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There are many dramatic sights and vistas to see in and around Atlin, thanks to its location on Atlin Lake – BC’s largest natural lake– and proximity to the towering Coast Mountains. Atlin’s heyday was as a summer resort for the elite; today, artists abound, appreciative of all Atlin still has to offer: bounteous vistas, a relaxed atmosphere, easy access to outdoor recreation and exciting, remote water adventures.
Atlin is surrounded by a vast wilderness network of lakes, mountains, glaciers, plateaux and valleys. One such hike that fulfills adventurous expectations is on the historic Monarch Mountain Trail. The 8-km (5-mi) return trip takes hikers above the tree line, offering spectacular vistas of the surroundings, including Atlin Lake and Llewellyn Glacier.
For ambitious athletes, Atlin hosts the 4 Crown Quest in late summer, a one-to-two day triathlon combining mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking and running. Those lucky enough to take two days to complete the quest get to camp by Surprise Lake amidst awesome scenery .
A notable historic landmark in Atlin is the M.V. Tarahne. During the 1920s, when Atlin had become a chic destination for the wealthy elite, some four hundred visitors per week toured Atlin Lake aboard this opulent, gasoline-powered propeller vessel. While it was abandoned during the Depression, the Tarahne has been restored and now sits in splendid glory at the foot of Trainor Avenue. The Atlin Historical Society offers visitors a guided tour of the Tarahne, but please book in advance.
Explore the area’s history at the Atlin Museum (open mid-June to early September), which houses many fascinating artifacts from the Klondike Gold Rush. The museum is situated in a 1902 schoolhouse, one of the many historic buildings along a self-guided walking tour of the town.
Artists have always been drawn to Atlin, and today the town boasts a vibrant arts community. Well-known and acclaimed local artists include: Maureen Morris (antler carving); Heather Hyatt (drawing); Lois Clark (quilting); Bev Wood (pine-needle baskets); Don Weir (painting); and Wayne Merry (writing).
The arts are celebrated at the Atlin Arts & Music Festival , held yearly in July, which showcases music, storytelling as well as arts and crafts. The Atlin Centre for the Arts offers workshops and creativity retreats in this inspired setting. Workshops include painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, design and creative writing.
A visit to Atlin wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Globe Theatre. Originally built in 1917 as a movie house, it was renovated in 1998, in time for the Klondike Centennial. A stage was added so that the theatre now hosts plays and musicals in addition to movies.
Atlin is renowned for its spectacular natural setting by vast Atlin Lake and the towering, Coast Mountains. It is an inspirational gateway to remote explorations. The most adventurous head to Atlin Provincial Park and Recreation Area. The park, located at the southwest end of Atlin Lake, is accessible by air or water only. It is home to the massive Llewellyn Glacier, which flows toward the lake from the Juneau Ice Fields, one of North America’s largest.
Come summer, boats and float planes crowd Atlin’s harbour, reminiscent of the town’s 1920s heyday. Soar by plane over the immense Juneau Ice Fields or take a jet boat tour of Atlin Lake. Don’t forget to take in breathtaking mountain vistas or the sight of the celebrated but now abandoned Ben My Chree and Engineer mines.
Atlin has plenty of wildlife . Look for caribou, moose, black bear, stone sheep, mule deer, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and owls, especially at dawn and dusk. Over 200 bird species have also been recorded in the area.
They say the sun never sets in the far north. See for yourself at Summer Solstice on June 21. Atlin experiences over 18 hours of sunlight and the sky never truly darkens. As the days grow shorter and darker in autumn, the mesmerizing Northern Lights come into unforgettable view on starry nights.
Atlin is truly the perfect spot for a wilderness getaway. There is a wonderful selection of quaint B&Bs and charming cottages to use as a base for a laid-back holiday by lake, mountains and forest.
If you’re in the mood for a water adventure , head to Atlin. Wilderness kayakers are awed by Atlin Provincial Park and Recreation Area – a remote, glaciated piece of untouched wilderness at the southwest end of massive Atlin Lake. Please note that there are no facilities. Guided kayak and jet boat tours can be arranged. Because of high winds, paddlers are advised to remain within 30 m (100 ft) of shore.
Atlin Lake itself is a fisher’s paradise. Catching four or five fish per hour is not uncommon, particularly lake trout and grayling from mid June to mid September, as well as whitefish and burbot. Atlin is also the take-off point for fly-in fishing camps.
By February, lakes freeze over, including the enormous Atlin Lake, which means ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling over ice – even car races. In March, ambitious cross-country skiers race over a 75-km (47-mi) track around Teresa Island on Atlin Lake. On land, a variety of groomed cross country trails surround the community. In spring, heli-skiers from the world over fly in to ski the 6,000 sq km (2,280 sq mi) of the remote backcountry around Atlin, experiencing runs of up to 2,000 vertical m (6,000 vertical ft). Advanced reservations are required.
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