Canyon City is the county seat of
Grant County. This picturesque town is located just south of
John Day, between
Mt Vernon and
Prairie City along Hwy 395 on the banks of the
John Day River, near
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area. Canyon City is the heart of Oregon gold country, incorporated in 1891. This town of 705 was once actually larger than Portland during the Civil War
The Kam Wah Chung Historic Wayside west of town and City Park in the center of town, are favorite picnic spots as well as a play area in the City Park for the local young people. The annual Music in the Park series (performed during the summer months), Joaquin Miller cabin and Greenhorn Jail, fishing and gold panning in Canyon Creek and Grant County Historic Museum are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The city has been referred to as a bedroom community. Canyon City is the site of numerous small businesses, cottage industries with government and associated offices.
