Atlin is located in BC’s northwestern corner at about
94 km (58 mi) south of
Jake’s Corner in the Yukon on the
Alaska Highway. Located on the shore of BC’s largest natural
lake, Atlin has arguably the most compelling setting of any community
in the province.
Gold seekers on their way to the Klondike discovered Atlin in
1898. At the peak of the Klondike gold rush, 8,000 filled the
streets of Atlin. Today, the population has dwindled to 500.
Atlin is well off the beaten track, but that just adds to its
mystique. The glacier tipped lake; northern Coast Mountains;
and peace and quite have seduced colonies of artists and restless
souls. The mountains shield Atlin from the worst of winter storms
and at the summer solstice there are 19 glorious hours of daylight.
Travellers finding their way to Atlin have two main routes to
choose from. The first choice is to follow the Stewart Cassiar
Highway 37 North to its end just west of Watson Lake. Then head
west 470 km (290 mi) along the Alaska Highway 1 before turning
south at Jakes Corner onto Highway 7. From this point, be prepared
for long patches of gravel road along the 98 km (61 mi) trip
south to Atlin. The second route to Atlin starts at the ferry
terminal at Prince Rupert. Travellers must ferry, which takes
you north through the many islands and fiords of the Alaskan
Panhandle. Eventually, the ferry finds its way to Skagway, the
northern most destination of the Alaska Marine Highway. Then,
drive north on Highway 2, and head east on Highway 8 to Jakes
Corner before turning south onto Highway 7.
Atlin Provincial Park offers over 300,100 hectares of serene
and varied topography for self-reliant outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors
to this region should be fully equipped as there are no park
personnel in the area. The only way to enter the park is by plane
or boat as there are no roads offering vehicle access. Atlin
Park has much to offer the outdoor adventurers. Wherever you
venture, in summer and in winter, you will encounter a scenic
pastiche to stop you in your tracks. You can observe blue and
ruffed grouse, otters, gulls and even white-tailed ptarmigan
as you scale a mountain. The most staggering feature of the park
is easily Lake Atlin. It is blessed by magnificent wilderness
and is a haven for those wishing to find solitude in Mother Nature’s
untouched lands. At the southwest corner of the lake, Llewellyn
Glacier gently melts, spreading sediments into the water, which
produces a soothing aquamarine result.
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Tourism Region Contact
Northern British Columbia Tourism
PO Box 2373
Prince George, BC V2N 2S6
Toll Free: 1-800-663-8843
Phone: (250) 561-0432
Fax: (250) 561-0450
Email: info@nbctourism.com