If you are planning a trip to Canada and are looking for a special vacation destination that combines authentic atmosphere, entertainment and history, be sure to visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall in Dawson City, Yukon. It’s not just a casino – it’s a true time travel experience, taking visitors back to the Klondike Gold Rush era of the late 19th century.
History and unique heritage
Opened in 1971, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s proudly holds the title of the oldest casino in Canada. The establishment was created by the Klondike Visitors Association to promote tourism in this historic region. The building that now houses the casino was built back in 1901 by the Arctic Brotherhood, a popular social organization at the time.
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For decades, the building served as a community center where balls, dinners, and even sporting events were held. Today, the building has the status of a municipal historic landmark and continues to fulfill its original function of being a place where people come together and have a great time. Source
So who is the Diamond Tooth Gertie (Diamond Tooth Gertie)? She is a legendary dancer from the gold rush era. Her real name was Gertie Lovejoy. She was a revelry dancer who later married Dawson City’s most famous lawyer. Indeed, she had a diamond set between her front teeth! Laura Burton, in her memoir I Married the Klondike, describes Gertie as “a modest little woman, rather pretty and very reserved. She spoke little, but when she did speak you could see the famous diamond glittering between her two front teeth.” Source
Location and mode of operation
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall is located in the heart of Dawson City at 1001 Fourth Ave, Dawson City, Yukon Y0B 0A3, Canada. It is an ideal location within walking distance of most hotels and other attractions in the city.
Hours of Operation:
- Summer (May-September): daily from 19:00 to 02:00
- Fall and winter: Friday and Saturday from 19:00 to 01:00
It is important to note that during the summer, entry requires the purchase of a $20 CAD season pass, which is valid all summer long. This is one way of supporting the local community, as all casino revenues are reinvested in the development of the city. Source
Entertainment and shows are the main highlight
By far the main feature of Diamond Tooth Gertie’s is the amazing can-can shows that take place three times a night, each with its own unique program:
- 20:30 – Gerties Dance Hall Follies: A traditional can-can show inspired by the dance halls and saloons of 1898.
- 22:00 – J’taime Dawson City: A cabaret-style show combining elements of French can-can in the spirit of the famous Moulin Rouge with the glitz and glamor of legendary Las Vegas showgirls.
- Midnight – The Gold Show: The climactic show of the evening, energizing under the midnight sun. Will have you dancing and singing along to your favorite hits!
Performances include professional singers and dancers accompanied by live music. Diamond Tooth Gertie, the main star of the show, will wow you with her wit, charm and powerful vocals, while the Gold Rush Girls will captivate you with high kicks and twines in colorful skirts. Source
Tourist reviews confirm the high quality of the performances. Many note that the shows are very interactive – you or one of your friends may be invited on stage to participate in the performance. As one visitor writes: “My wife and I have seen Gertie’s show TWO times. It is only about 30 minutes long, but thoroughly enjoyable. I wonder what it was like over 100 years ago…..” Source
Game Features
At Diamond Tooth Gertie’s you’ll find 64 slot machines from renowned manufacturer IGT, including several with local progressive jackpots. Minimum bets start at 1 cent.
Table games are represented by the following variants:
- Roulette (minimum bet of 2 Canadian dollars)
- Blackjack (minimum bets from 3 to 15 Canadian dollars)
- Poker
- Money Wheel
- Red Dog
The maximum bets on most tables are 50 Canadian dollars, except for some poker and blackjack tournaments with liberal rules, where the maximum can reach 100 Canadian dollars.
An important advantage of this casino is the low minimum bets and friendly dealers who are always willing to explain the rules to newcomers. This makes Diamond Tooth Gertie’s the perfect place for those trying gambling for the first time. Source
Atmosphere and interior design
Unlike today’s glitzy casinos, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s immerses you in the unique atmosphere of the Klondike Gold Rush. The interior is reminiscent of an old west saloon, town hall and theater with casino elements. Here you will see stained glass windows, vintage flags, beautifully painted wooden elements and a lot of old photos of legendary gold miners.
One of the features of the venue is that all the entertainment (games, shows, food and drinks) is in one spacious room, which creates a unique social atmosphere. As many visitors have noted, “If you came to Dawson’s looking for a gold rush atmosphere, you found it! Even if you just stop in for a beer, you’re sure to engage in interesting conversations with the locals and become part of the overall fun with dancing cancan girls, big winnings and general merriment!” Source
Food and Drink
The casino features an establishment called High Roller Canteen, which offers appetizers and light meals such as paninis, pizza, and several types of pasta. The bar list is extensive and includes local craft beer, a wide selection of wines and spirits, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
In Canada, it is customary to tip the bartender and waiters 15-20%. At the gaming tables, tipping dealers is also encouraged as a thank you for their friendliness. Source
Practical information for visitors
- Age: You must be at least 19 years old and have an ID to visit.
- Payment: The establishment operates for cash only. There are two ATMs at the entrance for cash withdrawals. American dollars can be exchanged inside at the bank window.
- Dress Code: There is no special dress code, but many visitors prefer to dress in the style of the Klondike or Victorian era.
- Parking: Free parking is available in front of the building.
- Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible.
- Souvenirs: Souvenirs such as clothing, dishware, garters and other memorabilia can be purchased at the bank window.
- Casino Chips: A unique feature is that Diamond Tooth Gertie’s chips are a kind of currency in Dawson City and are accepted at most local establishments! Source
Social relevance
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall is more than just an entertainment venue. It is run by the Klondike Visitors Association, a non-profit organization, and all proceeds are reinvested into the city and region. By purchasing a season pass, drinks or betting at the gaming tables, you help fund local events and preserve historic landmarks.
During the summer, the casino is one of Dawson City’s largest employers and attracts more than 34,000 visitors a year. This place isn’t just popular with tourists – you can always find locals here playing cards, enjoying a show, or just grabbing a bite of pizza. Source
Visitor Reviews
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s has impressive ratings: 4.6/5 on Google and 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor based on over 1,000 reviews. Most reviews note the exceptional quality of the show, the friendly staff, and the unique atmosphere of the establishment.
One visitor writes, “I saw all three of their nightly shows (8:30pm, 10pm, and midnight). I liked the 20:30 show the best, had a lot of fun and laughed a lot during the 30 minute show. It was more interactive with the audience. The singers were great and the various can-can dance numbers were professionally choreographed and performed by the dynamic dancers.” Source
The main drawback noted in some reviews is the long lines during peak summer periods.
Recommendations for visiting
- Plan your evening in advance: Get there early, especially during the summer season, to avoid lines and get good seats to watch the shows.
- See all three shows: Each performance is unique, so it’s worth sticking around all evening to see all three shows.
- Try different games: Even if you’ve never played in a casino before, the friendly dealers will be happy to explain the rules to you.
- Take cash: The place is cash-only, although there are ATMs at the entrance.
- Dress in period style: Although not required, a Klondike or Wild West costume will add to the experience.
- Leave a chip as a memento: Casino chips are accepted at many establishments in the city, but you can also leave one as a memento of your visit.
- Book your accommodations early: Dawson City has several hotels within walking distance of the casino, but they fill up quickly in the summer.
Author Information
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