Abandoned in Paradise | Entire Mine Site Still Standing | Beautiful Views | Destination Adventure

Every year I try and spend some time exploring high up in the mountains, and finally I have had a few great opportunities in the Yukon. This site has been on my list for a long time, so it is nice to finally be able to check it off. This is the Venus Silver Mine, just outside of Carcross, Yukon. I was so amazed to see the condition of these buildings and equipment, especially given the harsh snowy winters.
The bottom location was easy to explore, being right by the highway, but to me, the highlight was to top location with the mine shaft. I enjoy the top spot mostly because the view is just so so nice, but finding that mine shaft was an absolute bonus.
I wish I had time to get an interview for this video and produce it a little nicer, but winter in sneaking in on me so fast right now. The roads in northern BC, and the Yukon have not been kind to my poor motorhome. I knew they would be rough, but they have been so bad that my heater is no longer working in the MoHo. It's on the list of things to fix once I get to Williams Lake, but let me tell you that list is starting to get pretty long.
I hope each one of you enjoys this adventure.
If you would like to help support this channels growth, please consider checking out my Patreon Page: / destinationadventure

[@davidpianosi4512]

Well I'd say losing and finding the Gnarly Davidson, getting bears eating your boat! I would say you're doing a rather good job of finding Adventure.! You can't make stuff like this up

[@exploringabandonedmines]

We were there last year. There are quite a few mines there we explored there. I roped down the vent raise at the end of your video it goes down about 50 feet into a flooded mine that goes way back into the mountain. It is sad to see the mill falling into the lake. The equipment should be taken out of the mill and put in a museum before the mill collapses and everything ends up in the lake.

[@joshjablonicky171]

What video would that happen to be I would love to check it out

[@exploringabandonedmines]

@@joshjablonicky171 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3vVmImDgZqtkJY

[@nawdawg4300]

@@joshjablonicky171 Found it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGLKaZ5tmp19b5o

[@Coincidence_Theorist]

So glad you left comments this sounds more like it. Annd thus we migrate to keener pastures, fare thee well ones afraid to venture fourth cross snow. (No but should have had a couple ice axes 🤷‍♂️ watcha gonna do. Can only carry so much. ….found it odd he brought a gun or two but then left them ? I guess just in case he got abandoned? For when the freaks come out at night?)

[@ScoopeddadDrone]

Your are seriously killing it. In my opinion you have the best channel on KZbin. Keep up the amazing work.

[@drewping2002]

That must be far from settlement, that close to the highway and not all trashed and vandalized! Those old miners had a pretty gorgeous workplace!

[@penstemona9933]

I was there as a kid in the early 70's when the road to Skagway was still under construction and the road stopped a few hundred yard past this site. This site is still pretty much just as I remembered it! Thanks for the great videos Dustin. You capture a sense of nature and site beauty (even in decay) better than most!

[@susanbaca6883]

Yes I am sure the miners stopped to enjoy the view. Humans can’t resist nature’s beauty. Love your videos and your easy laugh. May you have continued adventures and success.

[@janblake9468]

Cans found on slope: first says baking powder, 2nd contained loose tobacco for roll your own cigarettes or a pipe, 3rd can usually contained kerosene for lamps and heaters.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Every miner in the day smoked a pipe it seems I've come across dozens of those old Prince Albert cans.

[@janblake9468]

@@Jeff-jg7jh Me too

[@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant]

You're going almost along the same path that Frank from Exploring Abandoned Mines went on a road trip not long ago, maybe last year.

[@donsmith6815]

The Gates Iron Works, Chicago merged with and became Allis-Chalmers in 1901. Dates the equipment shown as at least 120 years old, although the company dates back as far as the 1840's. As always, another fantastic video. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@m00seknucklejohnson45]

The cable is a high voltage power line

[@Backwoodsgam3r]

I'm happy you are carrying a shotgun as the Yukon is Definitely a place where one may be need for self defense

[@MurrayLundberg]

No Yukoner carries a gun in places like that.

[@dougparker4802]

Lol tactical tripod…

[@YarickZan]

@@dougparker4802 9:41 pause the video and you clearly see it's a shotgun. Looks like a Mossberg 500 or something similar.

[@allviking5203]

That Bear just Added Some Character to the Boat, Good Story for Years to come Brother. I was on a Fishing Trip in Nootka Sound years ago and Watched another Camper have a Tug of War with his Fish Cooler against a Black Bear 🐻, Too Funny ✌♥️👍🇨🇦🤌

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

What a great adventure Dustin! Thank you for taking us with you!

[@ginrobi01]

Oh, wow! Decades old abandoned mine, in incredible condition, with a gorgeous view. I can't decide which description I like more: either the mountain is giving birth to a mine or swallowing it back up. The way it just seems to manifest out of the mountain is insane!

[@quarlow1215]

Trust me Dustin, the views were not lost on the miners back in those days. There's no way it could have been. I remember my grandfather's stories of his younger days riding the railcars between Saskatchewan and Vancouver and how he mentioned the beautiful mountains and lakes he saw. That was a hundred years ago now. Hey you should think about getting one of those electric fence units that high mountain backpackers use. You could quickly set it up around your boat when you are in areas like that. Another thing you want to watch for is porcupines. They love to chew on rubber. I lived on a cattle ranch at Punchaw bc north west of Quesnel on the Black water road, we had them eat the sidewalls on the farm implements occasionally.

[@jeffsimonar7161]

If they would’ve chewed long enough they would’ve got a real bang out of that😁

[@jacobfrayer3836]

Hey that's the Venus mill in Conrad Yukon! Frank from the exploring abandoned mines channel also explored this place last December, in episode 233. How awesome is it that two of my favorite KZbinrs made a video about this place? Maybe now it will get more attention and be slated for some historical restoration. Probably not though; it's sad to see history rotting away but at least you guys are preserving it on film. Thanks for the great explore Dustin!

[@bootht99]

The aluminum cable might be hi-voltage conductor for electricity. Not sure if that setup would have had a powerhouse on site.

[@talyn3932]

There is a guy who has the show Survivor Man... Les Stroud. He did a survival in Alaska once and it was similar terrain. He at one point, when speaking of the view, just stops and says "This place is so gorgeous I don't even need to try and capture good footage" *paraphrasing* He then moves the camera around at random to show off how easy it was to get a spectacular shot. This reminds me of that. Beautiful land for sure.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Noticed that the stair case was thoughtfully built. They cut doves into the side boards for the steps. That really cuts down on the wear on the nails and looseness.

[@rubyaguilar594]

Thank you for bringing us with you on your adventures. I have been watching the old ones from like three years ago and they are beautiful places. I am a new subscriber. Thank you again for all the beautiful scenery. God bless you and stay safe.

[@andygebert2460]

Hey Dustin. Hard to believe a summer of great DA videos is almost done. Every one has been awesome. My wife and I have enjoyed all of them and we look forward to your next adventure as you start heading back to warmer climates.

[@casedoumasr656]

Hello started watching this video and said I've been there in 1998 my son and I found this on are way to Skagway just like you.we spent over 3 hrs in the building by the lake on the top floor by the rock crusher stood and took alot of pictures looking toward the window looking way out toward Skagway area .The pictures I took were amazing .and your exploring way up the hill where the tram way was just filled the rest of my bucket list of our trip in 1998 thank you for you GREAT adventure .

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

in Bear country, it might be a worthwhile endeavor to have a cantilever wooden cover built for the boat. Grizzlies like to "bite" thing to see what they are, and if they are edible. I had an inflatable Kayak with 5 distinct holes in it from a Grizzly, when me & some friends came down the Columbia River many years ago. 7:55 I bet that old ore building , might still have Silver in the sand.. Thanks for taking us on another awesome adventure. Captain D.

[@OneMorePan]

Absolutely awesome. I definitely think the miners enjoyed and embraced the view. They were chasing a dream and loving every minute of it. Thanks for sharing the great adventure. 🤘😁🤘⛰⛏🇨🇦

[@MurrayLundberg]

Excellent video, Dustin. I wish we could have gotten together while you were here, especially now, since I literally "wrote the book" about the Venus Mine 25 years ago and could have explained a lot of what you saw. The last location you visited at this mine was the final incarnation of the Venus - it ran into the 1970s.

[@Destination_Adventure]

Next time I’m in the Yukon, I’ll be hitting you up for some info Murray, and I look forward to that.

[@rc300xs]

21:48 That thing-a-ma-jig near the end of the video with letters ICG. There used to be ICG propane in BC and that’s the same symbol they used. So maybe thats a heater blower or something that used propane maybe.

[@jbrobertson6052]

You know years ago my dad invented this thing called an Easy-up boat Loader what it does it connects to the back of your camper or motorhome whatever you put your boat on it and then you just wind up and it goes right up on top doesn't touch your roof or anything it would be a lot cheaper taking your motorhome on the ferry could you don't need a trailer plus you can put more stuff on top with the boat. But I bet you we still got enough parts around here to build one or two they were all galvanized and everything. You might be able to find someone mine but beware there are some real cheap copies that you will regret if you buy them

[@ColoradoDualSport]

Dustin, I hope you see this. My wife, 5 year old daughter, and I are currently on a cruse, and we stopped in Skagway and rented a car to drive over the pass to Carcross in the Yukon. On the way out of the corner of my eye I spotted this building that I knew I had seen before! Turns out I had seen it exactly two years ago here on your channel. How awesome to see a place you know about in detail and never expected to see in person. I had to come back and watch this video again with my daughter to show her exactly what we saw. Of course it was snowing windy and raining up here this early in the season, so we couldn't explore, but thanks to you we could see it in detail. Thanks, dude! I hope this happens again. What a cool feeling. If you ever hit Colorado or the San Juan mountains maybe my videos could help you find some cool places to explore so I can return the favor.

[@Destination_Adventure]

Stoked you go to see it in person. 🤘🏻

[@mimzyc9949]

Love the adventures! Somewhat terrifying, to me, how steep these buildings were. Imagine how difficult it was to build.

[@richardbeee]

That was a cool looking mill. Jaw crusher was impressive. Then that hike up to the ore bin and tram tower, wow! I bearly made it:) Great video! Lots of history.

[@paulipuhakka8788]

That sits beside the road going to Skagway Alaska from Carcross. There are several of these mine buildings above the road, high up on the mountain side. That lake shown, is Bennett Lake. You follow the lake on that road,(it's an incredible drive) and you end up in Skagway Alaska. It's an incredible drive to experience. All of this is about an hour south of White Horse, YT. If you're ever in White Horse, I strongly recommend the drive. Plan for a full day, you won't be dissapointed! Cheers from British Columbia 🇨🇦

[@casedoumasr656]

Like what you said been here my self 1998 on are way to Skagway Alaska.i will leave a comment up top you might read in a day thank you for your comment from Lynden wash area ⛏️🇺🇸💣

[@charlesyoung7436]

You really need a brighter wide beam light in an abandoned mine. Sketchy false floors with long drops below are frequently found in them. With only a small circle of light trained up ahead, what lies on the ground is hidden. Glad you made it out to post the video, though. I really enjoy your work.

[@johnsurgenor6291]

I really enjoy your channel. I have been seriously sick for over a month now and discovered it while surfing U tube. I grew up on the B.C. coast working as a faller and sailing the coast every chance I got. I’ve been to Haida Gwaii and explored there for a month. I know a few places that have almost disappeared into the ground and would like to share them with you. My Grandfather came here from Ireland before the turn of the century, my father was born in Rock Bay 1913 ,my aunt was born in a row boat crossing from Cracroft island to Beaver cove so I know where a lot of the old Hastings lumber camps were. I’m older now so I get enjoyment from your videos !

[@karengiorella2690]

It's my third time watching and just realized how sketchy that mine place really was. Everything else just cought my attention more. Content is so interesting. Another great video.

[@michaeldonaldson2387]

18:40 wow! From that dark mine to that view!

[@oddballno3-builds780]

Groovy (but dangerous) fact about old dynamite, its composed of sawdust and nitroglycerin.. over time the sawdust decomposes and leaves good ole fashioned nitroglycerin, which is HIGHLY unstable.

[@darlenemurphy4968]

Thank you for taking us along on your travels. Once again such beautiful scenery!!

[@henrikm4657]

Aluminum cables like that are sometimes used as the neutral line from power poles in a 2 phase power system. Like the system used to bring power into buildings. The neutral is run bare like that while the hot wires are insulated.

[@jballew2239]

Used to poke around some of the innumerable mines in Arizona. Got "scared straight" when what I thought was a bunch of sticks I was about to be stepping on was sweaty old Nobel dynamite. Booked the hell out of that mine at maximum Nope. Stay safe.

[@codycash9338]

Your soo fortunate to be able to “discover” still. America has been touched everywhere over once. Your in gods country dude. Where I live is beautiful but what your showing me…sheesh. Be safe

[@leighsayers2628]

What tough people they were back in the day ..how on earth did they build on that slope ..get all that wood up there ..super tough people back then ..never ceases to amaze me how strong and determined these old timers were .. Beautiful vision ..you excell .. I just love your adventures ..from Australia ..

[@workhardlivefree3818]

@21 + minutes... You can see the shelving that supported all of those core sample containers...Great adventure! Thanx for the share... P.s... Y'all best be getting an enclosed cargo trailer to store the boat and other equipment... every great explorer needs a mobile garage... That or gut the back of the rv and convert it into a garage... or in your case... a boat hole.

[@mattnovotny6888]

Your videos keep getting better & better. The production quality is a nice touch. Loved how your outro synced up perfectly with the music track. Makes me miss my Dj days. Keep on keep'en on Dustin!

[@TheWozWizard]

An adit (from Latin aditus, entrance) is an entrance to an underground mine which is horizontal or nearly horizontal. A stope is where ore has been removes either above or below the adit.

[@natewilson111]

If that'd been REAL dynamite, it could've been a MINE BLOWING experience! 🤯

[@zzzed7286]

What a beautiful place and those miner's pick the steepest place to digg the mine !😀

[@MrGixxer1300r]

As always great content. Canada is such a beautiful place thank you for bringing it to me here in the US.

[@GrannysGarage333]

“Cute little valve” … made me chuckle … I love the things you also appreciate… great journey as always 🩶🩶🩶

[@ohjessika]

This was so cool to see! Always enjoy getting to see where you're exploring!

[@wills.7626]

The ventilation equipment is an ICG propane direct fired mine air heater. Dates from the ‘80s when they were doing some more work underground. Buddy of mine worked on that installation. ICG is now known as Superior Propane.

[@randomamerican471]

"Me man! Conquer wilderness!" "Hello there sonny! Did you come up here to eat lunch too? Lovely day isn't it." "Awwww man."

[@Dwendele]

I keep waiting for one of you guys that will explore mines, to have some ancient, bent back gnarly old miner with wild hair/beard/eyes, to come screaming around a corner with a pick that's been worn down to nubs.

[@richardp1522]

Another amazing adventure if the episode was 90 mins in length I'd still be watching. Very interesting the open access and span of operating years for this mine. Unfortunate re the boat damage but better it than you. Totally echo the comment below re your ounce of prevention regarding the shotgun addition. Based upon the number of very remote locals you investigate solo, bear spray not gonna do it if required. Cant wait for the next adventure.

[@GUNSLINGEROUTDOORS]

swellfish truly is a good company.. They made me aware of your channel actually.. Keep up the good work🇺🇲🤠

[@zackwindisch1595]

The aluminum wire was probably for some sort of high voltage electricity like maybe a large service gate or something for trucks. It can handle high voltage and is much cheaper than copper wire. Aluminum can handle high tension as well if needed to stretch far lengths

[@garthhowe297]

Stunning scenery! Thanks for taking us along.

[@HighwayCowboy7489]

Nebo makes some great flashlights. Super bright.

[@Dwendele]

I have GOT to finally make my bucket list trip up that direction!

[@timothyhopkins6960]

Amazing and oh so beautiful !

[@Marty59143]

Another great vid, grizzy bar don’t care what anybody likes or not. I see you are at least carrying a defender. Pack at the ready in the bush areas( I am sure you know that as you grew in same area as me). Back when I was wandering about doing archaeology work and had to camp in back country i would pack a pound or 2 of loose cayenne pepper and sprinkle it on my stuff and around camp area, if it’s raining it still has effect on belongings if covered ie boats. I never used spray on a griz as they just get pissed off and figure more flavor when they are done. A short spade shove at close quarters worked for me once against a black bear when I had no time to get iron moving. That sharp edge convinced him to leave. Grizzy Bar I avoided like the plague. Keep doing what you are and enjoy every second.

[@stanorlowski6797]

You got to just love the places you can just feel the history lol

[@bcpioneer59]

Thanks for sharing and your adventurous spirit keeps up watching, but do not take too big of risks when alone. Enjoy your trip

[@Randy-vm6qk]

Love all of your videos. Keep exploring and stay safe always. BC guy. Watching from the Philippines. I miss the old places where I used to go.

[@ihatedietcola7920]

That was really cool!! Glad you were able to fix your boat.

[@reneefrances7249]

Love how the globe was upside down😂 Keep exploring Uncle D😉

[@suzanneberkey1114]

Janky staircase? New word for me. I love this beautiful place. Thank you !!

[@lawrencemathews5202]

Hey thanks for taking us along again . Be safe and enjoy

[@jrcustoms6160]

The things you do and see are things I only dream. Always looking forward to new videos. always safe travel.

[@kansas_off_grid]

Very Kewl video and old Plant. Love history.

[@rshutterbug47]

That looked to me like a Sir Walter Tobacco can. Should have a logo on it. The square metal with the pump on it would be kerosene for lanterns etc. Alot of them did not have the valve. You would spill alot more without the valve. So the valve was worth it for use and safety. You should save a couple of them. Would make a neat wall hanger.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Be safe! I love GearLight products🔦🔦 That was an amazing adventure!!

[@punchfisttop]

PS thank you fer takin us along!!!!

[@candymcclure2476]

Several months I am watching again. I love your motivation and your interest in the history. Gramma Candy

[@gillwyatt8103]

What an exciting adventure and in such beautiful surroundings! You are probably the most prolific explorer on KZbin and I always look forward to the next video 😄!! Gill 🇬🇧

[@Danzoid61]

12:30 Double ore bin arial tramway station. Neat! The chute on one side fills the bucket, gravity brings it down and the empty bucket up on the other side to fill from the opposing ore bin. Repeat, etc. The levers likely for the ore chutes.

[@Ruffway64]

Another amazing deposit of leaverite

[@jacobnorth4772]

It’s so beautiful here! *It’s mine blowing*

[@candymcclure2476]

I felt myself getting claustrophobic in the mine...WOW! Gramma Candy

[@safetyharborfirearms]

I was thinking "does he carry?" ...yes he does. Awesome views. I cant help thinking about the work it took to build those mines.

[@cndream1]

WOW ------ Just Wow ----- Do you ever look around while up there listening to the peace of it all and wonder how there can be so many problems in the world ?? They struggled so hard 150 years ago they did not have any time for social problems.

[@jilldavis7229]

Gorgeous views!!! Sooo enjoyed the climbing! Took me back when I could climb & investigate as you are Dustin! Fond memories!!! Now I have MS, in a wheelchair…but I had a great life of exploring & finding treasures as you are able to do Dustin! Too bad that you didn’t find any silver, or whatever they were mining, as a token to remember your trip to this beautiful place by! I sooo loved this adventure! Thank you sooo very much for sharing this wonderful adventure with us! I loved it ❤️

[@johnwalker1471]

The Venus mine was for silver. There was another Venus mine in the area that operated for a couple of years in the 1980s.

[@paulman246]

One more thing, if you put some thin paper on front of your flash lights, it diffuses the light and makes it less 'spotty' for the camera. You can even use wax paper.

[@akh21849]

I love the old places you go and if i were younger I might even want to buy a place in some of the old abandoned towns and move there

[@wheresthebeefwherestheprob9951]

I'm absolutely addicted to your channel 👏👏❤💪 ty for exploring and taking us all with you!!

[@AbandonedMaine]

That's the kind of place you wish you had someone with experience to explain everything.

[@billreinhardt3684]

Beautiful scenery as you always provide

[@mitchellc2723]

Excellent as always.

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

Love it. And man, that view!

[@kenl.6340]

Heyo, what a great video. @ the 10:50 mark you came across an old rusted metal plate with a handle and valve spout. It is likely a square/rectangular 2 gallon oil can, more commonly found and used throughout 1920's-Mid 1950's Though I have never seen one with valve spout (perhaps Canadian/European designed). I suppose it is possible that it could of been used for diesel fuel.

[@lanaaustin2000]

Thanks for sharing another of your great adventures.

[@quevicular]

You're killing it Dustin

[@punchfisttop]

MIND BLOWN!!!

[@cyndicunanan400]

So beautiful!

[@bctw9004]

Great video and history!!! From the USA

[@duanehall6788]

Absolutely love all your videos!!

[@davidrussell8795]

It's amazing the tin can isn't just rusted out iron oxides after 120 years !

[@marybaumgardner260]

WOW !! Thanks-again ...

[@barrymyers8268]

Another fantastic video, TY D.P. !

[@Ishmael83]

I really enjoy your adventures, been watching your videos for awhile hooked me when you did an intro basically on our family property near Pavilion lake.

[@DumbSkippy]

Love, Love, Love your adventures.