Fish Lake Whitehorse
A stunning Yukon gem offering panoramic views, vibrant autumn colors, and unparalleled Northern Lights viewing with zero light pollution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Fish Lake Whitehorse
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Yukon gem offering panoramic views, vibrant autumn colors, and unparalleled Northern Lights viewing with zero light pollution.
"Supreme views! A nice 2 hour hike. It's a bit of a workout to reach the summit, but it's well worth the panoramic views!"
Drive with Caution at Night
The road to Fish Lake can be narrow and curvy at night. Drive slowly and be aware of wildlife. :car:
Pack for Extreme Cold
Winter temperatures can drop drastically. Layer up with warm clothing, insulated boots, and accessories. :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Fish Lake Hill Loop Trail
Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Yukon landscape. A rewarding workout!
Northern Lights Spectacle
Northern end of Fish Lake
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights with zero light pollution. Best viewed with a camera's long exposure.
Autumn's Fiery Colors
Fish Lake trails
Witness a dramatic transformation of red and yellow foliage during September hikes. A photographer's dream!
Frozen Winter Wonderland
Fish Lake
Explore the serene beauty of a frozen Fish Lake, perfect for winter photography and experiencing the crisp Yukon air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Yukon's Beauty
Respecting the Land and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Drive with Caution at Night
The road to Fish Lake can be narrow and curvy at night. Drive slowly and be aware of wildlife. :car:
Pack for Extreme Cold
Winter temperatures can drop drastically. Layer up with warm clothing, insulated boots, and accessories. :snowflake:
Best for Aurora Photography
Use a tripod and long exposure settings to capture the Northern Lights. No light pollution here! :camerawithflash:
Respect Harvesting Times
Be aware of visitor hours (10 am-5 pm) during harvesting seasons to respect local land use. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Drive with Caution at Night
The road to Fish Lake can be narrow and curvy at night. Drive slowly and be aware of wildlife. :car:
Pack for Extreme Cold
Winter temperatures can drop drastically. Layer up with warm clothing, insulated boots, and accessories. :snowflake:
Best for Aurora Photography
Use a tripod and long exposure settings to capture the Northern Lights. No light pollution here! :camerawithflash:
Respect Harvesting Times
Be aware of visitor hours (10 am-5 pm) during harvesting seasons to respect local land use. :world_map:
Trail Conditions Vary
Avoid spring due to mud. Fall offers stunning colors, while summer is great for hiking. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the supreme, panoramic views from the summit and the magical experience of seeing the Northern Lights with zero light pollution. The autumn colors are also a major highlight. Some find the hike a good workout, and the drive at night can be challenging but rewarding.
"Supreme views! A nice 2 hour hike. It's a bit of a workout to reach the summit, but it's well worth the panoramic views!"
Paul Richter
"Saw the Northern Lights. Super but have to use delayed exposure to see. Can’t see with the naked eye. Point smartphone at the sky and wait to see what appears. Absolutely no outside lights. Stars sparkling like diamonds as never seen so clearly before. Worth the drive on a narrow, curvy road at night around midnight."
Mohamud Verjee
"Dropping this here since no one has posted it in the reviews yet. If you are in Whitehorse for the winters, the northern end of this lake is probably the best place to see the Northern Lights. Clean sightlines 360° and not a speck of light pollution.
Pro tip: there is usually heavy cloud cover midway through the drive on Fish Lake road to the North parking, keep driving, the sky usually clears out the closer you get to the lake itself."
Imaad Asad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fish Lake is a scenic drive from Whitehorse, typically about 30-40 minutes. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility. Be aware that the road can be narrow and curvy, especially at night. Some visitors have noted that cloud cover can be an issue midway, but it often clears closer to the lake.
Driving in winter requires caution due to snow and ice. Ensure your rental car is equipped for winter conditions, and be prepared for potential car issues. It's advisable to check road conditions before you go.
Public transportation options to Fish Lake are limited. Renting a car is the most convenient way to access the area and explore at your own pace.
The most common route involves driving north from Whitehorse. Follow local signage for Fish Lake. The drive itself offers beautiful Yukon scenery.
The road can be narrow and winding. Drive slowly, especially at night or in winter conditions. Be mindful of wildlife and other vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is generally no entrance fee for Fish Lake itself, as it's a natural area. However, be aware of any specific regulations or designated use times.
Fish Lake is accessible year-round, but visitor use is often recommended between 10 am and 5 pm, especially during certain seasons, to respect local land use and harvesting.
No, advance booking is not typically required for visiting Fish Lake. It's a natural attraction, and you can visit spontaneously.
Yes, visitors are asked to respect the land and wildlife. During certain times of the year (e.g., Aug 1st to Oct 31st), visitor use is restricted to between 10 am and 5 pm due to traditional harvesting.
While the area is accessible, visiting at night is primarily recommended for Northern Lights viewing. Be extra cautious with driving and be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Fish Lake Hill Loop trail is highly recommended for its decent workout and rewarding ridge views. Other trails offer scenic walks around the lake.
While the keyword 'fishing whitehorse' has search volume, specific details about fishing at Fish Lake itself are not prominent in the provided content. It's best to check local regulations and conditions if fishing is your primary interest.
You might encounter various wildlife, including swans. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals.
The trails can be a bit of a workout, but the scenic beauty makes it enjoyable. Shorter walks around the lake might be more suitable for younger children.
Bring water, snacks, appropriate footwear, and layers of clothing. In winter, ensure you have extreme cold weather gear. 
📸 📸 Photography
Fish Lake offers stunning opportunities for landscape photography, especially during autumn for vibrant colors, winter for frozen scenes, and at night for the Northern Lights. The summit views are also spectacular.
The northern end of Fish Lake is ideal due to zero light pollution. Use a tripod and a camera with manual settings for long exposure shots. Even smartphone cameras can capture them with delayed exposure.
Yes, drone footage of Fish Lake showcases its expansive beauty, from sweeping landscapes to aerial views of the frozen or colorful surroundings.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for landscapes. For the Northern Lights, nighttime is essential. Autumn afternoons provide warm, colorful light.
Generally, no specific photography restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of the natural environment and any posted regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of the weather, especially if visiting in colder months. The scenic drive itself can also be an adventure for kids. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The lack of light pollution at the northern end makes it ideal for astrophotography. Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial shots of the expansive scenery. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Remember to wear appropriate footwear and dress in layers, as conditions can change. Be aware of the seasonal restrictions for land use to ensure a respectful visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Fish Lake in Winter
+2Drone footage offers a unique perspective of the frozen landscape, highlighting the sheer scale and beauty of the area. While hiking trails are less accessible, the frozen lake itself becomes a canvas for winter exploration. Remember to dress in extreme cold weather gear, as temperatures can be severe.
+1For those seeking the magic of the Aurora Borealis, Fish Lake's northern end is a prime location due to its complete lack of light pollution. Capturing the lights requires patience and the right equipment, but the reward is an unforgettable celestial display.
Hiking and Autumn Colors
+1Visitors often describe the hiking experience as heavenly, with the changing colors creating a dramatic and beautiful scenery. It's a great way to experience the Yukon's natural beauty up close.
When hiking, always be prepared with appropriate footwear and layers of clothing, as Yukon weather can be unpredictable. Respecting the land and any posted guidelines, especially regarding traditional harvesting times, is crucial for preserving the area.
Capturing the Northern Lights
While the lights can be faint to the naked eye, they become spectacular when captured with a camera. Travelers recommend using a tripod and long exposure settings to bring out the vibrant colors and dancing patterns of the aurora. Even smartphone cameras can capture impressive results with delayed exposure.
To maximize your chances, aim for clear nights during the darker months. The drive to the northern end of the lake is often recommended for the best viewing experience. Patience is key, and the effort is well worth the magical display.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit