Things to See, Do, Eat and Explore During Your Visit
Welcome to Watson Lake, a northern community shaped by the Alaska Highway, aviation history, and the many travellers who have made their mark here over the years.
As you join us for the Association of Yukon Communities Annual Conference and AGM, we are pleased to welcome you and share the stories, spaces, and local experiences that give our community its character. We hope this quick guide helps you enjoy your time in Watson Lake and discover a few memorable stops along the way.
Your must-sees in Watson Lake
There is always something new to see at the Sign Post Forest, with new signs from people coming and going adding to its living history.
Started in 1942 during construction of the Alaska Highway, it has grown into a collection of traveller memories from around the world, now featuring more than 100,000 signs.
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Experience immersive dome theatre presentations about the Aurora Borealis, northern skies, space science, and Yukon footage of the Northern Lights.
Each ticket includes two short films and access to interactive exhibits. Shows run every hour on the hour during the season.
Visitors can stop by the terminal to view photographs and displays that highlight Watson Lake’s aviation past and the role the airport played in the community’s development.
Built in 1942, the airport supported the Northwest Staging Route and became an important transportation link that helped shape the community’s role in northern travel and Alaska Highway history.
Walking distance from the Recreation Centre and perfect for a quick stretch. The park includes a lakeside walking trail, boardwalk, viewing platform, interpretive panels, picnic area, playground, gazebo, and bird viewing.
Near the BC-Yukon border, Lucky Lake is a warm-season favourite for swimming, picnics, sandy beach time, fire pits, washrooms, ball diamond access, and trail connections.
Explore local routes such as the Wye Lake Loop, Liard Canyon Trail, Pipeline Trail, Bird’s Eye View, and CMD / North Fire Guard routes.
Try disc golf at Lucky Lake Recreation Grounds or visit the Raven Pines area near the Cross Town Express trail behind the neighbourhoods in Watson Lake.
Drop in, play, rent equipment, or join a community activity.
Talk to the Watson Lake Recreation Centre front desk for information about available drop-ins, equipment rentals, and current programming.
Watson Lake is a very active community, with volunteers and local groups helping keep people busy throughout the week.
Community and volunteer-led activities may include disc golf, pickleball, badminton, table tennis, ninja tumbling, and more. Schedules are subject to change and are usually posted on Watson Lake Sunshine.
We’d love to see you there.
Register at 10:30 AM. The run begins at 11:00 AM. Bring your friends and family, wear a pink shirt, and join the community to run, walk, support, and remember.
Join the community for the historic site designation ceremony and take the opportunity to visit the terminal’s aviation display.
Stop by the Northern Lights Centre as the Visitor Information Centre opens for the season. Shows run every hour on the hour during the season.
Community-hosted activities, including events such as Mom’s Sip and Paint, may be available throughout the week. Check Watson Lake Sunshine for current details.
Phone: 867-536-4769
Located inside the Northern Lights Centre.
Shows run every hour on the hour during the season.
Phone: 867-536-7827
Email: nlc@watsonlake.ca
Visit Watson Lake Sunshine for community-hosted activities, schedule changes, and local announcements.