Edmonton 
“You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the gnarly toe!”
There is a list in Sourdough Saloon in Dawson City, with names of locals and tourists next to the names of former Canadian Prime Ministers. What could this list mean, and how does it relate to the infamous gnarly toe?
The Sourdough Saloon:
The Sourdough Saloon is in Dawson City’s bright red downtown hotel aptly named The Downtown. The hotel is only a couple of blocks away from the scenic Yukon River, and only adds to the city’s Old West charm. The well-kept building sits amongst many other well-preserved older buildings lined with wooden sidewalks and framed by low mountains.
Stepping into the Sourdough Saloon will certainly transport you back to the Old West and Klondike era with its authentic décor and features. It is also home to the gnarly toe and, with that, one of Dawson City’s most steadfast traditions.
The Sourtoe Cocktail:
The aforementioned toe is a real human toe owned by The Downtown and Saloon, allegedly once part of the body of a local rumrunner with frost-bitten feet. Eventually the toe came into the possession of Captain Dick Stevens, owner of the Sourdough Saloon. And it is Captain Stevens who came up with the idea of the now world-famous Sourtoe Cocktail.
Any adult patron of the Sourdough Saloon can become part of that local steadfast tradition. All you must do is take a shot of Yukon Whisky garnished with the actual human toe, and your lips must touch the gnarly toe. And with this, your name is added to the Saloon ledger with people like Pierre Trudeau, who also kissed the toe!
The Saloon’s current captain and keeper of the toe (who also keeps it sterile) then awards you your certificate so you can take those bragging rights home!
Keep in mind that there is a hefty fine for anyone who accidentally or intentionally swallows the toe! Just ask the Sorry Cannibal.
And while the Sourdough Saloon gained a great deal of fame and notoriety after the 2013 toe-swallowing-incident, the Saloon has many other claims to fame: burgers and handhelds stacked high, pizzas on handmade dough, hearty appetizers, and several other craft cocktails- sans toe!
No matter the time of year, if you seek a sourtoe cocktail, a trip to Dawson City, or a trip through the city, there will be many options for how to spend your time outside The Downtown or the Saloon.
There is a great deal of history to explore around Dawson City’s museums, historic sites, and right in town. Plus, recreation in this region of the Yukon is almost unmatched anywhere else in Canada: enjoy pristine wilderness for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing, cycling, boating, fishing, and ice fishing.
Planning Your Trip – Sourdough Saloon
Location: Coast Hotels The Downtown – 1026 Second Ave., Dawson City, YT
Best time to go: Open May to September
For more information:
The Sorry Cannibal, CBC Gem
