's advisable to arrive for the earlier 8:30 PM show to ensure good seating and manage potential noise levels, as it can get quite loud and crowded later in the evening.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the shows, the casino floor offers opportunities for low-stakes gambling if you're feeling lucky. Even if you don't gamble, the lively atmosphere and entertainment are well worth the admission. The food and drink prices are also reported to be reasonable, with the bar being cash-only.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of Gertie's
+1The casino operates as a non-profit, with all profits dedicated to funding local community initiatives. This community-focused aspect adds another layer to its charm, making a visit feel like a contribution to the town's well-being. The blend of gambling, live entertainment, and historical significance creates an experience that's distinctly Dawson City.
Beyond the gaming floor, the nightly dance shows are a major highlight. These performances, often featuring Can-Can dancers, singing, and audience interaction, are a vibrant spectacle. The themes can range from historical Gold Rush narratives to celebrating Dawson's nickname as the 'Paris of the North,' ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience for all.
+1Experiencing the Shows at Diamond Tooth Gerties
+1While some reviews mention a 'Broadway' feel, others highlight shows that are more directly tied to Dawson City's Gold Rush heritage, providing a unique historical narrative.
For those sensitive to noise, it's recommended to bring earplugs, as the shows can be quite loud.
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