Klondike: The Quest for Gold

Klondike: The Quest for Gold is a Canadian documentary television series, which aired in 2003 on The History Network.[1] It follows the journey of five modern-day people as they recreate the journey made over 100,000 people during the Klondike Gold Rush.[2] They are supplied with 1897 period-appropriate clothing and gear, and make the journey from Dyea, Alaska to Dawson City, Yukon. They are provided with three months of food, mining equipment, and a knockdown boat, all totaling 3000 pounds, carried on their shoulders or in period-appropriate backpacks.

It is part of the "Quest" series from producer Jamie Brown, which also included Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West (2001), Quest for the Bay (2002), and Quest for the Sea (2004).[3]

Cast

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  • Sebastien Racine: 19 years old, youngest of the group
  • Dave Delnea: 22 years old, expedition photographer
  • Andria Bellon: Granddaughter of Klondike can-can girl
  • Rick Unrau: Jack of all trades
  • Joe Bishop: 41 years old, songwriter and oldest of the group

Tlingit Aboriginal Pack Men "Packers" were hired to assist carrying the gear.

  • Ron Chambers: Bush guide
  • Ralph James: Descendant of a Packer
  • Ron Altin: Descendant of a Packer

Episodes

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# Title Original airdate
01"Chilkoot Trial"7 February 2003 (2003-02-07)
A team of modern adventurers re-enacts the trek to the gold fields of the Klondike..
02"Lake Lindeman"7 February 2003 (2003-02-07)
The team falls behind and begins to run out of food.
03"Yukon River"7 February 2003 (2003-02-07)
The men leave Andria's personal gear behind, as the food dwindles and the cross Chilkoot Pass.
04"Dawson"7 February 2003 (2003-02-07)
The team reaches Dawson City, 72 days into the journey - starving.

References

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  1. ^ "Klondike gold rush another reality quest". Times & Transcript, May 10, 2002.
  2. ^ Stephanie Waddell, "Modern Gold Rushers can strike it rich". Whitehorse Star, May 10, 2002.
  3. ^ Denise Duguay, "Watching the tenderfoots go for gold". Prince Rupert Daily News, February 7, 2003.
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