KLONDIKE HIGHWAY STOP

Carmacks

Carmacks village on the Yukon River

Carmacks, population about 500, is the largest community between Whitehorse and Dawson on the Klondike Highway — a natural halfway stop at km 356. Named for George Carmack, who along with Skookum Jim and Dawson Charlie sparked the Klondike gold rush by finding gold on Rabbit (later Bonanza) Creek. The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation is the primary community, and their cultural centre on the highway is worth a stop.

For most visitors Carmacks is a lunch break, a fuel top-up, and back on the road. The Coal Mine Campground and roadhouse just north of town has genuinely famous milkshakes and burgers — everyone stops. If you’re doing the Whitehorse-Dawson drive as a two-day trip rather than one, Carmacks is where you sleep. Beyond that it's a functional community, not a tourist stop. The Five Finger Rapids viewpoint 25 km north is the classic photo.

Where to stay

Hotel Carmacks and a couple of cabin operations serve the highway. Expect $120-160 for a basic room. Coal Mine Campground has cabins as well as sites and is the more atmospheric choice, $130-170. Book ahead in summer, especially July-August when RV traffic peaks. Winter services are limited — call ahead. Nothing luxurious anywhere in Carmacks; expect functional highway accommodation with reliable heat.

Getting there

Drive from Whitehorse: 178 km north on the Klondike Highway, about 2.5 hours. From Dawson 355 km south, about 4 hours. Husky Bus stops in Carmacks on its Whitehorse-Dawson route. No local transit — the village is small enough that you walk. Fuel at Carmacks (Petro-Canada) — the next reliable fuel north is Pelly Crossing 100 km further, then Stewart Crossing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to stop in Carmacks?

Fuel, yes if you’re low. Lunch, yes — Coal Mine milkshakes are worth it. Overnight only if you’re breaking Whitehorse-Dawson into two days, which is comfortable but not necessary. The full drive in one day is 6 hours if you don’t linger.

Where's the best photo along the Klondike Highway?

Five Finger Rapids, 25 km north of Carmacks. The rock pillars in the Yukon River are dramatic and the viewing platform makes it easy. Also Fox Lake at km 248 and Braeburn Lodge (for their giant cinnamon buns) at km 335 are memorable stops.