Population: 375

Faro is located in east-central Yukon, 220 road miles/ 354 km from Whitehorse and 45 miles/72 km from Ross River on the Campbell Highway.

Visitor Information

Campbell Region Interpretive Center, located across from John Connolly RV Park. Pay campsite fees here; self-register after hours (see posted notice on door). Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from first weekend in May through September; contact the Town Office in off-season. The center is a must-stop, with historical displays, local and regional information and free Wi-Fi. Brochure of area hiking trails available. Contact Faro Town Office, Box 580, Faro, YT Y0B 1K0; phone 867-994-2728; www.faroyukon.ca.

Climate: Temperatures range from -51°F/-46°C in winter to a summer maximum of 84°F/29°C. Radio: CBC-FM 105.1 (weather alerts), CKRW-FM 98.7, CHONFM 90.5 (road reports and weather). Television: CBC and satellite channels.

A former mining town, named after a card game, Faro lies on the northern escarpment of the Tintina Trench. Many places in town offer a commanding view of the Pelly River. A pleasant stop with all services.

Lodging & Services

The Faro Studio Hotel has a lounge, restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner), ATM and rooms for rent. There are several bed and breakfasts and a vacation rental in Faro. See a list of accommodations at online at http://faro.ca/p/accommodations.

Gas/diesel station takes cash, debit and major credit cards. Phone VanGorda Enterprises at 867-689-2251 for hours of operation.

Other services in town include the Discovery Store grocery, Faro Hardware store, liquor store, post office and recreation center with seasonal indoor swimming pool and squash courts. Catholic and Protestant churches are located here.

Camping

Faro has the very pleasant John Connolly municipal campground and RV park with 20- and 30-amp electrical hookups, water, restrooms with showers, laundromat and sani-dump. Camping fees begin at $15 for tenters/RV sites without hookups, $27 for full hookups (showers and firewood included). A short nature trail leads from the campground to Van Gorder Falls viewing platform. t

Attractions
Dena Cho Trail

Take a hike on the 67.7 km/42 mile Dena Cho Trail and follow in the footsteps of the traditional Kaska people. The trail spans the distance between Ross River and Faro and there are 2 cabins en route for overnight stays. Be aware that if water levels are high when you travel, this can be a dangerous route.

A public boat ramp is available for exploring the Pelly River and at the stocked Fisheye Lake day-use recreation area.

Play Golf

Faro has a unique, “urban,” 9-hole golf course that plays through the middle of town. Rent equipment at the Campbell Region Interpretive Center.

Faro Arboretum

A bit farther up Mitchell Road, look for the Faro Arboretum on the right. The most northerly arboretum in Canada, it has viewing decks, interpretive panels and walking trails showcasing native plants and animals. The trail to the Arboretum is steep. The gravel access road continues 13.6 miles/22 km north to the Faro Mine Complex gate.

Ore Haul Truck No. 3

The Anvil Range lead-silver and zinc mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world, operated off and on from 1969 until 1998. Check out the Ore Haul Truck No. 3 (pictured below), on Canada’s list of Large Roadside Attractions. The truck is capable of carrying 65 tons of ore!

Van Gorder Falls Trail

The Van Gorder Falls Trail departs from the Campbell Region Interpretive Center. This 1.5 km/0.9 mile trail leads to a viewing deck overlooking the falls. You may extend your hike by turning off on the Wolf Trail on your return portion. This trail leads to the Faro mine site. Or veer off on the Fox Trail and get in some steep hill climbs as it winds through cranberry rich forest.

View Wildlife

An all-season observation cabin and isolated photographer’s blind for wildlife viewing at the Mount Mye Sheep Viewing Center. Viewing areas are accessible via a gravel road skirting the Fannin sheep grazing area and are within 4 miles/6.4 km of town. On the way there, turn off at sign for Blind Creek salmon weir.

Blind Creek is a salmon spawning stream that flows to the Pelly River. The weir enables sampling of the fish to learn more about the chinook. It also offers a fascinating and educational visitor experience when, in mid-July through mid-August, the chinook salmon return to spawn. Most salmon are 5 to 6 years old when they return. Staff are on hand to count the spawning salmon and provide information to visitors regarding this weir and the fish that they’re counting. Access road is not recommended for RVs.

Special Events

Special Events include the annual Crane & Sheep Viewing Festival in May; Fireside Chat & Bocce Tournament, June–August; and Faro Open Golf Tournament in July.