August 6, 2025 – Dawson City to Mayo and onward to Carmacks, Yukon
2025 Yukon & Northwest Territories
After breakfast, we leave the Triple J Hotel in Dawson City for Mayo. After turning off the Klondike Highway to head to Mayo, we encounter some major highway construction along the Stewart River. After arriving at the Binet House Museum in Mayo, we have time to take in some of the history of this silver mining town before the caterer arrives with our lunch. Two local women share some history of their town and this area: 400 people live here, they have a K-12 school, outdoor pool, seniors residence, store, and municipal services. They are still dealing with the mine spill into the river, which happened last year (2024 Candian Press article). I take a walk down to the Stewart River before we board the bus to continue our journey.
After departing Mayo and rejoining the Klondike Highway, we stop at Yukon Crossing, where cattle were driven across the Yukon River.
Our next rest stop is at Pelly’s Crossing, where there is a gas station, a general store, and a few houses. Just under two hours later, we arrive in Carmacks, where we check into the local Hotel Carmacks. The hotel looks pretty dodgy, but my room is clean. The Trans-Canada Trail is just a block away, offering a nice walk along the shore of the river on a boardwalk. I fly my drone up the Yukon River, over the bridge and circle back taking 4k video. I have a very nice butter chicken dinner in the hotel restaurant.