I've been coming to Watson Lake to do locums for years now. I keep coming back because it's a great group of people and setting for rural medicine. You just can't find this type of medicine in a city.– Dr. Morgan Brache
Carmacks
Carmacks is situated on the Traditional Territory of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.
At its prime position where the Yukon and Nordenskiold rivers meet, the Carmacks area has been an important spot on the map for countless centuries.
The local Northern Tutchone people depended on the area for resources, and traded with other First Nations travelling the river. It’s kept its critical role as a stop between Whitehorse and Dawson on the Overland Trail built in 1902, and then on the present North Klondike Highway.
With a population of approximately 577 people Carmacks offers several amenities including a K-12 school, healthcare and college in addition to various private businesses including groceries, gas and hotel accommodation.
Carmacks remains popular with both river and highway travellers. It’s a great spot where boats can launch for the trip to Dawson City or for fishing right near Carmacks.
Carmacks is home to the Carmacks Community Health Centre.
HOW DO I GET TO CARMACKS?
By Road
Via Whitehorse: Expect your travel time from Whitehorse to be approximately 2 hours, depending on the season, road conditions, and regional weather. The distance to your destination is 177 kilometers (or 110 miles).
FUN FACTS ABOUT CARMACKS:
- Carmacks is named after George Carmack, one of the prospectors who, with Skookum Jim Mason, was involved in the initial discovery of Klondike Gold.
- The Village serves as a major, high-energy checkpoint for the grueling 1,000-mile international Yukon Quest sled dog race
- Carmacks boasts one of only four bridges that span the mighty Yukon River, linking the community across the North Klondike Highway.
