Atlin Lake and Little Atlin Lake

Atlin Lake is a recreation lake located in the community of Atlin, BC. The village of Atlin rests on the southeastern shore of the lake. The lake stretches south to north with the northern tip of the lake connecting with the smaller Little Atlin Lake near the British Columbia\Yukon Border. Little Atlin Lake is actually located north of the border in the Yukon Territory.

Atlin Lake is said to be the headwater to the Yukon River. Both, Atlin and Little Atlin, are part of a chain of lakes which dominate the northwestern landscape of British Columbia and the Southern Lakes region of the Yukon Territory.

The entire chain of lakes played a big part in the Klondike Gold Rush. Combined with the rivers, wagon roads and hiking trails - the lakes were the transportation routes used by miners to access the Yukon River. Later the Atlin Lake was serviced by the Tarahne Paddle Wheel Boat which transported people and supplies up and down the lake.

Atlin Lake was named by the First Nation people of the the region - the Tlingit First Nation. To them the lake is not Atlin but "atlah" which means " big water". They got it right too because Atlin Lake is the largest natural lake in British Columbia, Canada measuring at 590 square kilometres.

Along the shores of the lakes are waterway channels and looming mountains. During most lake activities (depending on how far north you go) one can view mountains like Birch Mountain, Table Mountain and Mount Minto. By boat or canoe adventures via Atlin Lake include exploring the glaciers in the Atlin Provincial Park and Teresa Island in the middle of Atlin Lake.

In the community of Atlin there is a marina and floatplane docks on Atlin Lake. There is a boat launch in town for accessing the lake. The launch is used by boats and canoes. Fishing Atlin Lake is best by trolling. Most arrive to fish for Lake Trout, Whitefish and Arctic Grayling. Must have fishing license to fish in British Columbia.

During the summer months Atlin Lake attracts many activities to the region. Some of the activities enjoyed on the lake is canoeing, fishing, wilderness camping and boating. By water the lake is a whole new experience.

How to Get to Atlin Lake

Travel to Atlin, BC is only possible by floatplane or by vehicle.

Atlin by vehicle is only accessed via driving the Alaska Highway through the Yukon Territory. It is an up and over type road trip. First you travel the Alaska Highway to Jakes Corner (east of Whitehorse) and look for the Hwy #7 Exit to Atlin. Travel south on the Atlin Highway (Hwy #7) for 94 kilometres to the community of Atlin on Atlin Lake. The road is a gravel road.

Atlin Lake provides services and docks for floatplane charters.