Originally
known as Fish Lake, Watson Lake developed quickly as a
regional center during the Second World War and the
building of the Alaska Highway. It's at mile 635. The community is an
important forestry, commercial and transportation center for the
southern Yukon area, with services for travelers,
hunters, anglers and trappers.
During
the wartime period, service men and construction workers
erected signposts from their home towns. This was
continued over the years by travelers and today there is
a forest of road signs from around the word, located
beside the Alaska Highway. A
nostalgic summer tent show focusing on the World War II
years is staged next to the information centre.
The Watson Lake Travel Infocentre is at the junction
of the Alaska Highway and Robert Campbell highways,
behind the forest of signs. For advance information on
local events and services, call (867) 536-7469. In the
same building is the Alaska Highway Interpretation
Centre, containing displays on the building of the
highway in 1942.
Hotels
& Motels in Watson Lake
Belvedere
Hotel
867-536-7712
This operation has hotel and motel rooms, plus a
restaurant and lounge.
Gateway
Motor Inn
867-536-7744
With 58 sleeping units, this motel has a restaurant,
cocktail lounge, telephones, and color cable TV.
Watson
Lake Hotel
867-536-7781. This long-standing hotel has 48 rooms,
kitchenettes, and suites, with color cable TV, telephone,
airport limousine, fully licensed dining room, and a
cocktail lounge.
Cedar Lodge Motel
Phone: (867) 536-7406
Watson
Lake Camping:
Downtown
RV. Park
Located in the center of Watson Lake, with full hook-ups,
pull-through's, laundry, showers, there is a free RV wash
with several bays. Thde campgroun d is centrally located
within walking distance of Watson Lake's restaurants and
attractions. For info, call 867-536-2646.
Watson
Lake Public Campground
With 45 campsites, this campground is on the Alaska
Highway north of Watson Lake, 3 kilometers (2 miles) off
the highway via a side road.
Where to Eat
Archie's Fast
Food & Take-Out
Phone: (867) 536-2400
Belvedere Hotel
Phone: (867) 536-7712
Klondike Patties Burger Bar
Phone: (867) 536-7781
Pizza Palace
Phone: (867) 536-7744
Wolf-It-Down Restaurant
Phone: (867) 536-2307
