ALASKA HIGHWAY EAST

Watson Lake

The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake with thousands of signs from around the world

Watson Lake, population about 800, sits near the BC border on the Alaska Highway, 450 km east of Whitehorse. It's the second-largest community in Yukon east of Whitehorse (a low bar, admittedly) and the main service town for the Alaska Highway southeastern stretch and the Cassiar Highway junction. Fuel, groceries, a hospital, a couple of decent restaurants, and the Sign Post Forest — the iconic tourist stop where visitors have been nailing up hometown signs since 1942.

The Sign Post Forest now holds over 100,000 signs and is genuinely worth an hour of wandering. The Northern Lights Centre is a small planetarium-style attraction that's fine for kids and not much else. Otherwise Watson Lake is a highway service town — you sleep here because it's exactly right for the Alaska Highway drive, not because it's a destination. One night, maybe two if doing a Nahanni or Cassiar side trip.

Where to stay

The Big Horn Hotel, Belvedere Motor Hotel, and Cedar Lodge are the main options along the Alaska Highway strip. Expect $130-190 in summer, less shoulder season. Book ahead July-August when the RV traffic peaks. Winter rates drop but so do services — some kitchens close and hours contract. There are B&Bs on the outskirts but you’ll want to be in walking distance of the diner for breakfast.

Getting there

Drive from Whitehorse: 450 km east on the Alaska Highway, about 5 hours. From Prince George, BC via the Cassiar Highway is 900 km, a two-day drive. Husky Bus and Greyhound alternatives connect summer only. No local transit — the town is small enough to walk. Fuel is plentiful (multiple stations); this is one of the main fuel hubs on the Alaska Highway. Local air service is limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is Watson Lake worth stopping in?

Yes, for at least the Sign Post Forest and a night's sleep if you’re driving the Alaska Highway. As a standalone destination, no — it's a highway town, not a wilderness base. Combine with a Cassiar Highway drive or a longer Alaska Highway trip.

Can I add my hometown sign to the Sign Post Forest?

Yes, absolutely — bring one from home or make one on-site. The Visitor Information Centre often has materials for making a sign. Bring nails and a hammer or borrow them. Position your sign wherever you can find space. That's the whole point.