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Northern barbecue

By Sarah Musgrave

Old-time hospitality and smoked prime rib await at Klondike Rib and Salmon Barbecue

Klondike Rib and Salmon Barbecue may be located in the High North instead of the Deep South, but they'll barbecue just about anything here - from fresh-caught wild local salmon and arctic char to game like bison, caribou and their wilder cousin, the muskox.

In keeping with the city's frontier roots, the popular eatery occupies a rough-and-tumble structure that claims to be the oldest operating building in town. Originally serving as a bakery back in 1900, it consists of canvas walls held together with planks of wood. The aura of gold-digger days still lingers inside, too, with snowshoes stuck in the rafters, trunks and buzz saws strewn about the room and antique license plates adorning the walls. The old-time hospitality is just as evident in the dining room as on the outdoor patio where the rollicking atmosphere is fuelled by a selection of Yukon-brewed beers.

Fresh northern catch is a point of pride, particularly the halibut that makes its way into creamy chowders and fish and chips. Prime rib smoked on the premises is a scene stealer, while bumbleberry pie and sourdough bread pudding are deal sealers. Open from early May through the third week of September, the Klondike is the ultimate stop after a Yukon River cruise, and almost as unforgettable.

Getting here

Klondike Rib and Salmon Barbecue, 2116 2nd Ave., Whitehorse, 867-667-7554
Department of Tourism & Culture, Government of Yukon, 1-800-661-0494, travelyukon.com

Sarah Musgrave is a Montréal-based food journalist. She is the casual dining restaurant reviewer for the Montréal Gazette and the author of Resto-À-Go-Go: 200 Cheap and Fun Places to Eat and Drink in Montreal 2007.