Emerald Lake - Notice the cabin on the lower right.
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Emerald Lake Yukon

4.8
·118 reviews·, Canada

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny Summer Days

Vibrant colors are most intense

CrowdMedium
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Emerald Lake - Notice the cabin on the lower right.

Emerald Lake Yukon

Best Time

Sunny Summer Days

Vibrant colors are most intense

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(118 reviews)

"The amazing colors and picturesque views are outstanding."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 118 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Unforgettable Emerald Hues

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

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

Gateway to Carcross Desert

Near Carcross

Often visited in conjunction with the 'world's smallest desert,' offering a unique dual natural wonder experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Emerald Lake's Colors

The vibrant hues of Emerald Lake are best appreciated under direct sunlight. Visit on a clear day to witness its famous green and blue colors. Avoid overcast days, as the colors can appear muted. Planning your visit during peak daylight hours maximizes the visual impact.

Road Trip Essential: Emerald Lake Stop

Emerald Lake is a popular roadside attraction on the South Klondike Highway, often visited as a stop between Whitehorse and Carcross. If you're driving, factor in a brief but rewarding stop. Those on tours should confirm the duration of your visit, as some may only allow a few minutes.

Best Times

When
Sunny Summer Days
Why
Vibrant colors are most intense
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear Fall Afternoons
Why
Stunning fall foliage backdrop
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Emerald Lake💚, Yukon On the way from Whitehorse to Carcross.. don’t miss this natural masterpiece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #YukonVibes #lake #scenic #nature #canada #travel #haryana #yukon #india #haryanvi
mr.mor_here
486 likes • 12.6K views

📸 Capture the Colors

Visit on a sunny day for the most vibrant emerald and blue hues. Overcast days can mute the colors. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trip Must-Stop

Easily accessible from the South Klondike Highway, perfect for a quick photo stop on your way to Carcross. Instagram+1

Please enjoy the bright colors of Emerald Lake on a beautiful fall day. -- near Carcross, Yukon.
cabinlife_alaska
0 likes • 130.9K views
📍Emerald Lake . . . . #emeraldlakeyukon #travelyukon #summeriscoming #nature #beautifuldestinations #getoutside
roi_agapito
77 likes • 1.1K views

⏱️ Time Your Visit

Tours may only allow a few minutes. If driving yourself, allow ample time to soak in the views. Reddit

✨ Consider Night Views

Some visitors suggest it's a good spot for aurora viewing, though daytime colors are its main draw. TikTok

📍Emerald Lake #fpvdrone #yukon
tenzufilms
19 likes • 981 views

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. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trip Must-Stop

Easily accessible from the South Klondike Highway, perfect for a quick photo stop on your way to Carcross. Instagram+1

⏱️ Time Your Visit

Tours may only allow a few minutes. If driving yourself, allow ample time to soak in the views. Reddit

✨ Consider Night Views

Some visitors suggest it's a good spot for aurora viewing, though daytime colors are its main draw. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(118 reviews)

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

Incredible natural colors
Easy roadside access
Photogenic scenery

What People Dislike

Can be crowded on tours
Colors muted on cloudy days

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. Instagram+1

Emerald Lake is primarily accessed by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour. Public transport options are limited. Reddit

Yes, Emerald Lake is about a 1.5-hour drive from Skagway, Alaska, crossing the Canadian border. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

Absolutely! It's considered a must-see roadside attraction for its unique colors and is conveniently located for travelers exploring the Yukon. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Emerald Lake is a natural attraction accessible from the highway, and there are no entrance fees. Instagram

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. Instagram

There is no parking fee. Designated pull-offs are available along the highway for visitors to stop and admire the lake. Instagram

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. Instagram

As a natural attraction, general rules of respecting the environment apply. Stay on designated paths and do not disturb the natural surroundings. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The lake's intense green and blue colors, caused by light reflecting off calcium carbonate deposits, make it incredibly picturesque. Instagram+1

Direct sunlight is key! Visit during the day, especially when the sun is high, to capture the most vibrant colors. Instagram+1

Drone usage is permitted in many areas of the Yukon, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. Instagram+1

Emerald Lake itself is more of a roadside viewpoint. For hiking, consider nearby trails in Carcross or the surrounding Yukon wilderness. Instagram

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. Reddit

Basic pull-off areas are available. For full facilities, it's best to stop in nearby towns like Carcross or Whitehorse. Instagram

The main viewpoints are easily accessible from the parking areas along the highway, making it generally accessible for most visitors. Instagram

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