MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum is an interpretive learning experience that preserves and presents Whitehorse Copperbelt mining history. The museum is located at 919.28 Alaska Highway, just north of Whitehorse on the edge of the historic copper mining region. Whether it’s a train ride through the northern boreal forests you crave, a place to take your family for fun and adventure, or a fascinating history lesson on northern mining, rail, and life, visiting our museum, picnic pavilion, playground and beloved “Loki” ride is a must for everyone.
The museum is located in a rich copper-bearing area, 4 km west of the city of Whitehorse. Copper deposits were first discovered in this area in 1897 as Gold Rush stampeders were making their way to Dawson. Because of the Gold Rush, most people overlooked the outcroppings of copper on their way to the Klondike. Copper stakes were not claimed until the following year. John McIntyre staked the first claim on July 6th, 1898 and called it the “Copper King”. The copper belt is 30km long and extends from south of the intersection of the South Klondike and Alaska Highways to an area west of Porter Creek subdivision in the north of Whitehorse.
Exhibits and Artifacts
Exhibits at MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum focus on copper mining around Whitehorse, the Pueblo Mine Disaster, and an interpretive train ride along a 2.5 km track.