Watson Lake: Northern Lights, Aviation and Lakeside

In Watson Lake, stories about the Northern Lights meet the aviation history of the Yukon; at Wye Lake, a walking trail follows the shore. These different themes offer several possible focuses for a stay: you can explore science and storytelling traditions, visit historic aviation sites, or set aside time for the lake and birdwatching. When choosing a holiday rental, you can already consider which experiences you want to shape your trip.

The Northern Lights from Scientific and Cultural Perspectives

The Northern Lights Space and Science Centre explores science, stories and the Northern Lights. Interactive exhibits cover the science of the Northern Lights, Canadian rocket and satellite technology, and Indigenous and global myths about them. The visit therefore connects scientific topics with different ways of telling stories. If you’re travelling with children, you can explore different approaches to the subject, from scientific explanations to the myths in which the Northern Lights play a role.

The Centre includes a SciDome HD digital theatre with immersive 360-degree images and surround sound. This is a distinct part of the offering, separate from the interactive exhibits. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you want to focus mainly on exploring the exhibits or also include the theatre’s unique visual and audio experience.

Aviation History in Watson Lake

Built in 1942, the Watson Lake Air Terminal Building is the last air terminal building on the Northwest Staging Route in the Yukon that is still in use. Its construction date and place on the route make the building a prominent reference point for the region’s aviation history. The terminal at Watson Lake Airport also houses a museum-style exhibit on the aviation history of Watson Lake.

The historic Watson Lake Airport was also built in 1942 and is designated a historic site. The airport grounds and the Air Terminal Building are distinct historic references: the terminal houses the exhibit, while the airport is designated a historic site. Those interested in aviation can therefore find more than a single detail about the area’s past.

Out and About at Wye Lake

Wye Lake Park is in the centre of Watson Lake. A 2.5 km walking trail loops around the lakeshore, and the park is also used for birdwatching. The set trail length makes it easy to plan the walk as a separate activity. If you prefer being outdoors to visiting an exhibit, you can focus on the lakeside trail and birdwatching. The nature experience here is quite different from the technical and cultural topics at the Science Centre and the aviation exhibit.

Sign Post Forest and Swimming Pool

Carl Lindley started the Sign Post Forest in 1942. The Watson Lake Visitor Information Centre provides visitors with materials they can use to add a sign of their own. So the Sign Post Forest is not just a place to look around: you can also take part by adding your own sign. For families, this tradition offers a tangible reason to learn about the area’s history and the personal signs in the Forest.

Another activity is the Dennis Ball Memorial Pool, Watson Lake’s municipal swimming pool. It offers public swim times for all age groups and numerous water-based programs in summer. This adds swimming options in town alongside history and science. If you’re travelling with children, public swim times and summer programs can offer a different kind of day than a visit to the Centre or a walk around the lake.

Shape Your Stay Around Your Interests

More places: Teslin, Keno City, Johnsons Crossing, Carmacks, Carcross, Marsh Lake, Tagish.

Return to the main travel overview: Yukon.