The town was legally incorporated as a city in 1902, but no longer met the criteria for a city by the 1980s. Signs at the town's boundaries read "Welcome to the Town of the City of Dawson".

Tourism and Gold Mining are at the core of Dawson's economy. There are eight National Historic Sites of Canada in Dawson including the Dawson Historical Complex, which encompasses the historic core of the town. The Visitor Information Centre in downtown Dawson City should be your first stop. The friendly staff here have information about everything there is to see and do in this eclectic town.

Diamond Tooth Gerties gambling hall is a must for an evening's entertainment and a daytime activity might have you gold planning in the Klondike River and finding that elusive nugget.  In the summertime, play golf under the midnight sun at the Top of the World or simply enjoy the twenty odd hours of daylight that the locals take for granted.  For a town the size of Dawson, it is packed with things to do and see so make sure you allow enough time in your RV holiday itinerary to fit it all in.