Atlin Lake

Lake Large lake in northern British Columbia near Atlin

Large northwestern lake near the Yukon border with the town of Atlin on its shore; visitors fish, boat, hike surrounding mountains and watch winter auroras.

Main image

Atlin Lake is a large freshwater lake in northwestern British Columbia, known regionally for its scenic shoreline and recreational fishing. The lake is the setting for the small community of Atlin, which developed during the late 19th and early 20th century gold rush era.

Visitors use the lake for boating, fishing and as a base for exploring nearby mountains and glaciers. The shoreline is sparsely developed and the area retains a frontier character with lodgings and services clustered around the town of Atlin.

The lake and surrounding area were central to the Atlin gold rush of the late 1890s, which led to the establishment of the town and continued seasonal activity. The lake remains a remote wilderness destination with a small year-round population and seasonal tourism.

Atlin Lake lies in the far northwest of British Columbia, close to the border with Yukon, with the community of Atlin on its shore serving as the local access point.

  • Size and recreation: It is the largest natural lake in British Columbia and is a regional center for fishing, boating and remote wilderness trips.

What to See #

  • Town of Atlin: The town of Atlin sits on the lake's shore and serves as the main gateway for visitors, with boat services and lodgings oriented to fishing and outdoor recreation.
Atlin Lake
59.5319, -133.7222

How to Get to Atlin Lake #

Atlin is reached by a seasonal ferry and road access from British Columbia’s Highway 37/37A or by floatplane from nearby regions; the nearest significant service center is Whitehorse (Yukon), from which road and air transfers are arranged.

Tips for Visiting Atlin Lake #

  • If planning boat travel on Atlin Lake, book in advance and check local weather; sudden winds and fog are common.
  • Visit the Historic Atlin townsite for mining-era exhibits and combine with a lake cruise to see remote bays and glacial runoff.
  • Fishing is excellent - hire a local guide for the best access to trout and trout lakes that feed into Atlin.

Best Time to Visit Atlin Lake #

Summer (June-August) is the prime visiting window for boating, hiking and outdoor services around Atlin Lake.

Summer
June-August · 8-20°C / 46-68°F
The best season for boating, fishing and hiking around Atlin Lake.
Shoulder seasons
May & September · 0-12°C / 32-54°F
Quieter, cooler, and good for wildlife viewing though services are reduced.

Weather & Climate near Atlin Lake #

Climate

Atlin Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 17°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-16° -9°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -6°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 49 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -5°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

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