Sourtoe Cocktail Downtown Hotel Dawson City
Dare to drink with a mummified toe! The Downtown Hotel's Sourtoe Cocktail is a legendary Yukon tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively saloon atmosphere
Sourtoe Cocktail Downtown Hotel Dawson City
Best Time
Lively saloon atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dare to drink with a mummified toe! The Downtown Hotel's Sourtoe Cocktail is a legendary Yukon tradition.
"It's a part of the whole Dawson City experience. I would recommend taking the time to do it!"
🎯 The Toe Rules
Lips must touch the toe! Drink it fast or slow, but the toe must make contact.
💰 Price of a Rite of Passage
Expect to pay around $16 CAD for the Sourtoe Cocktail experience, including a certificate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sourtoe Cocktail
Sourdough Saloon, Downtown Hotel
Dare to sip a shot with a real mummified human toe. A legendary Yukon tradition for the brave!
Historic Gold Rush Ambiance
Downtown Hotel
Step back in time in this historic hotel, a hub for miners and adventurers since the Klondike Gold Rush.
Sourdough Saloon Atmosphere
Sourdough Saloon, Downtown Hotel
Experience the lively atmosphere of this iconic saloon, a gathering spot with live music and local charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Tradition
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 The Toe Rules
Lips must touch the toe! Drink it fast or slow, but the toe must make contact.
💰 Price of a Rite of Passage
Expect to pay around $16 CAD for the Sourtoe Cocktail experience, including a certificate.
👞 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing at the bar and exploring the historic hotel.
📸 Capture the Moment
Don't forget your phone for photos and videos of this unique experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 The Toe Rules
Lips must touch the toe! Drink it fast or slow, but the toe must make contact.
💰 Price of a Rite of Passage
Expect to pay around $16 CAD for the Sourtoe Cocktail experience, including a certificate.
👞 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing at the bar and exploring the historic hotel.
📸 Capture the Moment
Don't forget your phone for photos and videos of this unique experience!
👍 Friendly Staff
Even when busy, staff are often praised for their good spirits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and unforgettable experience of the Sourtoe Cocktail at the Downtown Hotel, calling it a 'rite of passage' and a 'must-do' in Dawson City. The historic ambiance of the hotel and the lively Sourdough Saloon are also frequently praised. However, some guests have reported issues with service, including automatic tipping and condescending staff, particularly when dealing with large tour groups.
"I was in Dawson City for a small wedding on August 14th (yes, I'm super slow doing my reviews but better late than never they say) & one of the planned activities was the Sour Toe Shot.
Unfortunately, the captain was not in that night. However, the staff made accommodations & allowed us time for each wedding guest to get the opportunity to do the acclaimed shot! But our only option was the Yukon Jack whiskey... which was perfectly acceptable.
I was a bit worried about shooting straight whiskey, honestly. But it turns out I shouldn't have been. It is DELICIOUS & doesn't "burn" at all like I expected it to. It's more a sweet taste, like a liqueur (I'll post a picture of the bottle).
The toe is a bit "gnarly," though. It's black. And it doesn't look like a toe (it kinda looks like a dried up cat turd). But whatever, when in Rome....(or Dawson City)....
I'm really glad I did the shot. It's a part of the whole Dawson City experience. I would recommend taking the time to do it! AND you get a certificate you can take home & frame.
PS. Aug 14, 2024, we paid $16 per shot of Yukon Jack + the experience.
We did not dine at this location, so I can't comment on the food. I already had my rental car parked at this location as I was staying at the Downtown."
Angela Reagh
"Food: N/A
5 of us got just one drink each. Drinks were okay but we were somewhat hurried out even though we were considering ordering more. As we get the bill, I see an automatic 18% tip. For 5 drinks including 3 on tap, this is ridiculous. I kindly let the bartender/server know and they answered very condenscendingly that "this is how it works in Canada." Told them I was Canadian and that's not how it always works. They doubled down saying that they had been working in Canada for 4 years. Turns out I've been working in hospitality for over 6 years. This is NOT how it should work and certainly NOT how you treat your customers. Do better."
Thomas Vigneras
"When you travel for so many hours to get to Dawson, this is the place you have to stop at. The food is very good, much better than you'd expect in a small town.
And of course the sour toe cocktail is there waiting for you. Seems like a right of passage. It was a fun experience that we'll never forget."
Phil W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Downtown Hotel is centrally located in Dawson City, Yukon. If you're driving, it's easily accessible. For those arriving by air, the nearest major airport is in Whitehorse (YXY), from where you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Dawson City.
Yes, parking is generally available at the Downtown Hotel, which is convenient if you're traveling by car.
If you are already in Dawson City, the Downtown Hotel is very walkable, being in the heart of the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sourtoe Cocktail experience typically costs around $16 CAD. This includes the drink and a certificate to commemorate your bravery.
While not always strictly necessary, it's a good idea to check with the hotel or arrive a bit earlier, especially during busy periods, to ensure you can participate.
The Sourtoe Cocktail is usually available during the operating hours of the Sourdough Saloon. Evenings tend to be the most lively time.
You must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol and participate in the Sourtoe Cocktail challenge.
Occasionally, the official 'Captain' might not be present, but the hotel staff often makes accommodations to allow guests to still experience the Sourtoe Shot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The challenge is to drink a shot of liquor (usually Yukon Jack) with a mummified human toe in it, ensuring your lips touch the toe. You'll receive a certificate upon completion.
Traditionally, Yukon Jack whiskey is used, but other spirits may be available depending on the night.
Reviews describe the toe as 'gnarly' and black, sometimes resembling a dried-up cat turd, but it's a key part of the unique experience.
It's more quirky and unusual than scary. The main rule is that your lips must touch the toe, which can be a bit daunting for some.
Yes, you can visit the Sourdough Saloon to soak in the historic atmosphere, enjoy drinks, and listen to music without participating in the Sourtoe Cocktail.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Downtown Hotel is known for serving good food, often exceeding expectations for a small-town establishment.
Travelers have reported the food to be very good, with some highlighting it as a pleasant surprise.
Many visitors find the food at the Downtown Hotel, including the Sourdough Saloon, to be quite good and recommend it.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Taking photos and videos of the Sourtoe Cocktail experience is highly encouraged and part of the fun.
Capture the historic architecture, the lively saloon, and of course, the infamous toe itself!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the historical aspects of Dawson City and perhaps enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage in the Sourdough Saloon. The novelty of the 'toe' might be a conversation starter, but ensure it's presented appropriately for younger audiences.💰 Budget Travelers
🥂 Couples & Friends
The Sourdough Saloon also offers a lively atmosphere with potential for live music, making it an ideal spot for a fun night out. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Infamous Sourtoe Cocktail
It’s a rite of passage for many visitors to Dawson City, offering a unique and unforgettable story to tell. The current 'Sourtoe Captain' oversees the ritual, ensuring the rules are followed and adding to the theatrical experience. Participating in the Sourtoe Cocktail challenge is more than just drinking; it's about embracing the quirky spirit of the Klondike. While the toe itself might look a bit 'gnarly' and not entirely like a toe to some, its authenticity is part of the allure.
Tips for the Sourtoe Experience:
* Be prepared for the visual – it's a real toe!
* Follow the rules: lips must touch the toe.
* Embrace the fun and the history.
* Don't forget your camera!
A Glimpse into Dawson City's History
Staying or visiting here is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the town's storied past. The hotel's architecture and ambiance evoke the era of prospectors and pioneers, making it a destination in its own right.Beyond the hotel, Dawson City is a living museum of the Gold Rush era. You can explore historic buildings, walk the wooden boardwalks, and imagine the bustling streets filled with fortune seekers. The town's preservation efforts ensure that the spirit of the Klondike is palpable.
Experiencing Dawson City is about more than just the Sourtoe Cocktail; it's about immersing yourself in the rich history and the enduring allure of the North. 
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