Berton House Writers’ Residency

About the Program

It could be the best two months of your life — a time to reflect, to discover the Yukon, and to fully dedicate yourself to your work-in-progress.

Berton House is situated in Dawson City, Yukon, on the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. Located in the childhood home of iconic Canadian author and Writers’ Trust co-founder Pierre Berton, it has operated as a writers’ residency since 1996 and has been owned and operated by Writers’ Trust since 2007. Nearly 100 writers have served as writers-in-residence and the residency has played an influential role in the publication of dozens of manuscripts.

Poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, playwrights, and writers of children’s literature are invited to apply. Housing and travel costs to and from Dawson City are covered. Residents also receive a $4,000 stipend. Writers are required to deliver two public readings and encouraged to interact with the community during their stay.

Please note that Writers’ Trust is not currently accepting applications from writers. We will update this page when we are ready to re-open the applications portal.

2023 Residents

Maria Saba

2023

See bio

Eliza Robertson

2023

See bio

Charlie Petch

2023

See bio

Gord Grisenthwaite

2023

See bio

The Story of a House: Berton House Writers' Residency

2023 Jurors

Carleigh Baker

Selected by Thomas King

More info

Greg Bechtel

January - March 2020

See bio

Lulu Keating

2023

See bio

The House

Berton House is a fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow located on Eighth Avenue, between Mission and Hanson in Dawson City, Yukon, five hundred kilometers north-west of Whitehorse.

The house is situated on the southern edge of town on “Writers’ Row,” across the street from Robert Service’s historic cabin and just up the street from Jack London’s cabin. 

The home includes a bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, office, and bathroom and is fully furnished and fully equipped (i.e. sheets, towels, dishes, etc). All the amenities necessary for you to immerse yourself completely in your work are provided (internet access, telephone, television, dishwasher, laundry). Plus, the house features a unique library containing treasures of the Canadian North, Pierre Berton’s voluminous collection, and works published by Berton House alumni. 

In 1989, Berton himself contributed $50,000 to the Yukon Arts Council so his childhood home, vacant and run down at the time, could be a place for Canadian authors to experience the North and pursue their craft. An eclectic and vibrant northern community, Dawson has a thriving arts scene.

Other Residency Programs ◢

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Partners

While Berton House is owned and administered by Writers' Trust of Canada, crucial operational support is provided by the Dawson City Community Library Board, the Klondike Visitors Association, and the Whitehorse Public Library, for which we are thankful.

Further gratitude is extended to Aeroplan for their generosity in supporting travel of the writers-in-residence to and from Berton House through their Beyond Miles program. Consider donating your own miles to support the program.

Berton House Guidelines
Other Residency Opportunities

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Eligibility Criteria

Writers-in-Residence

Contact

About the Program

It could be the best two months of your life — a time to reflect, to discover the Yukon, and to fully dedicate yourself to your work-in-progress.

2023 Residents

Maria Saba

Eliza Robertson

Charlie Petch

Gord Grisenthwaite

The Story of a House: Berton House Writers' Residency

2023 Jurors

Carleigh Baker

Greg Bechtel

Lulu Keating

The House

Berton House is a fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow located on Eighth Avenue, between Mission and Hanson in Dawson City, Yukon, five hundred kilometers north-west of Whitehorse.

— Drew Hayden Taylor

Partners

Berton House Writers’ Residency

A one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the North

Eligibility Criteria

Writers-in-Residence

Contact

About the Program

It could be the best two months of your life — a time to reflect, to discover the Yukon, and to fully dedicate yourself to your work-in-progress.

2023 Residents

Maria Saba

Eliza Robertson

Charlie Petch

Gord Grisenthwaite

The Story of a House: Berton House Writers' Residency

2023 Jurors

Carleigh Baker

Greg Bechtel

Lulu Keating

The House

Berton House is a fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow located on Eighth Avenue, between Mission and Hanson in Dawson City, Yukon, five hundred kilometers north-west of Whitehorse.

— Drew Hayden Taylor

Partners

Stay Connected

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