A remote gem that’s full of surprises
During the 2024 paddle season, I celebrated my milestone 50th birthday by paddling over 50 Yukon lakes. The information gathered about each lake was used to create the 50 Lakes Yukon guidebook, now available for purchase online and in local shops. As part of this summer series, I’m highlighting various Yukon lakes, each with unique and notable features. For those planning a fall adventure on the remote South Canol Road, a sweet gem awaits at Rose Lake.
Within the Traditional Territory of the Teslin Tlingit Council lies the remote gem, Rose Lake. Its Tlingit name, Łʼèx Hîni Shâk Âyi, means “lake at the head of aluminum river.”
Not to be mistaken for the well-known Rose Lake near Kusawa Lake, the smaller road-accessible Rose Lake is located at kilometre 156 of the South Canol Road. The lake is better recognized for its river that weaves across the South Canol Road, marked by multiple bridges along the way. Łʼèx Hîni Shâk Âyi is an expansion of the Rose River, which flows into the Nisutlin River, then to Teslin Lake and, ultimately, connects with the Yukon River.
This small, unassuming lake is seldom mentioned in regional literature, making it a true hidden gem. There is a small gravel parking area, but otherwise no other services—nothing but the lake’s own loveliness. Surrounded by gentle silty hills, the broad valley offers stunning views of the Pelly Mountains and the Saint Cyr Range.
A visit to Rose Lake offers a fantastic detour from the South Canol Road, allowing you to swim, paddle or simply relax by the creek. Its water is cold, refreshing and worth the plunge. Although the lake’s length is less than two kilometres, there is a surprising seven kilometres of shoreline, so it’s worth the extra time exploring the islets and small coves.
On my trip there last summer, meandering on my paddleboard along the lake’s shoreline, I spotted a large beaver lodge and a flash of hot pink. As I approached, the splash of colour turned out to be a Barbie boat, a plastic toy that was likely taken by the winds across the lake. While Barbie’s boat had obviously been there a while, it was still in great condition. It appeared that there had been a half-hearted effort by the resident beaver to weave the boat into the lodge. Pulling away a few small branches, I released the boat and plopped it onto the deck of my board.
It was a long way to travel back home in Whitehorse with litter to bring to one of the free stores. When I returned to the gravel area where I had launched, there was a family with three young girls playing in the creek. Imagine finding the perfect recipients to gift a Barbie boat to in the Yukon wild, after 36 hours of not seeing another person on my travels. Imagine playing by a creek and having a lone paddleboarder arrive across the lake to gift you a toy the colour of a wild rose.
