Park overview
The remoteness of the park, combined with the varied topography, offers exceptional outdoor holiday opportunities.
Recent additions to the park encompass the eastern side of Atlin Mountain, the Atlin River, a portion of the south shoreline of Graham Inlet and a portion of area in the upper Willison Creek area. Atlin Mountain is a landmark viewscape from the town of Atlin. The additions have high cultural, recreational and wilderness values for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the local community.
The climate patterns of the area are continental, with cold, long winters and warm summers. Stormy weather can linger in the valley for long periods. Temperatures decrease with increasing elevation. Because of the latitude, Atlin/Áa Tlein Téix̱’i Park has very short days in the winter, but by the June solstice, there is no actual darkness at night.
Advisories
Safety info
- Those that travel in this park should be experienced and well-equipped. There are no supplies of any sort and no park personnel in the immediate area.
- This park cannot be accessed by vehicle. Visitors planning to enter the park must do so by boat or aircraft.
Camping
Wilderness camping is the only camping available. You are asked to use “Leave no trace” camping techniques.
Facilities
Campfires are permitted within this park using the fire pits at the designated campsites.
Pit toilets are located at camping locations noted on the park map.
Activities
There are four main hiking trails in the park:
- One trail begins in Llewellyn Inlet and leads to a knoll that provides good views of the Llewellyn Glacier. This is an 800m long trail with 55m of elevation gain to the viewpoint. It is possible to continue beyond the viewpoint, but the trail is not maintained.
- The Mt. Adams Trail starts in Sloko Inlet and climbs 170m over its 4.5km length. The trail leads to a glacial lake at the base of the spectacular Llewellyn Glacier.
- The start of the Sloko Lake Trail is also located in Sloko Inlet. This 2km trail has 145m of elevation gain and takes you to the shores of Sloko Lake.
- The Shortest Railway Trail is an easy 4km walk along an abandoned rail line, known as the Taku Tram, from Scotia Bay on Atlin Lake to the historic buildings of Taku Landing on Tagish Lake.
Swimming is possible but the water is very cool. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Kayaking and canoeing are popular on Atlin Lake. Anyone planning to paddle Atlin Lake should come to the park well prepared and with kayaking or canoeing experience.
This large glacial fed lake is subject to high winds and consequently rough waters. The water temperature is an average of four degrees Celsius which means hypothermia in mere minutes. Watch the weather and always wear life-jackets.
Canoeist may want to consider spray skirt. Topographic maps are highly recommended due to the vastness of landscape.
Kayaking and canoeing are popular on Atlin Lake. Anyone planning to paddle Atlin Lake should come to the park well prepared and with kayaking or canoeing experience.
This large glacial fed lake is subject to high winds and consequently rough waters. The water temperature is an average of four degrees Celsius which means hypothermia in mere minutes. Watch the weather and always wear life-jackets.
Canoeist may want to consider spray skirt. Topographic maps are highly recommended due to the vastness of landscape.
The waters of Atlin Lake contain lake trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden and two species of white fish. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hunting is allowed in the park. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
There are winter recreation opportunities available in the park. Snowmobiling is allowed on Atlin Lake within the park. Beyond Atlin Lake, snowmobile use is prohibited and considered to be an offence under the Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area Regulation. Generally, the activity of snowmobiling is prohibited in most provincial parks.
Located in the northwest corner of the province, chartered access is available in the town of Atlin located along highway #7 from Jake’s Corner on the Alaska highway. Visitors cannot access the park by vehicle. Visitors planning to enter the park must do so by boat or aircraft.
Park and activity maps
- Park Map [PDF] (July 16, 2020)
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: May 18, 1973
- Size: 229,894 hectares
Park contact
BC Parks
250-651-7634
Nature and culture
History
Atlin is a corruption of “Ah-lah”, a native word meaning stormy weather. Atlin/Áa Tlein Téix̱’i Park is occupied by approximately one third glaciers, Llewellyn Glacier being the most prominent.
Cultural Heritage
The area has been used by the Taku River Tlingit for many years. There are several archeological sites and cultural sites within the park. It was gold that gave Atlin its reason for existence.
Hordes of prospectors poured into Alaska and the Yukon during 1898 spurred by a number of rich strikes. Many of these became weary of travel and were lured aside to discoveries that were easier to reach. The gold rush came to Atlin Lake country in 1898 and was one of the richest offshoots of the klondike rush. By the end of the mining season of 1899 about 5000 people flocked to the region, and Atlin was a busy and important town.
Although creeks in the present day park must have been prospected, none bore any gold. Although production was greatest in the early years, the Atlin field still produces today. Total placer gold production has exceeded $23,000,000, making it second only to the Cariboo in the history of British Columbia.
Conservation
Atlin/Téix’gi Aan Tlein Park contains three important ecosections: Teslin Plateau, Tagish-Highlands, Boundary Ranges (only partial representation for all three). It also contains Lake Trout Fishery, which is internationally significant.
Wildlife
This environment provides exceptional habitat for grizzly and black bear, mountain goat, caribou, moose, stone sheep, and various wolf population. There are many small animals such as the hoary marmot, Arctic ground squirrel, picas, beaver and the otter. Birds also inhabitant the park area. The most obvious birds are the various gulls, and the Arctic tern, there are also blue-grouse, ruffed-grouse and the rock, willow and white-tailed ptarmigan that have been spotted near the upland.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.