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Welcome to Watson Lake

Home of the famous Signpost Forest, the incredible Northern Lights Space and Science Centre and gateway to the exciting history and breathtaking scenery of Yukon.

Welcome to Watson Lake

Home of the famous Signpost Forest, the incredible Northern Lights Space and Science Centre and gateway to the exciting history and breathtaking scenery of Yukon.

Watson Lake attractions & services!

Watson Lake
attractions & services!

Stay

Eat & Drink

See & Do

Shop

Services

Events

History

Information

Watson Lake Guide

MAPS • ATTRACTIONS • SERVICES

View the virtual guide or request a guide to be mailed to you.

Signpost Forest

Home of the famous Signpost Forest, the incredible Northern Lights Space and Science Centre and gateway to the exciting history and breathtaking scenery of Yukon.

Aerial photo of Watson Lake, Yukon showing lakes and the Alaska Highway

Outdoors in every season

Situated in the rolling hills of southeast Yukon, Watson Lake offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it be quiet trails, fishing, white water canoeing, horseback riding, or a chance to slide on the only man-made water slide north of 60°, Watson Lake is the place to do it.

Getting to Watson Lake

From Whitehorse

About 440 km southeast on the Alaska Highway—a long but scenic day through Teslin and the southern lakes country.

From British Columbia

Enter Yukon near Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway (around km 968–980) or connect via the Stewart-Cassiar (Highway 37) corridor.

Road Log

Follow the Alaska Highway Road Log for fuel, campgrounds, and points of interest approaching Watson Lake.

Maps

Grab a Watson Lake overview map at the Visitor Information Centre north of the Sign Post Forest.

About Watson Lake

In the winter months, the gentle slopes and mixed aspen and coniferous forests can be explored by cross country skiing or snowmobile riding. Downhill skiing is available on Mt. Maichen and local lakes provide opportunities for skating or ice fishing. A new recreation centre complex provides bowling, squash, and indoor ice skating. Best of all, the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) illuminate the black night sky with dancing displays of colour.

Learn more about Watson Lake by visiting the Watson Lake Community Library (in the new Town administration building) or stop by the Visitor Information Centre (north of the Signpost Forest). The friendly staff can help you plan a relaxing or exciting stay . . . take your pick! (During winter months, check in at the town administration building for brochures and travel information).

Click here for our virtual guide of Watson Lake!

Essential Watson Lake

Don't Miss

Sign Post Forest

Wander aisles of traveller-posted signs—the town’s iconic Alaska Highway landmark.

Northern Lights Centre

Learn about aurora science and catch the show in season under dark southern Yukon skies.

Visitor Information Centre

Friendly staff north of the Sign Post Forest help plan stays, side trips, and road conditions.

Explore Outdoors

Lucky Lake & Trails

Quiet trails, fishing, and outdoor play—including the celebrated water slide north of 60°.

Lakes & Rivers

Canoeing, horseback riding, and shoreline time in the rolling hills around town.

Winter Play

Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, Mt. Maichen downhill, and skating on local lakes.

Uniquely Watson Lake

Alaska Highway Hub

Fuel, lodging, dining, and repairs make this a key overnight for highway travellers.

Wye Lake

A local favourite for an easy walk and town-adjacent nature time.

Aurora Nights

Dark skies and northern lights season reward travellers who linger after the highway rush.

Things to do

Town Services

Groceries, liquor store, recreation centre, and lodging keep long highway days comfortable.

Community Library

Learn more about local history at the library in the town administration building.

Side Trips

Continue to Teslin, Liard Hot Springs, or the Cassiar junction as your itinerary allows.

While you're in the area...

Teslin

West on the Alaska Highway—Teslin Tlingit heritage and lakeside stops.

Liard Hot Springs

A classic Alaska Highway soak south of the Yukon border in northern B.C.

Whitehorse

Come into the restaurant for some world-famous spaghetti sauce and homemade burgers.
We pride ourselves on top-notch ingredients and enjoy hearing your stories.

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Explore attractions & Services

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Watson Lake History

Highway Gateway

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Sign Post Forest

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Northern Lights Centre

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Outdoor Tradition

Travellers’ Crossroads

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Watson Lake Events

From highway travellers’ gatherings to northern lights season, see what’s on in Watson Lake and along the Alaska Highway corridor.

See Events Calendar

More Watson Lake information

Virtual Guide

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Sign Post Forest Tips

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Recreation

Discover what’s happening across the North. Explore events by community or region and plan your northern adventure around local culture, music, and tradition.

See Events Calendar

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