Discovery Claim - Dawson City, Yukon Territory
Klondike Region, Yukon, Canada

Dawson City, Yukon : Discovery Claim

The Discovery Claim is a historical mining stake located on Bonanza Creek in the community of Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. The significance of the claim is monumental as it was the mining claim that started the Klondike Gold Rush in the early 1900s.

Today, the Discovery Claim is recognized as a Historic Site of Canada. There is a plaque bolted to a large boulder honoring the mining claim. Nearby, in the trees, are hiking trails leading to Bonanza Creek. Near the creek are some picnic tables and some wooden mining artifacts consisting of a mining shaft and drainage pipe.

The Discovery Claim is the birthplace of the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1896, three miners named George Carmack, Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie discovered gold on the Bonanza Creek. The claim on Bonanza Creek measured about 18 kilometres long and was officially reported by George Carmack.

Soon later the Eldorado Creek was staked and claimed also. One of many more to come. The Bonanza and Eldorado Creek gold claims raised many eyebrows and word quickly spread. It did not take long before people from around the world began arriving in the Yukon seeking riches and glory.

It was official.. The Klondike Gold Rush was on thanks to George, Skookum and Tagish.

How to Get to the Discovery Claim

Travel to the community of Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. From Dawson City travel east, away from the community, on the Klondike Highway . Just outside of town on your right is Bonanza Creek Road. Turn here. Continue on the gravel road for 14.8 kilometres (9.3 miles) to the Discovery Claim Site. It will be on your left.