Dawson City is already a major tourism centre, world-famous for the Klondike Gold Rush. The town is a national heritage area with a significant array of historical attractions. With further growth in Yukon-wide tourism activities and increased offshore interest in Yukon wilderness, more people are expected to come to the Yukon for longer stays. This will add to the tourism potential of the Dawson City area.
Developing adventure tourism and winter activities are important steps toward increasing future tourism, as is providing high-quality services for older, more sophisticated tourists. The new territorial park at Tombstone Mountain, which will be established under the terms of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in land claims agreement, will offer an additional wilderness tourism attraction. Located about 80 km northeast of Dawson on the Dempster Highway, Tombstone Mountain is a rugged and scenic area offering high-quality recreational opportunities in an accessible location.
Mining is still a major influence on the economic health of the area. Gold placer mining, which has provided significant employment and income in the past, has weakened in recent years. Placer mining is hard on equipment, and many small operators will not be able to keep operating when gold prices are in decline. The price of gold has recovered somewhat, which could encourage some small placer operations to start up again.
There are occurrences of base metals, primarily copper, lead, zinc and other minerals, in the Dawson area, but exploration and mining is dominated by gold.
The economic development activity of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in is a significant factor in Dawson City's future prospects. Building on its current base, Chief Isaac Incorporated has plans to develop products that can be sold to international markets.
Tourism development, as a source of job growth in Dawson City, will increasingly require workers who have very competitive skills. Communication and language skills are important, as is expertise in operating businesses, especially small businesses. The use of Internet communications to reach out to tourists is already important. High-speed internet service is now available in Dawson. Providing enhanced levels of services, especially to attract older people with high incomes, will be key to expansion.
