Discovery Day in Canada 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Whereas many regions of Canada observe Civic Holiday on the first Monday of August, the Yukon observes Discovery Day on the third Monday of August.

Celebrate Discovery Day, an annual event in Yukon, Canada, on August 21. The day is significant both historically and culturally. Skookum Jim Mason, whose Tagish parents originally called him Keish, discovered gold in Bonanza Creek in 1896. This discovery sparked the 1905 Kluane gold rush, which eventually led to the Yukon becoming a Canadian territory.

Keish was one of the first indigenous males to successfully navigate both the white and Indian cultures. Before his death in 1916, Keish established a substantial trust fund for the benefit of his native community. So, Discovery Day celebrates this history with a week-long festival in Dawson City, a fun destination at the close of summer. Discovery Day features walking excursions, art exhibits, a golf tournament, and more.

The background of Discovery Day

Whereas many regions of Canada observe Civic Holiday on the first Monday of August, the Yukon observes Discovery Day on the third Monday of August.

George Washington Carmack discovered gold in Bonanza Creek, Yukon, on August 17, 1896, marking the beginning of Yukon’s Discovery Day. His discovery sparked a gold rush, as merchants and miners flocked to the area to search for gold. More than 100,000 prospectors raced to the Klondike region over the next two years, constructing the narrow-gauge railway in Yukon and establishing Dawson. The race for intangible wealth continued until 1899, when the bubble ruptured and gold discoveries in other regions drove away miners.

In 1911, following the gold rush, the Yukon Order of Pioneers persuaded the Yukon Territorial Council to recognise Discovery Day as a public holiday. The holiday was commemorated with parades, sporting events, speeches, dances, refreshments, and more the following year. Yukon’s economy is still heavily dependent on mining, and Discovery Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Even though no gold was discovered by miners, the gold rush led to the establishment of Yukon as a separate territory. June’s Discovery Day in Newfoundland is not the same as the Yukon’s Discovery Day.

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DAY OF DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES

During Discovery Day, explore a festival.

Because Discovery Day is such a popular holiday, some weekend-long celebrations are held. The Dawson City festival incorporates a Can-Can dance performance, face painting, arts and crafts, and writing contests. Simply designate additional travel time as local traffic is typically heavy on these days.

Host a celebration.

If you’re searching for an alternative to the typical Discovery Day celebration, consider throwing your own party. Maintain the gold rush theme with gold decorations and chocolate gold coins as party favours. With Klondike Gold Rush trivia activities, you can also transform the party into a learning opportunity.

Develop your knowledge

Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park for free guided excursions, Junior Ranger programmes, camping, and hiking. Also available are informative books and films, such as “Call of the Klondike: A True Gold Rush.”