About TheKlondike.net
About Shawn Gillespie
I was born and raised in Dawson City, Yukon, and have spent my entire life exploring the landscapes, communities, and history that make the North unique.
Some of my earliest memories are from the gold fields, where my family mined for gold. As a child, I spent time at the mine site watching sluice boxes run, riding in heavy equipment, and learning firsthand about an industry that has shaped Yukon for generations.
My family's connection to the Yukon stretches back to the Klondike Gold Rush. My great-great-grandfather, Richard L. Gillespie, travelled to the Yukon from Prince Edward Island during the Gold Rush era. On my mother's side, my family has deep roots connected to the Mayo region and Yukon First Nations history, while my grandfather's family immigrated from Belgium.
Outside of my professional work, I spend much of my time exploring the Yukon — driving the Dempster Highway, visiting Tombstone Territorial Park, researching Yukon history, and learning about historic places across the North.
"For me, the Yukon is more than a destination. It is home, history, community, and adventure all rolled into one. TheKlondike.net is my way of sharing that with the world." — Shawn Gillespie
The Mission
TheKlondike.net was created to share a lifelong passion for the Yukon with others. The goal is to build a trusted resource for travellers, history enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone curious about the Yukon — through travel guides, local knowledge, historical research, and stories from across the territory.
This is not a tourist board brochure or a sponsored travel blog. It's a genuine attempt to help visitors experience the Yukon beyond the guidebooks and discover what makes this place so special — the kind of depth that only comes from growing up here and spending a lifetime paying attention.
What Makes This Site Different
- Born Here — Dawson City is home, not a destination. Every guide is written from a lifetime of firsthand knowledge.
- Deep Research — Archives, oral histories, and on-the-ground exploration form the backbone of the history content.
- All Corners Covered — From the Dempster Highway to Tombstone Park, Watson Lake to Old Crow.
- Community First — Built to be a trusted resource for travellers, researchers, and anyone who loves the North.