Klondike, Yukon facts for kids
The Klondike is a special area in the Yukon territory of northwest Canada. It's located near the border with Alaska. This region is named after the Klondike River, a small river that flows into the larger Yukon River at a town called Dawson City.
The Klondike is most famous for the exciting Klondike Gold Rush. This event began in 1897 and lasted until 1899. Many people rushed to the area hoping to find gold. Gold mining has continued there for a long time, with only a short break in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
What Does "Klondike" Mean?
The name "Klondike" comes from a word in the Hän language, which is spoken by some First Nations people. The original word was Tr'ondëk. It means "hammerstone water." Early gold seekers found it hard to say Tr'ondëk. Because of this, the name changed over time to "Klondike."
Klondike's Climate
The Klondike has a very distinct climate. Summers are short and can be warm. However, winters are long and extremely cold. By late October, rivers in the area usually freeze over. For most of the year, the ground stays frozen. This frozen ground can be about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) deep.
