Klondike Goldrush
Yukon has a rich mining history. Mining has continued to be the cornerstone of the Yukon economy from the famous Klondike gold rush of 1896/98 to the present day, although the territory has experienced several "boom-and-bust" cycles as metal prices have risen and fallen over the years.
The Yukon is divided into four mining districts with respective Mining Recorders in Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Mayo and Dawson City.
The Klondike Gold rush started off by the discovery of placer gold on Rabbit creek in 1896. The effect on the depressed economy was instantaneous as hoarded funds were freed to finance some 100 000 amateur gold seekers who started north that fall and winter. Some found themselves on the trails for 2 years before they reached the gold. The Klondike Gold Rush resulted in the development of the town Dawson, with a population of about 30 000.
1. Sites Waiting for Permits or Assessment
2. Mines Currently in Operation
3. Mines Currently Closed or Suspended
4. Sites Currently under Advanced Exploration (Very High Probability of Becoming a Mine)
Fernie/Sparwood: This town grew quickly with the discovery of coal and the crow’s nest pass through the Canadian Rockies. It was also bolstered by the railroad that went through the pass. The town’s good and bad times go along with the price of coal, although today their skiing industry has added more stability especially in winter times.
Barkerville: The Cariboo Gold rush resulted in the overnight development of Barkerville. It essentially lasted as long as the gold did, which was around one hundred years. The last resident moved away in the 1970s.
Victoria: With the discovery of gold, Victoria became the port, supply base, and outfitting centre for miners on their way to the Fraser Canyon gold fields, growing from a population of 300 to over 5000 literally within a few days.
The Yukon is divided into four mining districts with respective Mining Recorders in Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Mayo and Dawson City.
The Klondike Gold rush started off by the discovery of placer gold on Rabbit creek in 1896. The effect on the depressed economy was instantaneous as hoarded funds were freed to finance some 100 000 amateur gold seekers who started north that fall and winter. Some found themselves on the trails for 2 years before they reached the gold. The Klondike Gold Rush resulted in the development of the town Dawson, with a population of about 30 000.
1. Sites Waiting for Permits or Assessment
2. Mines Currently in Operation
3. Mines Currently Closed or Suspended
4. Sites Currently under Advanced Exploration (Very High Probability of Becoming a Mine)
Fernie/Sparwood: This town grew quickly with the discovery of coal and the crow’s nest pass through the Canadian Rockies. It was also bolstered by the railroad that went through the pass. The town’s good and bad times go along with the price of coal, although today their skiing industry has added more stability especially in winter times.
Barkerville: The Cariboo Gold rush resulted in the overnight development of Barkerville. It essentially lasted as long as the gold did, which was around one hundred years. The last resident moved away in the 1970s.
Victoria: With the discovery of gold, Victoria became the port, supply base, and outfitting centre for miners on their way to the Fraser Canyon gold fields, growing from a population of 300 to over 5000 literally within a few days.