Tagish is about an hour’s drive from Whitehorse, and the easy accessibility makes it a popular getaway. The river connects Marsh and Tagish lakes, which are both popular spots for swimming, boating and fishing. The Tagish day-use recreational area has a boat launch, but fishing is also permitted from the bridge that spans the river. Lake trout and northern pike grow big here, so get your reeling-in arm ready.
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Tagish Lake
The town of Tagish is situated around Tagish River (locally known as Six Mile River) the waterway linking Marsh and Tagish Lakes.
During the Klondike Gold Rush, the Northwest Mounted Police established an important outpost on the Six Mile to register gold seekers and conduct safety inspections. Today, the Tagish area is a popular cottage retreat with locals who congregate for fishing for lake trout, northern pike and grayling and summer holidays. Tagish outdoor adventures are geared to water activities and camping, with visitor services that include a campground, cabins and bed and breakfasts, boat rentals, a marina and guided fishing tours.
You may see otters and beavers in the water, and large mammals like moose, caribou and bear make their home in the area too. Birdwatchers love Tagish for the dozens of different bird species. The area is especially popular during the migration of thousands of Trumpeter and Tundra swans. The arrival of the swans is celebrated and considered by Yukoners to be the true sign that spring is in the air—literally and figuratively. Join the locals and head to Tagish for the day, or make it the home base for your southern Yukon adventures. You’ll find that the natural beauty and relaxed pace will quickly grow on you.
