Teslin

HOME OF THE TESLIN TLINGIT PEOPLE

The Village of Teslin is on the shores of Nisutlin Bay on Teslin Lake. The name Teslin is taken from the Tlingit word ‘Teslintoo’, meaning, “long narrow waters” referring to Teslin Lake, which is 125 km (78 miles) long.

The Teslin Tlingit people are descendants of the Taku Qwan who moved inland from Southeast Alaska’s coastal regions to the shores of the upper Taku River in the early 18th Century. At the turn of the 20th century, the Tlingit people continued to move inland and arrived in the Teslin Lake area. In the 1940s, construction of the Alaska Highway and the Canol Road brought major changes to the area and prompted the semi-nomadic Tlingit population to permanently settle in what is today the Village of Teslin.

During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 gold seekers travelled up the Stikine River from Wrangell, Alaska, then trekked 150 miles overland from Telegraph Creek to the headwaters of Teslin Lake. There, they constructed crude boats and sailed across the lake, down the Teslin and Yukon Rivers to Dawson City and the gold fields.

The Teslin stopover soon became busy enough for The Hudson Bay Co. to establish a trading post for the villagers and travellers. However, it was closed by 1903 and the Nisutlin Trading Post was established to serve the Tlingit First Nations. Teslin’s economy is still based on traditional hunting, trapping and fishing, although tourism is playing an increasingly important role.

There is a day-use area with boat launch at the north end of Nisutlin Bay Bridge, which is the longest water span on the Alaska Highway at 584 metres/1,917 feet. Teslin’s population is approximately 125.

Nisutlin Trading Post & Motel Updated rooms including Wi-fi & satellite TV, in room bar fridge and coffee maker. Open year-round. 867-390-2521 Yukon Motel on the shore of the beautiful Nisutlin Bay. Rooms have satellite TV and private bathrooms. Single or double beds available. Gas station, souvenirs & licensed restaurant. 867-390-2443

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Yukon Motel Lakeshore RV Park 70 sites with water and power hookups. Wi-fi hotspot, shower house, laundromat, dump station. 867-390-2443

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Nisutlin Trading Post ‘A little store with more.’ Includes a general store, fast food, a fuel station and is a source of information about local attractions. There is an ATM in the store. Unleaded, premium, diesel and propane. 867-390-2521

Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre on the shores of beautiful Teslin Lake, 5 km north of Teslin. The centre features modern and traditional Tlingit arts, cultural program and demonstrations and a canoe exhibit. The gift shop has locally made crafts and gift items. This is a highly recommended stop on your journey north. Open daily from June 1st to September 1st, 9am to 5pm. Stop in and Share in the Tlingit Culture! The George Johnston Museum is an amazing collection of photographs and historical memorabilia. The Museum is named after a venerated Tlingit elder trapper, fur trader and photographer. The Northern Wildlife Museum next to the Yukon Motel houses an informative and educational display of many species of Yukon wildlife in their natural habitat, including bear, caribou, lynx and sheep.

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