Watson Lake

Gateway town on the Alaska Highway famous for its quirky Sign Post Forest where thousands of signs from around the world have been posted by travelers. It's a charming stop with northern hospitality and outdoor access.

Things to do

• Sign Post Forest — Wander through thousands of directional signs posted by travelers from around the world since the 1940s, creating a unique outdoor gallery of global destinations.
• Alaska Highway Museum — Explore exhibits on the history of the Alaska Highway construction during World War II and the region's transportation heritage.
• Liard River Hot Springs — Drive 43 km south to soak in natural geothermal pools surrounded by boreal forest and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Fishing on Watson Lake — Cast for northern pike and lake trout in the pristine waters of Watson Lake, popular for both summer and winter angling.
• Gold Pan Creek Trail — Hike this scenic trail along a creek where visitors can try their hand at gold panning and explore the region's mining history.
• Northern Lights Viewing — Experience the Aurora Borealis from September through March when Watson Lake's dark skies offer excellent viewing conditions for this natural phenomenon.

Food to try

• Pan-fried Northern Pike — Fresh-caught local pike prepared simply with butter and herbs, a staple dish reflecting the region's fishing culture.
• Moose Stew — Hearty slow-cooked stew featuring local game meat, root vegetables, and rich broth typical of Yukon comfort food.
• Bannock Bread — Traditional Indigenous fried bread served warm with jam or as a savory accompaniment to meals, reflecting local First Nations heritage.
• Wild Berry Pie — Seasonal desserts made with locally foraged blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries baked into traditional pies.

Local customs & good to know

• Add Your Sign to the Forest — Visitors are encouraged to create and post their own directional sign at Sign Post Forest, contributing to the ongoing tradition started in the 1940s.
• Respect Wildlife and Distances — The subarctic environment requires preparation for outdoor activities; always inform someone of your travel plans and carry bear spray in wilderness areas.
• Northern Hospitality is Genuine — Locals are known for warmth and helpfulness to travelers; the community embraces its role as a gateway town and enjoys sharing stories about the Alaska Highway.
• Plan for Extreme Seasons — Summer offers nearly 24-hour daylight while winter brings darkness and cold; pack accordingly and check road conditions on the Alaska Highway before traveling.