Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner - 95

Yukon SCEnIC DRIVES Route Journey from Whitehorse to Stewart Crossing, then east on the Silver Trail to the historic frontier mining towns of Mayo and Keno City. Distance: 470 km Time recommended: Minimum 2 nights Features: Stewart River, a century of mining history, the Peel wilderness Activities: Hiking in the Wernecke Mountains, Keno City and Mayo walking tours, gold panning, fishing, wildlife viewing, wilderness river trips in the backcountry Trip Planning Places to visit: Stewart Crossing, Mayo, Keno City • above: Five Mile Lakes Campground – YG, below right: Hoary marmot, better known as “whistlers” – YG Silver and the Stewart Four hours north of Whitehorse, leave the North Klondike Highway and turn onto the Silver Trail at Stewart Crossing. Here visitors will find the Silver Trail Information Kiosk, which contains travel and historical details on the region. The winding drive to Mayo passes through moose habitat and offers scenic views of the Stewart River. A major tributary of the Yukon River, the Stewart lured Klondike-area prospectors to the area in the early 1900s, which led to major mineral discoveries. Sternwheelers loaded with ore plied the Stewart River into the 1950s, when construction of the North Klondike Highway ended the riverboat age. Situated at the confluence of the Stewart and Mayo rivers, Mayo Landing was established in 1900 as the port for silver-lead shipments from the Keno District. Today, Mayo is a thriving regional centre that serves tourism, outfitting and mining operations and is the home of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. On the scenic drive to Mayo, stop for a short interpreted walk to the viewing deck overlooking Stewart River moose habitat at Devil’s Elbow. Bring your binoculars. and miners who love the off-the-beaten-track feeling of the Silver Trail. Visit the Keno City Mining Museum to learn about local history, the geological landscape, and the unique lives of silver miners and the frontier spirit of their families. Memories and vestiges of the northern mining experience are still fresh in Keno City, creating an authenticity that visitors won’t soon forget. Whitehorse to Stewart Crossing: 360 km (4 hrs) Stewart Crossing to Keno City (via Mayo): 110 km (2 hrs) • Highways travelled: North Klondike Highway #2, Silver Trail #11 Visitor Information Centres: Stewart Crossing, Mayo, Keno City Local Attractions Binet House Interpretive Centre Five Mile Lakes • Keno City Mining Museum • Keno City Alpine Interpretive Centre • Signpost on Keno Hill • Alpine butterfly trail • • Alpine Adventures After a visit to the Keno City Alpine Interpretive Centre, drive up the winding Keno Hill road for panoramic views from the signpost on top. The alpine area is home to marmots, pikas, birds, butterflies and wildflowers, and the road access affords visitors a unique look at the fragile alpine environment. Hiking and biking trails abound on the Silver Trail, often passing by crumbling cabins and great fishing holes. Mount Haldane is a popular day hike, and a network of marked trails surrounds Keno City. Returning from Keno City to Mayo, you may want to take the Duncan Creek Loop. This road may not be suitable for all types of vehicles. Please check for road conditions at the Keno City Mining Museum. Mayo and Keno City both offer a range of visitor services. Campgrounds, recreation sites, boat launches and trails are located along the Silver Trail. Count on spending an extra day to explore this hidden Yukon treasure. Tales of a Silver Era Continue past Mayo through the mountains to the village of Keno City, the Yukon’s colourful frontier mining town. Fewer than 20 residents make their home in this small community, among them artists, entrepreneurs travelyukon.com 95

Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner

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