To put things into perspective about the Yukon Territory. It encompasses 206,000 sq. miles and the entire Territory has a population of 30,000 of which 23,000 live in the capital, Whitehorse. There are 7,000 other souls distributed along the Alaska Highway, Yukon River (which runs for 2,000 Miles from Whitehorse to the Bering Sea).


Emerald Lake near Carcross, Yukon Territory


As an aside, Atlin is a small town of about 450 people who are either artisans, placer miners, or retirees. It is a very ‘laid back’ community and captures your heart when you see and experience the beauty of the area. It is total wilderness with only a few boats and planes on the lake and a very small number of homes or cottages. It’s claim to fame was during the gold rush era where there were close to 20,000 in the area, with paddlewheel boat service across the lake to a small train that went overland a short distance to pick up another paddlewheeler that would go all the way up Tagish Lake to Carcross in the Yukon. Here the White Pass Railway would bring the miners and tourists from Skagway about 100 miles away on the coast of Alaska. Lots of great stories from the oldtimers that have been chronicled and preserved by the Historical Society in Atlin.





Carcross Desert which is the smallest desert in the world according to the Guiness Book


Carcross Desert which is the smallest desert in the world according to the Guiness Book


Matty


Ian and Matty


Ian and Matty


This is Jubilee Mountain at the north end of Atlin Lake in northern British Columbia.
It is the largest lake in British Columbia with a length of 90 miles.

A view of Atlin Lake from the town showing the 3 islands in the front, Atlin Mountain in the back and
to the extreme left is Theresa Island which is a mountain surrounded by water. You can boat around it
completely and there is excellent fishing for lake trout in this lake. Average size is anywhere
from 8 lbs to 20 lbs. There have been some in the 60 to 80 lb range that have been caught here.
The water is ice cold as is it fed by glaciers.


Steam shovel at the Atlin museum


This is a special place out on a dirt road heading into the hills. It is called The Grotto and it is a spring
that comes right out of the mountain. The picture is taken from the road where the water runs
into a culvert then under the road. On the other side, where the water comes out you will find
water cress growing and the locals go and collect it for their salads. A beautiful spot!