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A HANDSHAKE AND A HOTEL

The Story of Bonanza Motel & RV Park

In Dawson City, where history meets us learn the ropes,” Terrie shares. One new Bonanza Motel & RV Park is more than a
hospitality, there’s a place with a story as hire—now their office manager—joined just business—it’s a living story of a couple’s courage
colorful as the Klondike itself. Bonanza Motel two weeks after they took over and is still with as they stepped outside their comfort zone
& RV Park, boasting 35 rooms and 90 RV sites, them today, along with her extended family. and said yes when life offered the unexpected.
is more than just a place to stay—it’s the result Klondike Hospitality As Terrie puts it, “My husband and I are both
of a leap of faith, a handshake over lunch, and a Their RV park offers a full slate of of the mindset that you try something once,
dream neither owner ever expected. amenities—15 and 30 amp electrical service, because what’s the worst that could happen?
Terrie Turai came to Dawson City in 1998 water and sewer hookups, public restrooms If it doesn’t work out, at least you tried. And
as a dancer for Diamond Tooth Gertie’s iconic and showers, a laundromat, an RV car wash, we’re so glad we did it.”
western show. By 2012, she had spent over and even e-bike rentals for guests exploring For bookings visit: bonanzagold.ca
a decade producing, choreographing, and Dawson City. The motel stays open year-round,
performing, even while raising a young son. offering a rare “honor system” for late arrivals:
That’s when she and her husband Philippe available rooms are listed on a board with keys
Bartholomeus were unexpectedly approached left in the doors. “We trust people to check in
by the owners of the Bonanza Gold with an the next morning,” says Terrie. “It works. That’s
offer of lunch. small-town life.”
“We went out to eat with them, not knowing In every detail, Bonanza Motel reflects the
why they asked us,” Terrie laughs. “I’d just values of its owners—clean rooms, kind staff,
gotten back into the show after maternity and a commitment to guest comfort. “We just
leave. I was a theatre major—not a hotelier!” want people to feel welcomed,” Terrie says.
But the couple found themselves listening “We do everything we can to make sure they
politely. By the end, the owners shook their leave with an enjoyable experience.”
hands and said, “Congratulations.” “We got in Though summer is their busiest season—with
the car and asked each other, ‘Did we just buy RV tours and holiday weekends booking up
a hotel? When we got home, my parents, who fast—Bonanza stays lively all year. Construction
were in town watching our son, asked how it crews, winter travelers, and visitors from
went and we told them we’re not sure but we neighboring communities keep the lights on
think we bought a hotel!” during winter months.
A year later, on April 4, 2013, they officially And the camaraderie of Dawson makes it
took over the Bonanza Motel & RV Park and all worthwhile. “I grew up in Toronto and was
say it was the best decision they ever made. very much a city girl. If someone had told me
With zero experience but a community at their that I would one day be running a motel in the
backs and amazing employees, the pair dove in Yukon, I would have laughed at them. But I
headfirst. “A lot of the staff stayed on to help can’t imagine doing anything else.”

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