With financial assistance from Yukon’s Community Development Fund, the City of Dawson and Klondike Visitors Association, KDO implemented a modest landscaping project this summer, aimed at increasing safety, accessibility and aesthetics of the Midnight Dome. The Dome’s stunning views encompassing the historic townsite and Tr’ochëk, the entrance to the Goldfields, two river valleys and Ogilvie mountains make this one of Dawson’s biggest visitor attractions year-round, but the site itself needed a bit of care. KDO undertakes focused projects that foster sustainable local economies and community by building on our existing strengths and assets.

Without changing the overall rugged nature of the site or interfering with existing site uses (such as paragliding and biking), the plan devised by local contractor CnD Landscapes involved low profile, sustainable upgrades to create focal points, encourage natural flora re-growth and reduce erosion while increasing pedestrian accessibility.  Features include:
– A stone circle set into the ground at the top of the dome
– A new viewing platform at the west face, with upgraded trail and steps to access it
– Widened parking area
– A retaining wall along parking area with entry points to trails leading to top of dome

Traffic signs will be added next summer to encourage more organized use of the parking area, and we hope to work further on the trails above the parking area. KDO will monitor the site for damage and repairs needed over time, and seek to work with community partners to maintain this wonderful site in a way that welcomes locals and visitors alike. We anticipate benefits to tourism, to recreation and to environmental sustainability with these activities.