One of the most famous landmarks along the Alaska Highway
Home to more then 80,000 signs which make up The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon
The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada is home to signs from all over the world. With the first sign placed there in 1942, travelers from all over the world are still travelling up there today to leave their mark. This is a must see if you ever get a chance to travel the Alaska Highway in Northern BC, Canada.
The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon Canada
The Sign Post Forest In Watson Lake, Yukon is located at historical mile 635 of the Alaska Highway. This attraction has been bringing travelers from all over the world since 1942, and they still continue to come today. This miniature maze sits on a couple of acres with so much to read, see and explore. It is quite fascinating to see all the signs that fellow travelers have brought there from all around the world!
Watson Lake History
It all started with a homesick soldier back in 1942. Private Carl Lindley of Company D, 341st Army of Engineers was injured while working on the Alaska Highway. He was taken to recover to an aid station, which is now called Watson Lake. While there Lindley was given light work duty of repainting and repairing directional sign posts. While doing so he added a sign of his own from Danville, Illinois USA his home town where he was from. This was the beginning of the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon Canada.
Leaving Your Mark
Do you want to leave your mark? With street signs, road signs, license plates, welcome signs and even homemade signs, new panels are constantly being added so visitors can leave their mark. If you don't have a sign to bring visitors can make their own at the Visitors Information Centre. The information center is open from the middle of May to the middle of September from 8am-8pm. The visitors center also has nails and hammers which you can borrow incase you left yours at home. While you are there check out some of the equipment which was onced used while building the Alaska Highway or catch a video on it in the 60 seat theatre.
How To Get To Watson Lake
There are a few different ways of getting there, one being taking the 5 hour bus trip from Whitehorse to Watson Lake, Yukon. Another way, which is my favourite is to travel the Alaska Highway to get there. Starting at Mile Zero in Dawson Creek BC, The Sign Post Forest is located at mile 635. It is longer trip, but it is so worth it as there are lots of places to stop along the way, making it well worth the trip.
In Conclusion
In conclusion if you are the type of person that likes to plan their trips ahead of time, try booking your trip for 2042 . That is when Watson Lake will open the time capsule that was buried there at the 50th anniversary celebration in 1992. If you can't wait that long then grab your sign and head out on a road trip up to Watson Lake, Yukon. With no admission you can wander through the maze of signs till your heart is content. This is a trip that should be on everyone's bucket list!