Day trips

Day trip to Atlin from Yukon

5 min read

The old wooden buildings of Atlin, British Columbia

How to get there

Drive south on the Alaska Highway to Jake's Corner (km 1,392), then turn onto Highway 7 (Atlin Road). The last 98 km is chip-sealed with 20 km of gravel — passable in any car in summer but slow. Total drive is 2 hours 45 minutes each way. Do not attempt in winter without proper tires and a full jerry can. The Atlin Road is famously scenic; watch for wood bison herds around km 40 and stop at Snafu Lake for a picnic.

What Atlin actually offers

Atlin has 400 residents, one paved street, and Canada's largest natural lake by volume. The Atlin Historical Museum on 3rd St runs $8, open 1pm to 5pm summer only. Book a 2-hour boat tour with Norseman Adventures — $95 gets you across Atlin Lake to the base of the Llewellyn Glacier and Cathedral Mountain. There are hot pools 45 km south at Warm Bay, free and accessible via gravel road. The Pine Tree Gallery on 2nd St shows serious northern art.

Food and timing

Eat at Trapline Bakery on 1st Ave for pizza slices ($8), soup ($9), and sourdough. Fireweed Community Market runs Fridays 3pm to 7pm in July and August with local produce and jam. To make Atlin as a day trip, leave Whitehorse by 8am, arrive by 11am, spend 5 hours on the ground, and drive back before dark. Better yet, book a room at Glacier View Cabins ($155) and stay the night — you will not regret it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Atlin worth driving to?

If you like small isolated towns with real character, yes. If you want restaurants and shopping, no. It is a photography and paddling destination.

Can you cross the border into BC to reach Atlin?

There is no border checkpoint — the Atlin Road never leaves Canada, but you cross into BC around km 60. No customs. Your Canadian roaming stays active.

How rough is the Atlin Road?

Chip-sealed for most of it with a 20 km gravel section. Any 2WD car handles it in summer. Watch for washboard and drive 70 to 80 km/h max on the gravel.

Is there gas in Atlin?

Yes, one pump at the Atlin Trading Post on 1st Ave. Cash or card, roughly 25% more than Whitehorse. Open 9am to 6pm daily in summer.