Crazy Bill in the Yukon
Ever heard the legend of “Crazy Bill” up in the Yukon? For more than two decades, Bill Donaldson, better known as Caveman Bill has called a cave above the Yukon River home.
Dawson City locals have long accepted him as part of the landscape. If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like for a man who literally carved out his own home in the wilderness, here’s a peek inside.
What we found out was that Bill first settled into his rocky refuge more than 25 years ago. But the intersting thing is his cave isn’t just livable, it’s downright homey.
A Really Comfortable Cave
Inside there’s a small woodstove that heats the space, a couple of LED lights for nighttime reading, and a neatly made bed tucked against the stone wall.
Beneath the bed two dogs curl up, their tails wagging in the glow of the firelight. Step outside, and you’ll find a compact woodworking area where Bill crafts rustic furniture and odd pieces from salvaged timber to sell around town.
Bill went on to tell us that “When I first rolled into Dawson, I tried a few different living setups,”. “Back then, there was a place called Tent City, a jumble of makeshift shelters where a few hundred seasonal workers were camping near the ferry. It got pretty chaotic.
A buddy of mine, Kevin, told me there were caves across the river that might be worth a look. Once the ice broke that spring, I packed my gear into a canoe, paddled across, and decided to stay.”
Over time, the cave evolved into a true home. “You start adding little comforts without really planning to,” Bill said. “Someone gave me a stove, then I hung a door, then rolled out some carpet. Eventually that carpet turned into a proper floor, and I started building furniture to make it feel like mine.”
Even with his minimalist setup, Bill handles most tasks himself. “Sure, there are some things you’ve got to buy, no one’s hand-carving a computer,” he jokes.
A Local Legend
Bill’s cave sits directly across the Yukon River from Dawson City which is the historic heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Tour boats often drift past, and if you’re lucky, you might spot him working outside his cave or tending to his dogs. His quiet lifestyle has turned him into something of a local legend.
While You’re Here, Don’t Miss…
Bill Donaldson’s story is one of rugged independence, but travel is full of unexpected personalities. You’ll find a very different vibe at Ireland’s Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival or in Stratford’s fall food scene.
Or trade the wilderness for sun-drenched beaches by island hopping in Fort Myers and Sanibel. Travel has a way of introducing us to fascinating contrasts.
Whitehorse, Yukon Tours
990 Facebook friends
What surprised us and most people who visit him is how ordinary Bill seems. He isn’t some anti-technology hermit, just a guy who prefers space and simplicity. He bikes into town, fixes things for neighbors, watches Dexter on his laptop, and keeps up with nearly a thousand Facebook friends. To locals, he’s part craftsman, part curiosity, and completely his own man.
“I think living off-grid teaches you what actually matters,” Bill said. “I use maybe a week’s worth of power that most people burn through in an afternoon. You realize how little you really need.”
We panic when the Wi-Fi drops for five minutes or when the blender won’t sync with our phones, but Bill’s cave is proof that comfort isn’t about gadgets. He’s carved out a modern life in an ancient way, less noise, fewer things, and more room to breathe.
What do we Really Need
Bill’s story really makes you think about what we actually need versus what we think we need. Here’s a guy watching Dexter on his laptop while living in a cave above the Yukon River. The irony isn’t lost on me that he probably has a more stable internet connection than half the coffee shops in Vancouver.
What strikes me most is how he’s managed to find this perfect balance, completely off-grid but not off-limits. He’s proof that alternative living doesn’t mean giving up everything that makes life enjoyable. Just the stuff that doesn’t matter.
Caveman Bill Video
Canadian photographer/videographer Steve Silva shot this short interview with Caveman Bill. Listen to his story and get a glimpse into another way of life. While cave-dwelling isn’t for everyone, Bill certainly allows us to reflect.
FAQs Caveman Bill Dawson City
Q: How long has Caveman Bill been living in his cave in Dawson City? A: Bill Donaldson has lived in his cave above the Yukon River for over 25 years, making it a permanent lifestyle choice rather than a temporary arrangement.
Q: Can tourists actually visit Caveman Bill’s cave in the Yukon? A: While you can’t visit inside the cave, tourists can see Bill’s home from boat cruises on the Yukon River that depart from Dawson City. You might even spot Bill himself outside his cave.
Q: What amenities does Bill have in his cave dwelling? A: His cave is equipped with LED lights, a woodstove for heating, cooking facilities, a bed, carpet, and a full floor. He also has a computer and watches shows on his laptop. Outside, he has a woodworking shop.
Q: Is Caveman Bill completely isolated from modern society? A: Not at all. Bill bikes into Dawson City regularly to visit friends, has 990 Facebook friends, watches TV shows on his laptop, and is well-known in town as a skilled handyman and woodworker.
Q: How does Bill make money living in a cave? A: Bill supports himself by building and selling customized furniture from his woodworking shop outside his cave. He’s known around Dawson City as a skilled craftsman.
Q: What made Bill choose cave living over other housing options? A: When Bill first arrived in Dawson City, he considered Tent City, where transient workers lived, but found it too chaotic. A friend suggested the caves, and after checking them out, Bill decided it was perfect for him.
Q: Does Bill advocate for others to live in caves? A: No, Bill doesn’t preach a “cave-dwelling lifestyle” or reject modern technology. He’s just an ordinary guy who found a housing solution that works for him and allows him to live more simply.
Q: How does Bill handle Yukon winters in a cave? A: The article mentions he has a woodstove for heating, and over the years, he’s made improvements like adding carpet, flooring, and a door to make the cave more comfortable year-round.
Q: Where exactly is Bill’s cave located? A: The cave is located directly across the Yukon River from Dawson City, Canada’s Yukon territory. Dawson City was once the epicenter of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Q: What’s the most surprising thing about Caveman Bill? A: Despite living in a cave, Bill is completely normal – he watches Netflix, has hundreds of Facebook friends, and is well-integrated into the local community as a respected craftsman and tourist attraction.
