Atlin

Atlin

Atlin (population: 400) is BC’s most northwesterly community. To reach the town, start at Kilometre 1,394 (Mile 866) on the Alaska Highway. Turn south at Hwy 7 – this scenic, all-weather road will take you the 98 km (61 mi) to Atlin. The town is idyllically located midway along the eastern shore of Atlin Lake, across from the majestic Coast Mountains. The town’s vast, natural backdrop has earned it the nickname, “Little Switzerland of the North.” Atlin is surrounded by a vast wilderness network of lakes, mountains, glaciers, plateaux and valleys.

The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Tlingit First Nation, who travelled through the broad valley on their annual hunting, fishing and trading migrations. Many descendants of these resilient people reside here today. Atlin, a Tlingit word meaning “big water”, was founded in 1898 after the discovery of gold attracted fortune seekers from the south. The White Pass & Yukon Railway Company recognized Atlin’s potential as a tourist destination and promoted the town to the fullest. During the 1920s, the town became a chic stop for the social elite, who toured Atlin Lake on the opulent M.V. Tarahne.

Gold mining still plays a key role in the town’s economy, as does its role as a gateway to recreational activities. Atlin’s dramatic scenery has also inspired countless artists, many who have chosen to settle here.