Dawson City. The name itself conjures images of gold-rush fever, can-can dancers, and sourdough stories. It’s a place steeped in history, a living museum where the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush still lingers in the air. Seriously, this place is like the set of a Western movie -- but it's legit like this!
Nowhere is that spirit more alive than at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall, Canada's oldest gambling hall. As a travel enthusiast with a penchant for unique experiences, a visit to Gerties was high on my list during my Yukon adventure.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported back to the late 1890s. The atmosphere was electric, a heady mix of excitement, nostalgia and a touch of wild abandon. The walls, adorned with vintage photographs and gold rush memorabilia, whispered tales of fortune seekers and dance hall queens. The air buzzed with the chatter of visitors, the clatter of chips, and the lively tunes of the house band.
Diamond Tooth Gerties is more than just a gambling hall; it's a full-blown entertainment venue. The main floor is dedicated to classic casino games like blackjack, roulette and poker, all presided over by friendly dealers dressed in period attire. I tried my luck at the roulette table, placing a few cautious bets and experiencing the thrill of the spinning wheel. While I didn't strike gold, the experience was exhilarating nonetheless.
I was able to witness someone win nearly $3,000 on a slot machine. Seriously! I had to take a pic of his win.
But the real draw of Gerties is the can-can show. Twice nightly, the stage explodes with energy as the Diamond Tooth Gertie dancers take to the floor. Dressed in elaborate costumes with feathers, sequins and plenty of frills, these talented performers kick, twirl and sashay their way through a dazzling display of dance and song.
The show is a high-energy spectacle, a lively tribute to the dance hall era. The music is catchy, the choreography is captivating, and the dancers are simply phenomenal. I found myself completely enthralled, clapping and cheering along with the rest of the audience -- and that included some men who were pulled up on stage to participate in a dance number.
Between the gambling and the can-can shows, I took some time to explore the hall. I learned about the history of Gertie Lovejoy, the hall's namesake, a real-life dance hall performer who captivated the hearts of many a gold prospector. Legend has it she had a diamond embedded in her front tooth, hence the name Diamond Tooth Gertie.
While the current Gertie is a character brought to life by a talented actress, she embodies the spirit of the original, charming audiences with her quick wit and engaging stories.
Throughout the evening, I couldn't help but be impressed by the dedication to authenticity. (The staff -- or "cast" -- remained in character the entire time. From the costumes to the music to the overall ambiance, Diamond Tooth Gerties truly captures the essence of the Klondike Gold Rush. It's a place where history comes alive, where you can step back in time and experience the excitement and glamour of a bygone era.
As the night drew to a close, I felt a sense of contentment. I had gambled (and lost), I had danced, I had learned about the history of the Klondike, and I had witnessed a truly unforgettable performance.
Diamond Tooth Gerties is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a cultural institution, a vital part of Dawson City's identity.
