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We drove the Campbell Highway in 1996 and in 2008:
We also drove the section from Ross River to Watson Lake in 2007, to access the South Canol Road and the Nahanni Range Road. There are very limited services along the Campbell Highway. Be prepared to take care of yourself if you choose to drive this route. In 2008, the only available fuel was in Ross River and on occasion they run out of fuel, which can mean waiting days for a delivery truck. |
There was also extensive construction underway in 2008. This construction continued in 2009, and more contracts for construction were issued in 2010.
At Watson Lake, near the sign forest, the Campbell Highway heads north to
Ross River, Faro and Carmacks.
At km 81 (mile 50), the Simpson Lake Yukon Gov't campground is a pleasant overnight stop.
View of Simpson Lake from Yukon gov't territorial campground - Sept 2007
Canoeing at dusk on Simpson Lake - Sept 2007
The Nahanni Range Road heads east from the Campbell Highway at km 108
(mile 67). Conditions on the Nahanni Range Road vary year-to-year and if
you plan
driving this route, check at the Watson Lake visitors centre for up-to-date
info.
The start of the Nahanni Range Road, accessed from the Campbell Highway - Sept
2007
View northwest from the rest area at the start of the Nahanni Range Road - Sept
2007
In July 2008, the rest area above and the junction with the Nahanni Range Road
were unrecognizable due to the major re-construction of the Campbell Highway.
One of the construction zones on the Campbell Highway in July 2008
It was difficult to find the way through at some of the
construction zones - July 2008
Frances Lake Yukon Gov't campground, 171 km (107 miles) north of Watson Lake is
a popular spot in the fall with fisherman and hunters. It is also very
popular with
mosquitoes and flies in the spring!
Frances Lake Yukon gov't territorial campground - Sept
2007
Campsite at Frances Lake - Sept 2007
Northbound on the Campbell Hwy about 15 miles south of
Ross River, looking southwest
towards the St Cyr Range - June 1996
Looking northwest from the same location above - June 1996
Southbound on Campbell Highway, south of Ross River - July
2008
Southbound on the Campbell Highway, south of Ross River -
July 2008
This was the first of three flats on this trip in June 1996.
We were northbound on the Campbell Hwy, just a few miles south of
Ross River.
The South Canol Road intersects with the Campbell Highway a few miles south of
Ross River.
The only gas station along the Campbell Highway in 2008 was in Ross River, 370
km
(230 miles) from Watson Lake. The gas station had no unleaded gasoline
when we
were there in 2008, but had diesel.
Filling up with diesel at Ross River
There are no commercial campgrounds in Ross River. There is a Yukon government campground just a few miles north of Ross River on the Campbell Highway. We have had an enjoyable stay there several times.
Sign on the Campbell Highway at the Ross River junction
At Km 414 is the turn-off to the town of Faro. Faro operates a pleasant municipal campground, the only "commercial" facility along the highway.
Faro is Yukon's Best Kept Secret - July 2008
The Faro mine began production in 1969 and was Canada's largest lead-zinc mine. After several openings and closings, the mine closed a final time in 1997. The site is now undergoing reclamation, with a total estimated cost of between $500 million and $1 billion during the next few decades.
About 400 people continue to reside in Faro. The town is well-maintained
and
provides some services to travelers.
However, in
2008 there was not a gas station. A grocery store was trying to operate
and offered some supplies in 2008.
The abandoned mine includes three large open pits, a massive tailings area, and
several waste rock dump sites. Experts say that water treatment will be required
for
at least 500 years. The Faro mine began production in 1969, and was the
sweetheart
of the Yukon economy through the 1970s as Canada’s largest lead-zinc mine. The
first in a series of closures came in 1982 amid an economic recession.
The "environmental disaster" - sludge from the Anvil Mine
- July 2008
At first glance, a scenic view near the Anvil Mine.
Closer look reveals the tailings/rock pile left over from the Anvil Mine - July
2008
Road descending from the now closed Anvil Mine, north of
Faro - July 2008
Back on the Campbell Highway, driving north towards Carmacks we were both glad to encounter the paved highway again!
Red Fox on the Campbell Highway near Little Salmon Lake -
July 2008
Little Salmon Lake from the Campbell Highway - July 2008
Little Salmon Lake from the Yukon gov't campground - July
2008
There is a turn-off to Frenchman Lake at about km 543. Along the Frenchman-Tatchun Lake Road there are three Yukon gov't campgrounds. The gravel road is 46 km long and exits on the Klondike Highway.
At km 555 is a sign marking the location of the "Columbian
Disaster". According to the September 26, 1906 edition of the
Dawson Daily News, "The explosion blew out the
sides of the vessel, scattered men and cargo in the water, and in
less than five minutes had involved the whole inside of the ship in
a mass of seething flame."
Sign of interest along the Yukon River and Campbell Highway - June 1996
Eastward view of the river from the site pictured above - June
1996
The Campbell Highway ends at Km 582, near the village of Carmacks, on the Klondike Highway.