10 Interesting Facts About Watson Lake

Facts About Watson Lake

Facts About Watson Lake

  • Watson Lake is named after Frank Watson, who left California in the 1897 rush for Klondike gold.
  • Watson Lake and the neighbouring Upper Liard settlement are the home of the Liard River First Nation, a member of the Kaska Dena Council.
  • Known as “The Gateway to the Yukon,” Watson Lake is the first Yukon community on the Alaska Highway when travelling from BC.
  • Watson Lake is a town in Yukon, Canada, located at mile 635 on the Alaska Highway close to the British Columbia border.
  • Watson Lake experiences annual temperature average daily highs of 21 °C (69.8 °F) in July and average daily lows of −27 °C (−16.6 °F) in January.
  • The Estimated Population of Watson Lake is 790.
  • Watson Lake has more precipitation than other parts of Yukon with an average annual snowfall of 197 cm (77.6 inches) and 255 mm (10.04 inches) of rainfall, resulting in larger trees and more viable forest industry.
  • Watson Lake is 2,460 feet above sea level.
  • Watson Lake is the centre for the forestry industry in Yukon.
  • The town is also served by the Watson Lake Airport; the airport was formerly served by Canadian Pacific Airlines and other local and regional airlines, but now only provides corporate and charter services.
Facts About Watson Lake
Facts About Watson Lake