Population: 539

Carmacks is located on the banks of the Yukon River on the Klondike Highway, 222 miles south of Dawson City and 112 miles from Whitehorse, and just 2 miles south of the Campbell Highway junction.

Visitor Information: Visitor Information Centre, located in the Old Telegraph Station which also contains a mini-museum and a display of area geology. Phone the Visitor Information Centre at 867-863-6330 (summers only); or phone 867-863-6271.

Carmacks was named for George Carmack, who established a trading post here before leaving to look for gold. His gold discovery on Bonanza Creek led to the Klondike Gold Rush. Carmacks was an important stop for Yukon River steamers traveling between Dawson City and Whitehorse, and it continues as a service centre for highway and river traffic.

Visitor services at the Hotel Carmacks include lodging, RV parking with hookups, the Gold Panner Restaurant and Gold Dust Lounge (wonderful ambience). Hotel Carmacks also has a laundromat for RV and hotel guests to use. Tatchun Centre, part of the hotel complex, has a wide selection of groceries and souvenirs, as well as gas and diesel. Baked goods, ice cream and a post office available locally.

Attractions:

  • Visit the Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre just north of the Yukon River bridge at Milepost J 102.8. It offers guided tours of Northern Tutchone culture with exhibits that include beaded slippers, a dug-out canoe, traditional garments and many other items. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. Phone 867-863-5831 for hours.

  • Restored pioneer structures in Carmacks include the Carmacks Roadhouse and the Hazel Brown cabin.
  • Stroll along the interpretive boardwalk trail alongside the Yukon River.
  • For rock hounds, there are 5 agate trails in the area, which can double as short hiking trails.
  • Abundant fishing in area rivers and lakes for salmon, grayling, northern pike, lake and rainbow trout and whitefish.