Yukon Sights by Sue Thomas

Cassiar Highway, Hwy 37 in Northern British Columbia
Kinaskan Lake to the Alaska Highway in Yukon

See south end of the Cassiar Highway for pictures south of Kinaskan Lake.
The south end page also includes links for additional info about the Cassiar Hwy.

The paint lines used to end near Kinaskan Lake. In 2010 there were improvements to this route and the paint lines now go further northward.

Paint lines disappear near Kinaskan Lake, Cassiar Hwy.
Driving southbound near Kinaskan Lake, approaching the beginning of the paint lines - Sept 2009

The Cassiar Hwy continues northward with 2 lanes of asphalt with minimal shoulders.

Cassiar Highway north of Kinskan Lake
Travelling southbound on the Cassiar Highway approaching Kinaskan Lake - September 2009

In some spots the asphalt is rough. Some folks expressed concern regarding the roughness and narrowness of the north end of the Cassiar. It is not uncommon to hear tall tales of the horror of the highway. We think it is fine. We meander along this route at an easy pace.

This picture accurately reflects the road width and conditions ...

Csasiar Highway north of Kinaskan Lake, northbound
Northbound on the Cassiar Highway north of Kinaskan Lake - August 2009

Alongside Eddontenajon Lake on the Cassiar Highway
View of glacier on the west side of Eddontenajon Lake - September 2009

Eddontenajon & Kluachon Lakes, Cassiar Highway, B.C.
Southbound north of Eddontenajon - Kluachon & Eddontenajon Lakes on the right - Sept 2010

North of Iskut and south of the Stikine River is the Morchuea Lake Recreation Site. There is a stunning view of Mt. Edziza within the Mount Edziza Provincial Park.

Morchuea Lake, Cassiar Highway, British Columbia
Mount Edziza south of Morchuea Lake - September 2009

To see wildlife requires looking all around while touring. Movement in a distant marsh area got my attention. The reward was nice pictures of a cow moose even though she was far away.

Moose south of Dease Lake, BC
Cow moose south of Dease Lake, in a marshy area on the east side of the highway - June 2008

Dease Lake is a good community for replenishing fuel and groceries.
The Cassiar Highway north of Dease Lake is paved now but wasn't in the past.
However, in spring there can be numerous potholes and pavement breaks requiring repair.

Dease Lake, Cassiar Highway, British Columbia
North end of Dease Lake from the Cassiar Hwy - September 2010 -- N58 47.868 W130 04.996

Dease River Crossing on the Cassiar Highway
Dease River Crossing, a commercial campground on the Cassiar Highway - August 2009 

We enjoy the drive through this area. It is scenic and wildlife abundant.

Approaching Good Hope Lake on the Cassiar Highway northbound
Approaching Good Hope Lake on the Cassiar Highway northbound - August 2009

We enjoy staying at Boya Lake Provincial Park (link to BC Parks) and have stayed during three different seasons. The lake is unique and always lovely, regardless of season or weather. 

Boya Lake at sunrise in the rain
Boya Lake on a September morning - September 2007

In 2009 we explored the lake with kayaks. It is much larger than it appears from the campground and has numerous islands. Visit Google Maps here to see the layout of the lake.

The white lake bottom reflects the light through the crystal clear waters.

Boya Lake Provincial Park, BC
Boya Lake Provincial Park and campground, along the lakeshore near a campsite - June 2008

Visit my page dedicated to this special park. 

There is a stretch of about 30 km on the north end of the Cassiar where forest fires burned during the summer of 2010. The highway was closed for several weeks.

Blue Lakes, Cassiar Highway, B.C.
2010 forest fire damage at Blue Lakes on the Cassiar Hwy - Sept 2010 -- N59 49.914 W129 07.985

The north end of the Cassiar has been improved in recent years. Even so, it is narrow and there are rough spots. Take your time. Enjoy the sights.

If you are northbound, the Alaska Highway is near. The solitude of the Cassiar will be left behind.

North of Boya Lake, northbound on the Cassiar Highway
North of Boya Lake, northbound on the Cassiar Highway at km 665 - August 2009

BC / Yukon border, Cassiar Highway
Southbound from Yukon into B.C., Cassiar Highway - Sept 2011 - N60 00.169 W129 03.096

Leaving BC on the Cassiar Highway northbound
Leaving BC on the Cassiar Highway northbound at km 720 - August 2009

Sign at Yukon & BC Border, Cassiar Hwy
Yukon sign at the border between British Columbia and Yukon, looking north - July 2008

In 1993 the sign was different, but note the same fir tree with the hook in it ...

Yukon border sign, Cassiar Highway
The sign in 1993 ...

The Alaska Highway is a very short drive from the border, about 3 km.

Sign at the north end of the Cassiar Highway
Sign at the north end of the Cassiar Highway - August 2009

Now on to the Alaska Highway, northbound to Whitehorse.