Liard Hot Springs to Whitehorse

Friday, July 6th

Liard Hot Springs, BC to Watson Lake, YT


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Today we traveled 146 miles today, departing at 8:20am and arriving in Watson Lake at 12:30pm with a number of stops for pictures and one for fuel.

Some of the black bears we saw today

The black bears were only seen singly, never with another bear. We saw a total of eleven black bears. Some were very small and we wondered if Mom was nearby.



Bison referred to as Wood Buffalo

Our one and only bison sighting around 10am near Allen’s Lookout, which overlooks the Liard River.







Grizzlies, mother and yearlings

A mere ten minutes after spotting the bison we came upon this mother grizzly and her two cubs. Mom showed concern as we inched our rig forward. She continued to make certain that SHE was between us and her cubs.

We saw a solo grizzly earlier but didn’t get a picture as it was across the road and down an embankment. For some reason Linda wouldn’t get out and go get a picture.

Entering the Yukon Territory

This is the first of seven crossings of the border between British Columbia and Yukon Territory.








Entering Watson Lake

We arrived at Watson Lake around 12:30 and I loved the flags of all nations lining the main highway through town. This town has a population of about 1,500. There is not much here, but the one thing they do have that impressed me was a first class library; YPL, or, Yukon Public Library. They even provide free Wi-Fi. The library overlooks Wye Lake.

Sign Post Forest

I think this spot is what Watson Lake is most well known for. It began in 1942 by a US Army soldier from Danville, Illinois while working on the construction of the Alaska Highway. It has grown since that time to include approximately 72,000 signs from all over the world. Visitors are still encouraged to add a sign to the Signpost Forest. NO, WE DIDN’T. Guess we didn’t come prepared. Besides, there was already a sign that said “The Johnsons”.

Saturday, July 7th

Watson Lake to Teslin Lake


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Today we traveled 172 miles, departing at 8:50am and arrived at 1:30pm with a stop for lunch along the route. We had sprinkles on and off then after we got situated in our campground the heavens broke loose for about 5-10 minutes.

Cassier Mountains

Note the wavy lines on the road, they are tell tale signs of frost heaves and for us to slow down. So far there haven’t been many and most were marked by cones and they weren’t bad.

Boardwalk to Swift River Falls

We stopped here for a little rest. The boardwalk takes you out to the falls for a gentle ten minute walk. Sadie enjoyed the exercise too.




Swift River Falls

The falls of the Swift River. It is a very pretty walk with lots of wildflowers and leads to these falls. When you see me with the hat just know that the skeeters are out and about.

Nisutlin Bay Bridge on Teslin Lake

This bridge is the longest water span on the Alaska Highway at 1917 feet long.









Our campsite at Teslin Lake Yukon Government Campground

As usual, wooded and private, AND, the firewood is free, and located in special bins throughout the campground. It is a great place to overnight.


Sunday, July 8th

Teslin Lake to Whitehorse


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Today we traveled 96 miles, departing at 9am and arriving at 11am. Good weather with broken clouds and about 55⁰. No animal sightings but this is a heavier traveled section of the highway with the connection to the Klondike Highway to Skagway and up to Dawson City. Whitehorse is the major shopping center for a large area.

Highway scenery

Yukon River

It appears there is quite a bit to see and do in Whitehorse besides some shopping and laundry. We’ll let you know in the next post.