Watson Lake

Watson Lake is near the Liard River, at the junction of the Robert Campbell Highway and the Alaska Highway. The Cassiar Highway's northern end is 22 km(14 miles) west of Watson Lake. Watson Lake is the main centre of the small forestry industry in Yukon and has been a service centre for the mining industry, especially for the Cassiar asbestos mine in northern British Columbia and the Cantung tungsten mine on the Yukon-Northwest Territories border in the Mackenzie Mountains.
Watson Lake and the neighbouring Upper Liard settlement are the home of the Liard River First Nation, a member of the Kaska Dena Council. The Two Mile area immediately north of the core of town is a concentrated area of First Nations residents, while the town extends 8 km out to the turn-off of Airport Road.

Climate

Like most of Yukon, Watson Lake has a subarctic climate. Watson Lake experiences annual temperature average daily highs of 21 °C (69.8 °F) in July and average daily lows of −27 °C (−16.6 °F) in January. Watson Lake has more precipitation than other parts of Yukon with an average annual snowfall of 197 cm (77.6 inches) and 255 mm (10.04 inches) of rainfall, resulting in larger trees and a more viable forest industry.

Alaska highway (historical mile 635) from Fort Nelson or Whitehorse. The Watson Lake Airport provides corporate and charter services only.

Local taxi services are available.

• Signpost Forest

  address: At the intersection of the Alaska and Robert Campbell Highways
  In 1942, a homesick U.S. Army G.I. working on the Alaska Highway posted a sign with the name and distance of his home town. The tradition has continued and by the end of 2017, now the signpost forest had accumulated over 80,000 signs.

• Northern Lights Centre

  address: On the Alaska Highway in Watson Lake
  If you can't see them outside, see them inside. This centre features a northern lights multimedia presentation in a 100-seat theatre. It also features other interactive displays discussing the science and folklore behind the northern lights. Open during the summer season only. In the winter, the centre is used for community events, movies, and space science education.

• Wolf It Down Restaurant

  address: Mile 650, Alaska Highway
  Bakery and home-style meals, at Nugget City.

• Andrea's (old Belvedere)Hotel, Bar and restaurant

• Bee JaysTruck stop, tire repair, mechanic and restaurant

• Kathy's KitchenRestaurant

• TagsRestaurant

• Downtown RV Park

  phone: +1 867 536-2646
  address: 105 8 St N

• Cozy Nest Hideaway

  address: 1175 Campbell Hwy
  A beautiful and friendly bed and breakfast on the lake. Open year round. No pets, no smoking indoors.

• Andrea's Hotel

  address: 609 Frank Trail
  2 Queen size beds/ all non smoking, not pet friendly. Restaurant and lounge also available. Satellite TV, wireless internet/wifi. Open year round.

• Dragon's Den Hotel/Motel

  address: on the Alaska Highway
  2 queen size bed, non-smoking and smoking rooms, pet-free and pet-friendly rooms, Chinese restaurant and lounge opening soon. Satellite TV, wi-fi, kitchenettes, open all year round.

• Air Force Lodge

  address: 136 Adela Trail, Watson Lake
  Open May-Sep. It is the oldest building in Watson Lake. It was built at the Watson Lake Airport 1942 as a barracks for the pilots flying during Second World War, and was later moved to the town.

• Nugget City

  address: Mile 650, Alaska Highway
  RV park, cottages, and tenting area. Restaurant, gift shop, and vehicle service centre on-site. Laundromat, RV wash, available Wi-Fi connection, Roger’s repair service nearby offers tire repairs. Most sites have large pull-throughs which allow any size vehicle with tow car. Sites are mostly 30 amp, but there are a few 50 amp sites. Each unit has water and electricity. There is a sani-dump on-site. Pets welcome, on leash only.

• Stampeder's B&B Cabins

  address: 606 Adela Trail
  2 beautiful fully loaded cabins, wireless internet, satellite TV, open year round.

• A Nice Motel

  address: 705 Frank Trail
  10 rooms with 1 queen bed, kitchenettes, wired internet, satellite T.V. fireplace.

• Big Horn Hotel

  address: Frank Trail
  Jacuzzi room, kitchenettes, single/double rooms, satellite TV, wireless internet. Open year round.

Finding a pay phone should not be a problem in Watson Lake. If all else fails, there is one just inside Super A Foods and inside Andrea's Hotel, along the Alaska Highway.

• Watson Lake Community Library

  address: 701 Adela Trail (Town of Watson Lake Administration Building)
  Provides free public Internet and computer access.

You've probably encountered Watson Lake while traveling along the Alaska Highway. Heading north 264km towards Whitehorse, you will find Teslin with beautiful scenery and a good photo opportunity as you approach the Teslin River Bridge (second longest bridge along the Alaska Highway). Heading south 210km towards Fort Nelson, stop for a relaxing sit in the natural Liard River Hot Springs (open year round).