Keish strikes gold

A Yukon native man, Keish, also known among the whites as Skookum Jim Mason, discovers gold at Bonanza Creek in Yukon.

The first capital of Yukon is founded

Joseph Ladue founds Dawson City and it becomes the first capital of Yukon.

Discovery Day goes public

The Yukon Order of Pioneers convinces the Territorial Council of Yukon to recognize Discovery Day as a public holiday.

The capital of Yukon is changed

The capital seat is moved from Dawson to Whitehorse due to the construction of the Klondike Highway.

The Yukon flag is selected

Created by Lynn Lambert for a territory-wide design competition, the Yukon flag is adopted.

Because Discovery Day is such a popular holiday%2c some festivals last all weekend long. The festival at Dawson City features a Can-Can dance show%2c face painting%2c arts and crafts and writing competitions. Just be sure to allot extra travel time as local traffic tends to be heavy on these days.

If you’re looking to do something different from the usual Discovery Day festival%2c consider throwing your own party. Keep things within the gold rush theme by having gold décor and chocolate gold coins as cute party favors. You can also turn the party into a fun learning experience by having Klondike Gold Rush trivia games.

Take a trip to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park for free tours%2c Junior Ranger activities for the kids%2c camping and hiking. There are also informative books and movies you can watch%2c like "Call of the Klondike: A True Gold Rush."

Whitehorse was named after the White Horse Rapids%2c whose rapids — before they were dammed — resembled the mane of a white horse.

Originally%2c the city's name was White Horse and later slightly modified to Whitehorse.

The Yukon River literally flows through the center of Whitehorse.

Because of its many trails (approximately 700km worth)%2c Whitehorse is often referred to as the "Wilderness City".

Whitehorse is northern Canada's largest city.

Not only does this holiday honor the Klondike gold rush%2c but it also reminds them of how Yukon was established as a territory. Every year on Discovery Day%2c Canadians honor the founding of the Yukon.

Why not party in the Yukon? At summer's close%2c Discovery Day provides an excuse to get friends and family together for a celebration and festival of delights. Discovery Day in Dawson City offers an amazing backdrop for fun events in a beautiful%2c natural setting.

Let's be honest. Sometimes%2c it's great to have a day off from work or school%2c whatever the reason. Because Discovery Day is a legal holiday in Yukon%2c you get to have the day off. You might as well head to the festival and have some fun!