Old Post Office
Step back into the Klondike Gold Rush at Dawson City's historic Old Post Office, a preserved hub of communication and governance.
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Must-see attractions
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Pleasant weather for tours
Old Post Office
Best Time
Pleasant weather for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into the Klondike Gold Rush at Dawson City's historic Old Post Office, a preserved hub of communication and governance.
"Beautifully preserved part of local history. The tour guide was great as well."
Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are essential for entry & fill up fast! Book ahead to guarantee your spot.
Embrace the History
Listen closely to your guide; they bring the Gold Rush era to life!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Interior & Furnishings
Inside the building
Experience the meticulously preserved varnished fir interiors, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship from the Gold Rush era.
Architectural Adaptation
Exterior
Admire the unique all-wood construction, a clever adaptation of southern Canadian federal building designs for the Yukon.
Role in Gold Rush History
Throughout the building
Learn how this building was the central point for communication and governance during the Klondike Gold Rush.
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Planning Your Visit
Tour Access & Timing
Historical Significance
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are essential for entry & fill up fast! Book ahead to guarantee your spot.
Embrace the History
Listen closely to your guide; they bring the Gold Rush era to life!
Check Seasonal Hours
Access is seasonal. Verify operating dates & times before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are essential for entry & fill up fast! Book ahead to guarantee your spot.
Embrace the History
Listen closely to your guide; they bring the Gold Rush era to life!
Check Seasonal Hours
Access is seasonal. Verify operating dates & times before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Post Office for its historical significance and well-preserved interiors, highlighting the engaging guided tours. While access is limited to these tours, the experience offers a valuable glimpse into the Klondike Gold Rush era and the architectural ingenuity of the time. Some note the seasonal nature of access and the importance of booking tours in advance.
"Our Parks Canada city tour of Dawson City ended here, where we learned the important role the post office played. (Before the post office was built, residents had to sort through one large pile of mail where all correspondence was dumped). This building is only accessible on a guided tour."
James C
"Visited as part of the walking tour put on by Parks Canada. Beautifully preserved part of local history. The tour guide was great as well."
Sierra Young
"The building can be visited inside on a city tour organized by Parks Canada.
The Old Dawson City Post Office, located in Canada's Yukon Territory, is an iconic historic building associated with the Klondike Gold Rush era. Built in 1900, it represents the Canadian federal government's commitment to establishing its sovereignty and providing essential services in the border regions. This building, designated a Classified Federal Heritage Building, is part of the Dawson City Historical Complex National Historic Site and the Klondike National Historic Site.
Construction of the Old Post Office began in 1900 under the direction of architect Thomas W. Fuller, who later became Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works. It was the first substantial building erected by the federal government in Dawson City, and was completed in December of that year.
The building initially served as a post office, customs house, land registry, and telegraph office, providing a vital link to the rest of Canada and the goldfields. It operated as the main post office until 1923, after which it passed through various private owners. In 1970, the federal government purchased it, and Parks Canada stabilized and repaired it in 1974, opening it to the public as part of the Klondike National Historic Sites.
The former post office is a two-story wooden building. Its classic design is inspired by federal masonry buildings in southern Canada, but adapted to an all-wood construction due to local constraints. Architectural elements include regularly spaced windows, a pedimented door, decorative wood trim, and horizontal plank siding.
Inside, the original plan is preserved. The finishes, fittings, and furnishings are crafted in varnished fir, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Few alterations have been made.
The building is protected as a Classified Federal Heritage Building, and any alterations must respect its character-defining elements, including its exterior and interior composition, its wood construction, and its classical design.
Today, the Old Post Office is part of the Klondike National Historic Sites managed by Parks Canada. It is open to the public and offers seasonal postal services, a compatible use that minimizes the impact on its integrity. Visitors can explore the building on guided walking tours of Dawson City's historic downtown, led by costumed interpreters who share the city's history."
Francis Hemmings
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Post Office is located in the heart of Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. It's easily accessible on foot as part of the historic downtown area. Most visitors arrive in Dawson City via car or bus from Whitehorse.
Street parking is available in Dawson City, but it can be limited during peak tourist season. Consider walking or using local shuttle services if available.
No, independent visits are not permitted. Access to the interior of the Old Post Office is exclusively through guided tours organized by Parks Canada.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the guided tours of the Old Post Office are managed by Parks Canada. It's highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during the summer months, as they can sell out.
The Old Post Office is a seasonal attraction. Tours typically run during the summer months. Specific operating hours and dates are best confirmed directly with Parks Canada for the current year.
While entry to Dawson City's historic sites is often free, guided tours may have a fee or be included with a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
The primary restriction is that you must be on a guided tour. Photography inside may be permitted, but always follow the guide's instructions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved original finishes, fittings, and furnishings crafted from varnished fir. The building's layout remains largely as it was during its operational years.
Guided tours usually last around 30-45 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of the building's history and significance.
As a historic wooden building, accessibility can be a challenge. It's best to contact Parks Canada in advance to inquire about specific accessibility accommodations.
Photography is generally allowed inside, but always confirm with your tour guide. Be mindful of others and the historic nature of the site.
While it no longer serves as the primary post office, Parks Canada has maintained seasonal postal services as a compatible use, adding to the authentic experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, with its classic design and historical context, is a great photo opportunity. Inside, the preserved wooden interiors offer unique shots, but be sure to respect the space and other visitors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography might require special permits. Always check with Parks Canada.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Encourage kids to ask questions during the tour! The guides are often great at making history relatable. Consider pairing the visit with other family-friendly historical sites in Dawson City for a full day of discovery.
🏛️ History Buffs
Focus: Pay attention to the architectural adaptations and the craftsmanship of the interior finishes. Understanding its function as a multi-purpose government building (post office, customs, telegraph) provides crucial insight into the establishment of Canadian authority in the Yukon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into the Gold Rush Era
Architect Thomas W. Fuller designed the building, adapting traditional federal masonry styles into an all-wood construction suitable for the local environment. This adaptation is a key architectural feature, showcasing ingenuity and resourcefulness. The interior boasts exceptional craftsmanship with varnished fir finishes, fittings, and furnishings that have been remarkably preserved, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past.
Today, managed by Parks Canada as part of the Klondike National Historic Sites, the Old Post Office continues to serve a compatible purpose by offering seasonal postal services. This ensures the building remains a living piece of history, accessible to visitors who can explore its stories through guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters.
Architectural Ingenuity and Preservation
The interior of the Old Post Office is particularly noteworthy for its high-quality finishes. The use of varnished fir for the original plan, finishes, fittings, and furnishings demonstrates a commitment to excellence and durability. These elements have been meticulously maintained, with minimal alterations over the decades. This dedication to preservation ensures that visitors can experience the building much as it was over a century ago, offering an immersive historical experience.
Designated a Classified Federal Heritage Building, the Old Post Office is protected under strict heritage guidelines. Any future alterations must respect its character-defining elements, including its composition, wood construction, and classical design. This ensures that the building remains an authentic representation of its era for generations to come, a vital component of the Dawson City Historical Complex National Historic Site.
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