Community

Welcome to Watson Lake, Yukon
"Gateway to the Yukon" | Population: ~1,200

Nestled in southeastern Yukon near the B.C. border, Watson Lake is a vibrant northern town steeped in history, surrounded by boreal forest, and known as a service and logistics hub for the region.

A Town Built on Connection
Watson Lake owes its origins to two major events:
The Construction of a Military Airport in 1941 and the building of the Alaska Highway in 1942.

These projects brought people, industry, and infrastructure that ultimately laid down the foundation of a close-knit, and resilient community of Watson Lake.
Today, Watson Lake serves as a vital transportation, communication, and distribution centre for southern Yukon, northern B.C., and parts of the Northwest Territories. We're also a key stop for travelers and a regional hub for territorial government services, mining, forestry, and tourism.

Our People
Watson Lake has a colorful and unique history shaped by the hands and hearts of remarkable people. Over the decades, it’s been home to trailblazers, storytellers, bush pilots, healers, builders, and quiet changemakers whose legacies still echo through the town’s culture and values today. People like Dr. Stephen Wigby, who devoted more than 20 years of service to local healthcare, becoming not just a physician but a trusted neighbor. Walt Forsberg, a decorated WWII pilot, carried his skills north and helped connect remote camps and communities. Mida Donnessey and John Dickson, respected Kaska Elders, kept the “old ways” alive through language, stories, and traditions passed down to new generations. Couples like Vic and Katie Johnson, who fostered over 200 children and never turned anyone away, showed what it meant to build a home rooted in love. Wally and Mary McCulloch, Gord and Rose Toole, and Frank and Adela Watson each left their mark by starting businesses, serving in public roles, and contributing to Watson Lake’s growth with resilience and generosity. These individuals, and many others like them, helped shape the character of Watson Lake: a town where neighborliness runs deep, stories matter, and community spirit is carried proudly from one generation to the next.

The Land
The Kaska Dena are the original stewards of the unceded lands in southeastern Yukon, western NWT, and northern BC. Their language, heritage, and way of life Dene k’éh remain strong, guided by matrilineal clan systems (Wolf and Crow) and a deep respect for the land. Despite the harms caused by colonial infrastructure like the Alaska Highway and residential schools, Kaska communities continue to thrive across the region. Their language is one of eight First Nation languages in Yukon, with at least six dialects. The Kaska maintain rich traditions in storytelling, sewing, beading, carving, and cultural preservation, proudly sharing their history and inviting respectful learning and support.

Some Quick Facts:
The Town of Watson Lake is located on Kilometer 1016.8 of the Alaska Highway (Mile 635) with an elevation of 695m (2,280 ft). There is a total land area of 124.5km² with 5.18km² determined as the Town's urban core. The Town's topography is comprised of rolling hills, gravelly soils and plenty of forested terrain. The Climate is cold and the area being known for as having long winters, and mild sunny summers. There are 19 hours of recorded daylight during the summer's solstice (June 21) and approximately 6 hours during the winter's solstice (December 21).

Todays Weather in Watson Lake is:

Climate Overview: