
Emerald Lake Yukon
A breathtaking roadside gem in Yukon, famous for its intense emerald and blue hues created by unique mineral deposits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors are most intense

Emerald Lake Yukon
Best Time
Vibrant colors are most intense

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking roadside gem in Yukon, famous for its intense emerald and blue hues created by unique mineral deposits.
"The amazing colors and picturesque views are outstanding."

📸 Capture the Colors
Visit on a sunny day for the most vibrant emerald and blue hues. Overcast days can mute the colors.
🚗 Road Trip Must-Stop
Easily accessible from the South Klondike Highway, perfect for a quick photo stop on your way to Carcross.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 118 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Unforgettable Emerald Hues
Emerald Lake
Witness the lake's intense green and blue colors, a result of sunlight reflecting off calcium carbonate deposits.

Roadside Photo Opportunity
South Klondike Highway
A must-stop for photographers, this easily accessible spot offers stunning panoramic views for your camera roll.

Gateway to Carcross Desert
Near Carcross
Often visited in conjunction with the 'world's smallest desert,' offering a unique dual natural wonder experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Emerald Lake's Colors
Road Trip Essential: Emerald Lake Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Colors
Visit on a sunny day for the most vibrant emerald and blue hues. Overcast days can mute the colors.
🚗 Road Trip Must-Stop
Easily accessible from the South Klondike Highway, perfect for a quick photo stop on your way to Carcross.
⏱️ Time Your Visit
Tours may only allow a few minutes. If driving yourself, allow ample time to soak in the views.
✨ Consider Night Views
Some visitors suggest it's a good spot for aurora viewing, though daytime colors are its main draw.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Colors
Visit on a sunny day for the most vibrant emerald and blue hues. Overcast days can mute the colors.
🚗 Road Trip Must-Stop
Easily accessible from the South Klondike Highway, perfect for a quick photo stop on your way to Carcross.
⏱️ Time Your Visit
Tours may only allow a few minutes. If driving yourself, allow ample time to soak in the views.
✨ Consider Night Views
Some visitors suggest it's a good spot for aurora viewing, though daytime colors are its main draw.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Emerald Lake for its stunning, almost surreal green and blue colors, making it a highly photogenic roadside attraction. While some find its fame exaggerated, most agree it's a beautiful and worthwhile stop on the South Klondike Highway, especially on a sunny day. The quick accessibility is a major plus for tour groups and road-trippers alike.
"Beautiful picture stop on the way to Carcross. The amazing colors and picturesque views are outstanding. We only had few minutes given we were on tour and had to return to our cruise on time but I think good place to watch northern lights at night and maybe kayaking during the day."
Kanan Mehul
"Beautiful view from the top. 45 mins drive from whitehourse"
Irindu
"Incredible, beautiful Emerald Lake in the southern Yukon, located on the South Klondike Highway. Famous with its notable intense green colour. The colour derives from light reflecting off white deposits of marl, a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate, at the bottom of the shallow waters."
Diane Leong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emerald Lake is approximately a 45-minute drive south of Whitehorse via the South Klondike Highway. It's a popular stop on the route to Carcross.
Emerald Lake is primarily accessed by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour. Public transport options are limited.
Yes, Emerald Lake is about a 1.5-hour drive from Skagway, Alaska, crossing the Canadian border. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents.
The South Klondike Highway (Highway 2) is the main route. It's a scenic drive, and Emerald Lake is a well-marked stop along the way.
Absolutely! It's considered a must-see roadside attraction for its unique colors and is conveniently located for travelers exploring the Yukon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Emerald Lake is a natural attraction accessible from the highway, and there are no entrance fees.
Emerald Lake is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's an outdoor natural site. However, the best viewing conditions are during daylight hours.
There is no parking fee. Designated pull-offs are available along the highway for visitors to stop and admire the lake.
While accessible, winter conditions may obscure the vibrant colors due to snow and ice. The most striking views are typically from late spring to early fall.
As a natural attraction, general rules of respecting the environment apply. Stay on designated paths and do not disturb the natural surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The lake's intense green and blue colors, caused by light reflecting off calcium carbonate deposits, make it incredibly picturesque.
Direct sunlight is key! Visit during the day, especially when the sun is high, to capture the most vibrant colors.
Drone usage is permitted in many areas of the Yukon, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
While it's famously called that, its stunning colors make it a highly popular spot for photos. Many other Canadian lakes are also incredibly photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is admiring and photographing the lake's unique colors. It's a perfect spot for a short break and scenic appreciation.
Emerald Lake itself is more of a roadside viewpoint. For hiking, consider nearby trails in Carcross or the surrounding Yukon wilderness.
While the water is stunning, it can be very cold. Kayaking might be possible for experienced individuals, but swimming is generally not recommended due to the temperature.
Basic pull-off areas are available. For full facilities, it's best to stop in nearby towns like Carcross or Whitehorse.
The main viewpoints are easily accessible from the parking areas along the highway, making it generally accessible for most visitors.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit