Reviews of Commissioner's Residence, Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site (Tourist Attraction)

Ken Heaton

The Commissioner's Residence in Dawson City was built at the turn of the last century (1901) and is now a Parks Canada historic site. The annual Commissioner's Tea happens each year on the lawns of the grand Commissioner's Residence in Dawson City. Six commissioners lived in the residence from 1901 to 1916. The best known was George Black, who with his wife Martha, lived in the residence from 1912 to 1916. The Blacks were favorites among locals because they were considered real “Sourdoughs”, having trekked over the Chillkoot Trail and survived many harsh Yukon winters. The main floor has been restored and replicated to show how George and Martha Black would have lived in 1916. George Black was the last Commissioner to reside there dating from the days when Dawson City was the capital of the Yukon. In the late 1940s and early 1950s the Sisters of St. Anne used it as a residence and senior citizen's home. It sat empty for many years and now after restoration, it stands as a symbol of an era in Dawson City that was opulent and fine. The Commissioner's Residence is certainly the most impressive house in Dawson. A huge influx of stampeders raced to the Klondike after gold was discovered in 1896, leading the Government of Canada to create the Yukon Territory in 1898 and send a commissioner to Dawson City to take charge. Built in 1901 by Thomas Fuller, the Commissioner's Residence represents the strong government presence that followed the Gold Rush, and showed the world that Dawson City was here to stay. Located on Front Street beside St Paul’s Anglican Church.

Jonathan Ostrander

Beautiful and completely restored. Looks just like the 1914 photos. Only open during Parks Canada programs and special events. The Commissioner's Tea in early June takes place on the lawn and is a great time

Jerry McEwen

Excellent place to tour while in Dawson. Was able to enjoy a historical recreation of it's past prominance.

Ivan

Great place!

Beth Hurst

My family took the Commissioners Residence Tour today. The Mountie, The Maid and The Miner. What a wonderful interpretive tour. Our tour guide was very good. She was very articulate and adjusted her language for all age ranges. She was aware of her audience. The very best part of this tour was the actors and the skits they performed. This kind of 'living history' is very entertaining to watch but for those with children or people who are visual learners, this type of education is so important. My 10 year old loved it and wished there had been more. Congratulations to all the actors (interpretive staff) at the house for making history come to life - keep it up! The house itself is very impressive. They ask you to wear shoe covers to protect the house but flash photography is allowed and visitor participation in the program is encouraged. My only one bug with the whole Dawson Historic Site and other Parks Canada sites is the cost. Having travelled extensively in the USA where they have the National Park system and a budget that offers these kind of educational programs for free, it's such a shame that Parks Canada can't do the same. It cost our family over $40 for 3, 1 hr programs (even with the Parks Discovery Pass). Education opportunities offered here should be free for children. Touring Dredge #4 (reviewed also) costs a family over $50 for a 1 hr tour.

Tom Parker

The Parks Canada escape room here was a ton of fun!

Tom Friesen

"Red Serge" presentation by Benny was an eye opener. Klondike Goldrush in the eyes of the First Nation people's. The display representing the history and future of all peoples is encouraging.

Herman Poel

Go for the tour was great.