The territorial government contracted the White Pass & Yukon Route (WP & YR) to build a winter road from Whitehorse to Dawson in 1902. The company had the winter mail contract, and used its Royal Mail Service coaches to carry passengers, baggage and mail on the new Overland Trail.

The 330-mile (530-km) road was substantially shorter than the winding river route used in the summer by sternwheelers. It led past this point, crossing the Yukon River north of Carmacks. Horse-drawn stages traveled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and took about five days to complete the trip.

WP&YR used wheeled coaches at the beginning of the season; sleighs were substituted when enough snow had fallen. Stages usually ran three times per week, although in the late winter there was almost daily service.

The one-way fare was a steep $125 and passengers paid extra for their meals and accommodation en route.

Yukon Sun, March 6, 1900

Yukon Sun, April 25, 1900

1) Two cars on the river ice near Whitehorse

2) The Takhini was one of four rivers crossed by the Overland Trail.

3) Visit the restored roadhouse in Carmacks to find out more about the Overland Trail and the special heritage of this historic village.