Faro, Yukon
Faro is a central Yukon town in the Campbell region, just off the Robert Campbell Highway in the Pelly River valley. It was built for one of the territory’s biggest mining projects, then had to rebuild its identity around wildlife viewing, trails, arts, camping, seasonal festivals and the long work of mine reclamation.
The town is a useful stop because its history is visible in the streets and its present-day visitor focus is specific: the Campbell Region Interpretive Centre, Fannin sheep viewing, the John Connolly RV Park, community trails and access to the wider Campbell route.
How Faro Started
The Town of Faro’s history page describes an older exploration landscape along the Pelly River. Robert Campbell travelled the river in 1843 for the Hudson’s Bay Company, George Dawson mapped the Pelly in 1887 for the Geological Survey of Canada, and Charles Sheldon hunted Stone sheep in the area in 1905.
Mining created modern Faro. The town history says Al Kulan and seven Kaska prospectors staked the claim that became the Faro mine in 1953, after Jack Sterriah and his son had first identified the discovery while hunting near Van Gorder Creek. Kulan and Aaro Aho later formed Dynasty Explorations, and the company joined with Cyprus Mining to form Cyprus Anvil Mining Corporation.
The mine opened in 1969, and the townsite had to be rebuilt almost immediately after a forest fire destroyed most of the new housing that June. Faro’s population rose with mine expansion, fell with metal prices, and shifted again after the mine closed permanently. The Government of Yukon’s community statistics page describes Faro today as a much smaller but more stable community, with the former mine under care, maintenance and reclamation.
What Faro Is Like Today
Statistics Canada counted 440 residents in Faro in the 2021 census. The town still has infrastructure from its mining era: an airport, roads, public buildings, recreation space and a layout larger than many communities of similar population.
Tourism and local life now lean into the surrounding landscape. Travel Yukon describes Faro as a wildlife-viewing community in a busy wildlife corridor, while the town promotes viewing decks, interpretive signage, Fannin sheep, trails and seasonal programming. The former mine remains part of the story, but visitors should use official interpretation and stay out of industrial areas.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Start at the Campbell Region Interpretive Centre. The Town of Faro describes it as a seasonal visitor centre with permanent exhibits on regional history, geology and wildlife, located near the centre of town beside the John Connolly Municipal Campground and RV Park. Some trails begin in the area, and staff can help with current conditions and local advice.
Wildlife viewing is Faro’s strongest outdoor draw. The town says the area has several viewing decks and interpretive signs, including a sheep-viewing station with a cabin and woodstove for spring and fall viewing of Fannin sheep. Travel Yukon also highlights Faro’s position along the Tintina Trench and the 67-kilometre Dena Cho Trail connecting Faro and Ross River along a traditional Kaska route.
Bring binoculars and ask locally where viewing is appropriate that day. Wildlife may be visible from signed areas close to town, but road shoulders, private property and industrial areas are not substitutes for the official decks and interpretive sites.
Events add another reason to time a visit. Faro’s Crane and Sheep Festival celebrates wildlife and local culture with activities, crafts, food and music. Summer also brings camping, fishing, golfing, boating and trail use, while winter shifts attention toward snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, northern lights and ice fishing.
For regional planning, Faro sits between Carmacks and Ross River on the Campbell route. Road conditions matter, so check Yukon 511 before assuming fast travel times.
Quick Facts
- Territory: Yukon
- Region: Campbell
- Municipality type: town
- 2021 census population: 440
- Official website: faro.ca
- Main route: Robert Campbell Highway
- Main visitor areas: Campbell Region Interpretive Centre, wildlife-viewing decks, Dena Cho Trail, John Connolly RV Park and Crane and Sheep Festival
Travel Notes
Faro deserves more than a quick highway glance. A focused stop should include the interpretive centre, one or two viewing areas, a walk or trail segment, and enough time to ask locally about wildlife conditions.
The Campbell route is quieter than Yukon’s major highway corridors. Carry practical road supplies, check fuel range, confirm campground or lodging availability, and watch for wildlife on the road. Spring and fall can be strong for sheep viewing, while summer gives the easiest visitor-centre access and broader recreation options.
The visitor centre is the best first stop for current trail, wildlife and event advice.
Respect closed industrial areas and mine-reclamation work. Faro’s mining story is important, but public visitor experiences are the interpretive centre, town history, viewpoints, trails and community events.
Ask about seasonal wildlife etiquette before choosing a viewing site.