Discovery Day is observed in Yukon, Canada, on the third Monday of August. This holiday commemorates the beginning of the Klondike Gold Rush, which started on August 16, 1896, when prospector George Carmack discovered gold on Bonanza Creek. The news of this discovery led to a massive influx of around 100,000 prospectors to the Klondike region, although only 30,000 to 40,000 reached their destination. Dawson City, founded in 1896, became the center of the gold rush and hosted a population of 40,000 at its peak in 1898. Discovery Day was instituted as a public holiday by the Territorial Council of Yukon in 1911. Today, celebrations are held throughout Yukon, with the largest festivities in Dawson City, featuring a colorful parade, exhibitions, contests, and various events.