Population: 450

Teslin is located at Historic Milepost 804 on the Alaska Highway, 163 miles northwest of Watson Lake and 111 miles southeast of Whitehorse. 

Visitor Information: Village of Teslin.

Situated at the confluence of the Nisutlin River and Teslin Lake, Teslin began as a trading post in 1903. dining, lodging, gas/diesel and camping at the year-round Yukon Motel & Lakeshore RV Park (RV Park is open summers-only), gas station, post office, wildlife museum), a general store/motel/gas station, a Catholic church, health centre, and library (with internet access). There is a 3-sheet regulation curling rink and a skating rink; a skateboard park, ballfield, Friendship Park and playground.

Teslin has one of the largest Native populations in Yukon and much of the community’s livelihood revolves around traditional hunting, trapping and fishing. Some Tlingit (Klink-it) residents are also involved in the development of Native woodworking crafts (canoes, snowshoes and sleds); traditional sewn art and craft items (moccasins, mitts, moose hair tufting, gun cases); and the tanning of moose hides. The Yukon Motel has an impressive collection of wildlife on display in its Yukon Wildlife Gallery.

The Teslin area has boat rentals and charter fishing outfitters. Teslin Lake is famous for its lake trout fishing. Canoeists can fly into Wolf Lake for a 5- to 6-day trip down the Wolf River and Nisutlin River to Teslin Lake.

The Nisutlin Trading Post (open year-round) has grocery, fast foods, ATM, gas/diesel/propane and small motel. Camping north of town at the Timber Point Campground and Teslin Lake Yukon Government Campground.

Attractions:

  • George Johnston Museumlocated on the left side of the Alaska Highway heading north (see Milepost DC 776.7). Of Tlingit descent, the innovative George Johnston (1884–1972) was known for his trapping and his fine photography. His camera captured the lives of the inland Tlingit people of Teslin and Atlin between 1910 and 1940. Johnston brought the first car, a 1928 Chevrolet, by paddlewheeler to roadless Teslin 13 years before the Alaska Highway was built, cutting a 3-mile track for his “Teslin taxi.” In winter, he hunted by car on frozen Teslin Lake. The car is now on permanent display at the museum. Director Carol Geddes’ beautiful short film tells his unique story.
  • Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre has displays featuring 200 years of Inland Tlingit history and culture. Located just north of town on the southwest side of the Alaska Highway; watch for turnoff at Milepost DC 779.1. The centre’s displays feature 200 years of Inland Tlingit history and culture; open daily June to September; by appointment in winter; ample parking and turnaround area for RVs. .
  • Yukon Wildlife Gallery displayed at the Yukon Motel has an impressive display of Yukon wildlife.
  • The Teslin area has boat rentals, houseboat tours, charter fishing outfitters and an air charter service.
  • Teslin Lake is famous for its lake trout fishing.