The Journey from Skagway, AK to Teslin, YT
Today, we undertook a 308-mile journey from Skagway to our campground just north of Watson Lake. The weather was far from ideal as we departed Skagway, with steady rain and low-hanging clouds obscuring the landscape. As we ascended the Klondike Highway and crossed White Pass, the misty, overcast skies created an eerie, almost ghostly atmosphere, shrouding the rugged mountains and adding a sense of mystery to the terrain.
As we descended into the town of Carcross, the weather improved. The rain lightened, and the clouds began to break apart, revealing glimpses of the surrounding landscape. The terrain transitioned from the steep, mountainous landscape near White Pass to more open, flat plains dotted with patches of forest and grassland.
Our journey continued as we arrived at Jakes Corner, where we connected to the Alaska Highway (ALCAN). The road stretched ahead as we made our way toward Teslin, a town known for its picturesque setting along the shores of Teslin Lake. Covering the approximately 140-mile distance from Skagway to Teslin took several hours. As we drove, the weather continued to clear, and the landscape opened up even more, revealing expansive vistas of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. The combination of the clearing rain and the dramatic scenery made the drive an unforgettable journey into the wilds of northern Canada.
Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center
In Teslin, we stopped at the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre, a cultural gem dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions, heritage, and culture of the Inland Tlingit people, focusing on the Tlingit clans of the Teslin area. The center plays a vital role in the Tlingit community, providing a space for cultural gatherings and educational programs. It serves as a venue where visitors can learn about the Tlingit people’s rich history, customs, art, and way of life.
When we arrived, however, we were disappointed to find the Heritage Centre closed despite its website indicating it should be open. We weren’t able to explore the indoor exhibits or partake in any of the educational programs, but we still found plenty to admire outdoors.
One of the highlights was the collection of Five Clan Totems standing outside the building. These totems represent the five clans of the Teslin Tlingit: the Eagle, Raven, Wolf, Frog, and Beaver clans. Each totem was intricately carved, and it was a striking sight to see them lined up against the backdrop of the stunning natural surroundings.
Afterward, we took a short walk down to the shores of Teslin Lake. With its clear blue waters, the peaceful lake was a beautiful spot to pause and take in the scenery. We found a shelter near the lake housing several ceremonial canoes, their graceful shapes still in the quiet of the lake’s shore. These canoes are an important part of Tlingit culture, used in various ceremonies and gatherings and as a means of transportation. Though we couldn’t explore the inside of the center, the totems and canoes gave us a meaningful glimpse into the Tlingit people’s history and connection to the land.
The Journey from Teslin, YT to Watson Lake, YT
The rain continued intermittently as we drove along the ALCAN towards Watson Lake.
We passed through rolling hills with occasional breaks in the trees that offered glimpses of the distant Cassiar and Northern Rockies. These towering mountain ranges, partially shrouded by the mist and clouds, added a sense of grandeur to the otherwise serene landscape. The low, gray clouds clung to the peaks, giving the mountains a mysterious, almost ethereal quality.
Boreal forests dominated the terrain, with dense stands of trees that included black spruce, white spruce, lodgepole pine, and trembling aspen. These hardy trees are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the northern climate, their trunks standing tall against the cool winds and heavy rain. Marshlands and wetlands became more common in lower-lying areas, especially near the winding rivers and creeks that snake through the land.
The road wound through these forests, sometimes following the path of the Liard River. Despite the rain, the scenery was breathtaking—an endless expanse of rugged terrain that felt untouched by time.
As we continued, the ALCAN offered a sense of remoteness, connecting us to a landscape that felt as though it had remained essentially unchanged for centuries. The rain only added to the atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of isolation and quiet beauty in this northern wilderness.
Baby Nugget RV Park
This RV park was about 20 minutes from Watson Lake, just before the turnoff to the Cassiar Highway.
We were assigned a pull-through site with water and 30-amp service. The gravel pads were spacious and surrounded by plenty of trees, providing a good amount of shade. Although there was no sewage connection, a dump station was available for waste disposal. The Wi-Fi signal was weak and only accessible near the office.
The campground offered a variety of amenities, including cabins, a laundromat, a restaurant, bath facilities with token-operated showers, an event building, a store, fuel pumps, and an RV wash. The event building, called “The Best Little Ore House,” appeared to be used for storage rather than hosting events. Quirky wooden carvings were scattered around the property, adding a unique touch to the atmosphere. The popular “Wolf It Down” café served various meals, including baked goods, buffalo steaks, burgers, ribs, and more. The store featured handmade jewelry and other Canadian-made items.