Frequently asked questions

The Bonanza Creek Run takes 3 hours (09:00–12:00 or 13:30–16:30). Gold Fields Day takes 6.5 hours (09:30–16:00). The Midnight Sun Special takes 3 hours (18:30–21:30). Every trip starts and ends at the depot at 1102 Front Street.

Dress in layers. Klondike summer temperatures range from about 5 °C early in the day to 25 °C in the afternoon, and showers blow through quickly. Bring a rain shell and closed shoes for the gravel paths at Discovery Claim and Grand Forks. On Gold Fields Day we lend rubber boots for panning.

Yes, especially in June and July near the creek. Bring repellent. Our coaches have screened opening windows. The open-air Midnight Dome car gets a breeze when moving but not at stops.

Yes. On Gold Fields Day you pan on our practice claim at Grand Forks, and everything you find goes home with you in a sealed sample vial. Most panners recover a few small flakes. Prospecting anywhere else along the line is not allowed, because the surrounding creeks are active private claims.

Very much so. Children under 3 ride free on a lap, and children 3–12 pay the child fare and get a Crew Stamp Card. The Eldorado coach has a baby-changing table. Strollers fold and travel in the luggage rack at the back of each coach.

Yes. The Eldorado coach has a platform lift, four wheelchair spaces and an accessible washroom. Please mention it when you book so we can reserve a space. Paths at Discovery Claim are compacted gravel. The Grand Forks townsite has a level boardwalk to the panning area.

If we cancel because of weather, wildfire smoke or a mechanical fault, you choose a full refund or free rebooking. We contact you by phone or email using the details on your booking as early as possible, and no later than 2 hours before departure.

Yes, non-alcoholic food and drinks are welcome. The Hunker coach has a snack counter with coffee, tea, juice and baked goods. Alcohol is sold only in Ruby’s Parlour on the Midnight Sun Special to guests aged 19 and over, and outside alcohol is not permitted.

Midnight Sun Special seats in July usually sell out 4–6 weeks ahead. Gold Fields Day is often full 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season. The Bonanza Creek Run usually has seats a few days before departure, except on long weekends.

Fares are charged in Canadian dollars. Card payments taken by phone are converted by your card issuer. At the depot window we accept US cash at the exchange rate posted that morning and give change in Canadian dollars.

There is no Wi-Fi on board. Mobile signal is good in Dawson but drops away after Bonanza Junction (km 7). Conductor Barnaby keeps radio contact with the depot for the whole trip.

Only trained service animals are allowed on board. Pet dogs cannot travel, even in carriers, because of the open-air car and the wildlife along the line.

There is a free gravel lot beside the depot with 40 car spaces and 6 RV-length spaces, available on a first-come basis. Most downtown Dawson hotels are within a 10-minute walk.