Tuesday, July 25

Another driving day but with great scenery along the way as I drove from Fort Nelson, BC to Watson Lake in Yukon Territory. This section of the Alaska highway crosses the northern Rockies and they are as impressive here as they are further south. The weather started and ended with blue skies and sunshine but, over the higher parts of the Rockies, there was heavy cloud and even a few spots of rain which meant I missed the full beauty of the lakes. The best way to get a feel for the route and see the scenery is to watch the road video as many of the best views occur where there is nowhere to pull over to take a photo. The map and video are here.

Despite being only a fraction of the height of the Rockies further south the peaks are still impressive.

The highest point along the Alaska Highway is Summit Lake at 4,250 feet.

Some of the best scenery of the day was at Muncho Lake but it happened to coincide with the worst weather.

Wednesday, July 26

Another step along the Alaska Highway, this time from Watson Lake to Whitehorse, YT. I was not expecting much as none of this section was designated as scenic but the whole landscape consists of mountains, lakes, rivers and forests so there was plenty to look at.

Since this journey was shorter than previous days I decided to include a little hike to Rancheria Falls and also stop at the Tlingit Heritage Centre in Teslin to learn more about the native people of the area in addition to the usual photo stops.

I knew that the Tlingit Heritage Centre had a large biennial cultural celebration starting tomorrow so I was not sure if it would be open. It was, but it resembled a construction site more than a museum and even the small exhibit area was partially closed in preparation for four days of tribal festivities. It was a short visit.

To follow all this you might need the map which is here.

Watson Lake has a “Signpost Jungle” outside its visitor centre that has become a top attraction. This is about one quarter of it.

Although Rancheria Falls are not impressive, the walk gave me the opportunity to stretch my legs after so much driving.

Teslin Lake is about 75 miles long but only 3 miles wide and the Alaska Highway runs alongside the lake for about 30 miles after crossing the Nisutlin Bay Bridge.

Teslin Lake under stormy skies. I will be back here in about three weeks and hope that blue skies will prevail then.

The Tlingit Heritage Centre has craft demonstrations and the carver of these magnificent totem poles was working there today.