Community of Dawson City, Yukon Gold, discovered in 1896 on nearby creeks, caused the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1898, Dawson was the largest Canadian city west of Winnipeg (40,000 people) with telephone service, running water and steam heat. Elaborate hotels, theatres and dance halls were erected. Major mining operations took over most of the Klondike gold beds in the years following the Gold Rush, but production declined after an all-time high in 1911. Higher gold prices caused a minor boom in the 1930's, but the last dredge was shut down in 1966. Today, tourism and gold mining are the major inductries, both taking place during the summer months. Approximately 60,000 people visit Dawson City each year. The North Klondike Highway