The focus of his entrepreneurial energy switched a few years later when he or his wife, Kate Carmack, discovered gold with her brother, Keish (Skookum Jim), and Dawson Charlie (Tagish Charlie) at what was to become the Discovery Claim, near Dawson City, which started the Klondike Gold Rush.

The Campbell Highway also intersects the community and carries on to Faro, Ross River and Watson Lake, providing a gateway to the Canol Road and some of Yukon's most spectacular scenery.

Carmacks has a subarctic climate (Dfc) with short but mild summers and long, severely cold winters.

The area around Carmacks has abundant mineral resources, including coal, copper, and gold.

The Recreation Centre also holds a skating rink, fully loaded fitness gym and a full kitchen for all occasions.