Page 32 - Watson Lake Guide

THE VILLAGE OF TESLIN
Nisutlin Bridge is
the longest span
on the entire
Alaska Highway.
Text Provided by the Teslin Regional Chamber of Commerce
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Located at Mile 804 (Km 1296) on the Alaska
Highway. It is bordered by the waters of
Nisutlin Bay and Teslin Lake.
TLINGIT HERITAGE
The Inland Tlingit, or Dakh-ka Tlingit, are
the First Nation people of the Teslin area.
The Tlingit have traveled through this region
for centuries, known for their role as traders
Originating from Alaska, they came in search
of furs for trade, with some choosing to settle
in the Teslin area. Teslin Lake has long been a
significant fishing spot for First Nations.
KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH
During the Klondike Gold Rush, it served as
one of the key routes to the Yukon River. By
1903 the Hudson Bay Co. post closed and
Nisutlin Trading post was opened by Tom
Smith and George Geddes. Teslin continued
to grow with the arrival of the Northwest
Mounted Police.
RELIGIOUS MISSIONS
In 1906 the Anglican Church opened a
mission to serve the community. That early
Log building is still in use as a parish hall.
In 1938 the Roman Catholic Mission was
opened with a resident priest.
MODERN DEVELOPMENT
After the completion of the Alaska Highway in
1942, Teslin became a permanent settlement.
“Teslin” is the Tlingit word for “Long Narrow
Water.” The Lake is 78 miles (125 Km) long, 2
miles (3+ Km) wide and reaches a maximum
depth of 700 feet (213m).
FISHING AND HUNTING
Home to 2 species of fish with Lake Trout
being the favourite catch of the sports
fisherman. In late summer Chinook and Chum
salmon travel up the Yukon and then the Teslin
Rivers to spawn. Autumn brings many hunters
to this area for ducks, geese and moose. A
public boat ramp and launch are situated on
the North side of the Nisutlin Bridge.
THINGS TO DO IN TESLIN
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Learn from the information display
panels at the marina and walk the
boardwalk from the George Johnston
Museum to the Village Centre and the
Teslin Friendship Park.
Bird watch at the Nisutlin Delta, one of
the largest migratory bird sanctuaries in
Canada.
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•
•
•
Learn about the Tlingit culture at the
Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre and at the
George Johnston Museum, one of the
Yukon’s premier Museums.
Take in the view at the viewing deck and
visitor kiosk in Teslin.
Have a picnic at the Marina Park in Teslin.
Go fishing on Teslin Lake in Teslin.
Nisutlin Outfitting: 867-334-7364
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