INLAND TLINGIT

Teslin

Teslin Bridge over the Nisutlin River and Teslin Lake

Teslin sits on Teslin Lake at km 1244 of the Alaska Highway, 180 km east of Whitehorse. It's the primary community of the Teslin Tlingit Council, whose ancestors migrated inland from the coast over generations of trade. The Nisutlin Bay Bridge is the longest water span on the Alaska Highway — 584 metres — and is the town's most photographed feature.

The George Johnston Museum on the highway is small but excellent, focused on the life and photography of George Johnston, a Tlingit man who documented Teslin community life from the 1920s onward. The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre next door showcases contemporary and traditional Tlingit culture including totem carvings. Between the two you can fill a solid two hours. Beyond that Teslin is a highway service village — fuel, food, a couple of motels. Overnight if breaking Whitehorse-Watson Lake.

Where to stay

Yukon Motel and Nisutlin Trading Post accommodations are the main options, $120-170. On the Alaska Highway, functional, with restaurants attached. A couple of small B&B and cabin operations run seasonally. Book ahead in summer; availability is usually manageable but not guaranteed. Views of Teslin Lake from lakeside rooms are the reason to prefer one place over another — ask specifically.

Getting there

Drive from Whitehorse: 180 km east on the Alaska Highway, about 2 hours. From Watson Lake 275 km west. No local transit. Fuel at the Yukon Motel and Nisutlin Trading Post; usually reliable year-round but shorter hours in winter. Husky Bus stops on request. Teslin's small airstrip serves charter flights only.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the George Johnston Museum and the Heritage Centre?

The George Johnston Museum focuses on his life and photography (documentary, historic). The Heritage Centre is broader — clan history, totem poles, contemporary Tlingit culture, and language revitalization. Both are worth an hour; a combined visit is the sensible approach.

Is Teslin worth an overnight?

If you’re breaking the Whitehorse-Watson Lake drive, yes — better than pushing through. If you’re doing the drive in one go (feasible in 5-6 hours) then a two-hour stop covers the essentials. Also a decent aurora base with dark skies and lake views.