A top pick for paddling and simply enjoying the Yukon outdoors
Simpson Lake is a medium-sized body of water known for its beautiful ombre colours, shallow shorelines and wide-open sky
During the 2024 paddle season, I celebrated my milestone 50th birthday by paddling over 50 Yukon lakes. Through the winter, I gathered insights and details about each lake, to create the 50 Lakes Yukon guidebook, which will soon be available in bookstores. As part of this summer series, I will be highlighting various Yukon lakes, each with its unique features and highlights. For those looking for a remote big-sky destination, Simpson Lake is a top pick.
Just an hour north of Watson Lake, Simpson Lake is a medium-sized body of water known for its beautiful ombre colours, shallow shorelines and wide-open sky. The lake lies within the Traditional Territory of the Kaska Dena. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, swans, waterbirds and nesting loons. Fishing is popular here, with opportunities to catch lake trout and a small population of whitefish. It is often quiet, and visiting in the peak of summer might grant you the entire lake to yourself—a perfect setting for a meandering paddle while enjoying the quiet, the birdlife and the big sky.
The south end of the lake can be easily accessed at the Simpson Lake Campground. The Yukon Government campground is well serviced with a boat launch, a dock, wheelchair accessible camping and outhouse, playground and picnic shelter. There is access to the north end of the lake with a small parking space, but no boat launch and no services.
If you are looking to explore the lake, there are a couple of great options. From the campground, you can explore the southern bay or head north along the eastern shore to two small islands with plenty of birdlife. From the launch spot at the north end, head west past creek inlets into the shallow waters around the two islands. The vegetation is an ideal place to spot swans and pike.
Simpson Lake drains south into Tucho Tue (Frances River), which eventually flows into the Liard River. To the west, you can see the Simpson Range, while the Pelly Mountains rise to the south and the Logan Mountains are visible to the northeast.
Simpson Lake makes a great remote getaway ideal for fishing, wildlife viewing or just enjoying the backdrop of hillside and mountain views. Its big-sky vibe makes it a worthwhile destination for locals and travellers.
To get to Simpson Lake from Whitehorse, you’ll head south to Watson Lake. Always worth a stop in town for provisions, fuel and enjoying its great nearby lakes. From Watson Lake, you’ll head north for about an hour on the Robert Campbell Highway (Yukon Highway 4) for 81 kilometres. Turn west onto the Simpson Lake Campground road. This section of the highway is chip sealed. The distance from Whitehorse is 519 kilometres with a drive time of five hours and 40 minutes.
