Tagish Lake
Lake Glacial lake spanning Yukon and British Columbia
Straddling British Columbia and Yukon, Tagish Lake draws anglers and paddlers to long channels and sheltered coves; fishing, boating and lakeside cabins attract summer visitors.
Tagish Lake is a long, narrow lake in northwestern British Columbia near the border with Yukon. It is known among scientists for a meteorite fall in 2000.
The lake and its surrounding wilderness offer fishing, boating and remote outdoor recreation rather than developed resort infrastructure. Access is generally by road and seasonal water routes, with services concentrated at a few lakeside communities.
The lake has been part of local Indigenous territories and later regional travel and transport routes. Its scientific prominence grew after the recovery of meteorite fragments from the lake area in 2000, which provided valuable samples for research.
Situated in northwestern British Columbia close to the Yukon border, the lake lies within a sparsely populated boreal and subalpine landscape. Nearest larger communities are in the Yukon and northern BC regional centres.
- 2000 meteorite fall: A carbonaceous meteorite fell on the lake in January 2000; fragments recovered from the ice and shoreline have been important in planetary science research.
How to Get to Tagish Lake #
Tagish Lake stretches along the Alaska‑Canada border region. Access is generally by road via the Alaska Highway or by floatplane in summer; small communities and lodges around the lake provide boat transfers. Exact landing sites vary-coordination with local operators is essential.
Tips for Visiting Tagish Lake #
- If visiting in winter, be prepared for long periods of ice and bring avalanche and ice safety knowledge for remote travel.
- Boat charters are the practical way to reach isolated fishing bays; local guides can show productive spots.
- Keep an eye out for Kluane and St. Elias range reflections in calm summer mornings-spectacular photography opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Tagish Lake #
Summer is best for access and fishing; winter is feasible only for experienced parties with appropriate vehicles and equipment.
Weather & Climate near Tagish Lake #
Tagish 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 -19°C to 18°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -11°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 45 mm of rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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