Dawson’s plentiful free or inexpensive attractions can keep you happily busy for several days. The compact downtown area mixes dirt streets and crumbling wooden storefronts with faux gold rush–era buildings and bustling tourist businesses.

Start your exploration at the centrally located Dawson City Visitor Information Centre (Front St. and King St., 867/993-5274, early May–late Sept. daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., July–Aug. daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m.). They’re extremely well organized and prepared for the most common questions from the hordes of hopefuls that are, after all, Dawson’s legacy. It stocks books of menus, hotel rates, and gift shops; schedules of tours; hours of attractions; and much, much more.

Outstanding one-hour, historically loaded walking tours of the town core leave from the visitors center several times a day; a schedule is posted at the center.

Additionally, the Klondike Visitors Association (867/993-5575 or 877/465-3006, www.dawsoncity.ca) has a website filled with useful information.