Emerald Lake, Yukon, Canada
4.5 (414 reviews) Spent Ranking #4 in Whitehorse Bodies of Water
Rainy day but colours were still vibrant
We went on a rainy day but the green colours were still showing up. Now I wondee how they look like at a sunny day. The contrast will definitelt be even more stark. Regardless, it is a good place to stop along the South Klondike Highwau. On normal times, tour buses come here from the cruises back down in Skagway aa an excursion so happy to enjoy it while they are still not allowed to get in and have a more quiet time.
Address
South Klondike Highway # 2, Whitehorse, Yukon YT Y0B Canada
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 0:22
User Ratings
4.5 based on (414 reviews)
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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4GabyVM 5:00 PM Nov 3, 2017
Worth a Short Photo Stop
Emerald Lake is a relatively small lake by the Klondike Highway very close to Carcross on the way to Whitehorse. Here we can stop by the road side overlook and take photos (from above) of the turquoise-green lake with dense cedar forest and rugged mountains in the background. Fall colors make the scenery even more stunning. The lake distinctive greenish reflection comes from blending of ice-aged glacial limestone (calcium carbonate) muds deposited at the base with fresh water from surrounding alps. The best view is in the morning with good amount of sun shine. If you drive from Carcross, on the left just before the lake there was an unpaved small road turn which can take you down to the lake side. The first right turn was only meters away from the lake. Depending on the light, you may be able to capture cool reflections of the mountains, trees and clouds on the green lake.
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4Janice L 5:00 PM Aug 10, 2016
Gorgeous
We saw this on a mixed sun/cloud day, and agree is best viewed on a sunny day as the colour is much clearer. In Carcross we were told by a First Nations person that the lake was named by their ancestors as Rainbow Lake, they believe that the northern lights are their departed ancestors visiting, and when they leave the sky they live in the lake, hence the name. I'm so glad I heard the
