The Village of Teslin, Yukon 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 to the Teslin Lake area. In the 1940s, construction of the Alaska Highway and 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.

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 250.

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 and 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.

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Best Places to Stay in Teslin, Yukon

Nisutlin Trading Post & Motel

Nisutlin Trading Post & Motel is the “Little Store with More.” Groceries, bakery, fresh produce and dairy as well as hardware, camping gear, fishing tackle and licenses. The motel has nice rooms and offers reasonable prices with a number of amenities including, satellite TV and phones.The service station has unleaded, premium, diesel and propane.

Yukon Motel & RV Park

Yukon Motel & RV Park on the shore of the beautiful Nisutlin Bay in Teslin. Motel rooms, Lakeshore RV Park, Souvenir Shop, Northern Wildlife Gallery, licensed Restaurant & Gas Station.

 

Best Things to Do in Teslin, Yukon

The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center

Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre is 5 km north of Teslin. The Centre’s exhibits feature modern and traditional Tlingit arts, cultural programming 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. 

George Johnston Museum

The George Johnston Museum is located on the Alaska Highway, 1 km west of the Nisutlin Bay Bridge. It is named after a venerated Tlingit elder, trapper, fur trader, entrepreneur and photographer. Through his photographs and colourful exhibits of traditional Tlingit regalia and artifacts you can experience the story of the Inland Tlingit. 

Northern Wildlife Gallery

Northern Wildlife Gallery at the Yukon Motel is a beautiful log building that houses an informative and educational display of many species of Yukon Wildlife in their natural habitat.

 

Teslin, Yukon FAQs

What is Teslin known for?

Teslin, Yukon, is renowned for its picturesque beauty, serene lakes, and rich Indigenous culture. Visitors are captivated by the stunning Teslin Lake, which offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Teslin is also famous for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, particularly the traditional and contemporary First Nations artwork.

What is the history of Teslin Yukon?

The history of Teslin Yukon is deeply rooted in Indigenous heritage. The Teslin Tlingit people have inhabited this region for thousands of years, and their cultural influence remains strong. The town’s name “Teslin” originates from the Tlingit word “Teslintoo,” meaning “long, narrow water.” European traders and explorers arrived in the area during the late 1800s, during the gold rushes of the era.Hudson’s Bay Company set up a trading post in Teslin,but closed it in 1903. It was replaced by the Nisutlin Trading Post, which continues today serving the local community.

What is the Population of Teslin Yukon?

According to 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Teslin had a population of 239. 

What are the best hotels in Teslin Yukon?

Teslin offers several cozy accommodations for visitors to enjoy their stay. Nisutlin Trading Post and Yukon Motel & RV Park are the two main accommodations. These motels provide comfortable amenities, including wifi and TV.

How far is Teslin from Whitehorse?

The total driving distance between Teslin and Whitehorse is approximately 110 miles or 177 kilometers. The scenic drive along the Alaska Highway offers travelers breathtaking vistas of the Yukon wilderness.

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