Atlin is a tiny community in Northwestern British Columbia that is home to about 400 year-around residents. It is just 180km south of Whitehorse, Yukon. Atlin is within the traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. Gold was discovered in Atlin Valley in 1897 and spawned a Goldrush that coincided with the Klondyke Stampede to Dawson City, Yukon.
Gold is still mined to this day, as well as other metals. A road was constructed through to Atlin in 1950, and since then Atlin has become a haven for people seeking out a different way of life; those looking for peace and quiet, incredible beauty, and has become an attraction for artists, self-sufficient types, and retired folk.
The people of Atlin are proud and independent. They tend to have the time of day to stop and talk to visitors and share a few yarns. The Pine Tree Restaurant is the place for the locals every morning. Atlin is normally a quiet town, but come festival weekend it comes alive and parades its colours; there are people everywhere setting up shop, selling crafts, opening their art studios, and jamming in the streets. Consider coming the week before the festival and get a feel for the town, or stay after for a few days to watch it return to its normal tranquil pace.
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Directions
Whitehorse Airport is accessed from several cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Juneau, and Inuvik. Whitehorse is approximately 110 miles N. of Atlin, which is about a two hour drive; one hour on the Alaska Highway to reach Jake’s Corner, and then on the Atlin Road one hour into the town of Atlin.
If you are driving to the festival, the Atlin Road is located just south of Jake’s Corner on the Alaska highway, S.E. of Whitehorse about 50 miles; follow the signs.
If you are coming from Juneau, take the ferry to Skagway, go north through Carcross and follow the signs to Atlin.
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Services
GROCERIES
- The Trading Post
- The Food Basket
GAS
- The Pine Tree Shell Station
- Tlingit Gas Bar close to Como Lake/Atlin Road
BANK
Bank machines are located at the Pine Tree Restaurant, the Atlin Rec Center, the Atlin Inn, the Food Basket and Tarahne Park.
WATER
One spigot is available at the Pine Tree Station with little space for lines. If possible, you should fill up before coming into town. Spring water is available 1/3 mile s. of the Beach parking lot on the east side of Warm Bay Road.
For more information about Atlin see atlinvisitors.net
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Businesses
Hotels, B & B’s, Cabins
- Brewery Bay Chalet: 651-0040
- Atlin Mountain Inn: 651-7546
- Quilts & Comforts B&B: 800-836-1818
- Glacier View Cabins: 651-7691
Restaurants/Cafes
- Mainstage Food Booths
- Park Concession Stand
- PineTree Restaurant
- Atlin Mountain Coffee Roaster
- Jenz’ Café
- Atlin Mountain Inn / Discovery Saloon
Campgrounds
- Beach on Atlin Lake- 2 mi. out, tents only, free
- Tarahne Park festival grounds
- Old Runway-approx. 1 mi. out-Free
- Pine Creek Campground- $10.00 night
- Norseman Adventures RV Park- $12 night
Things to Do While you are in Atlin
If you are planning a longer stay than just Festival weekend, you will discover that Atlin is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with an endless variety of adventuring including fishing, boating, hiking, glacier walks, sight-seeing tours, airplane tours, a visit to the Warm Springs, Pine Creek Falls, kayaking, houseboating and the list goes on and on. Please visit our community website at atlinvisitors.net .
Swimming: Como Lake just north of town is best. Atlin Lake off the docks is refreshingly frigid.
Canoeing: Rentals are available at Sidka Tours at Mile 7 Warm Bay Rd.: 651-7691
Fishing: Contact Gary-Hill: 651-7553
Boating: Contact Dirk Kohlmann: 651-7844
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