From Skagway, head out on a day trip into Canada to check out one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Emerald Lake is a little north of the community of Carcross in the Yukon. The lake is renowned for its deep green color and the Surprise and Caribou Mountains in the distance. Enjoy a day trip over the border to take in the beauty of Emerald Lake in Alaska.

Emerald Lake is north of the community of Carcross in the Southern Lakes, Yukon Territories, Canada, and is a sightseeing destination for the beauty of the emerald color of the lake.
daihung | Flickr
From Skagway, travel south towards Southern Lakes, and on your right, at the 117 Kilometre Marker of the South Klondike Highway, is the Emerald Lake Lookout. If you come to Carcross, you have gone too far.
Anita Gould/Flickr
Emerald Lake is named for the impossibly brilliant aquamarine water that makes this spot look like it's straight out of a travel magazine. On a sunny day, the lake is mesmerizing with a million colors of green and blue.
cleeuw | Flickr
The lake derives its bright color from the reflection of white deposits of marl, a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate, that lines the shallow lake.
Arthur T. LaBar | Flickr
The last ice age, 14,000 years ago, carved the shallow lake bed and deposited a high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water. It came from limestone gravel that eroded from the glaciers of the nearby mountain ranges.
JAYRNIV | Flickr

Related Stories

The One Pristine Inland Beach In Alaska That Will Make You Swear You're On The Coast

The One Pristine Inland Beach In Alaska That Will Make You Swear You're On The Coast

 The Most Remote Beach In Alaska Is A Must-Visit This Summer

The Most Remote Beach In Alaska Is A Must-Visit This Summer

 These 10 Gorgeous Lakes In Alaska Are Demanding Your Attention

These 10 Gorgeous Lakes In Alaska Are Demanding Your Attention
This incredible lake is a great mini road trip from Skagway. At 75 miles, the drive and a few hours of exploration are a lovely way to spend the day while in the area. Head here to hike, bike, or simply view this marvel of nature.
Gail Shotlander/Getty Images
Most people take the time to stop at the scenic viewing spot and take in the beauty of the lake and the snow-capped mountains surrounding the area. This spot is great for taking photos and soaking in the views.
Anita Gould | Flickr
There is a 12-mile hike around the lake that can be tackled on foot or by mountain bike. It's a fast, smooth fun trek with unbelievable views the whole way.
diane cordell | Flickr
The lake is usually glassy and serene, perfect for photography. There are several different trails in the area of various lengths for finding the best angle.
Arthur T. LaBar | Flickr
In the summer months, the Emerald Lake is absolutely enchanting. It's worth the hassle of crossing the border to see this wonder.
K J L/Flickr

Get an aerial view of this gorgeous lake:

Get Current Updates about Emerald Lake

While in Skagway, try these amazing tacos. You might want to stay in a train car.

Have you been to Emerald Lake in Alaska? Tell us about it in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Natural Attractions in Alaska

William Suphan | June 29, 2023

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Alaska?

The most beautiful hiking trails in Alaska include:

  • Triple Lakes Trail in Denali. This is one of the more strenuous hikes but the views are breathtaking and well worth the effort.
  • Perseverance Trail in Juneau. Take this trail over footbridges and boardwalks to scenic and lush forests that are simply stunning.
  • Indian River Trail in Sitka. This is an unbelievably gorgeous temperate rainforest with waterfalls and footbridges with ruching creeks and verdant trees.
  • Eagle River Nature Center. Walk the footbridges that hover above the wetlands that are full of wildlife and beautiful trees.

Learn more about the most beautiful hiking trails in Alaska. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Alaska?

Bucket list natural wonders in Alaska include:

  • Tongass National Forest. This old-growth rainforest is utterly gorgeous and is teeming with wildlife. It’s the largest temperate rainforest in the nation.
  • Denali. This is the most famous mountain in the state and also the tallest in the North American continent at 20,310 feet tall.
  • Mendenhall Glacier. It’s best to take a tour here as it’s easy to get lost in the ice caves, but it is truly spectacular to see.
  • Bering Glacier. This is the largest glacier in Alaska at 126 miles long, however, get to it soon as it’s melting with all the rest.

Find out more about bucket list natural wonders in Alaska. 

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Alaska?

The most incredible natural attractions in Alaska include:

  • Afognak Island. The vibrant colors here are a stark contrast between the azure blue of the waters and the vivid green of the forests. 
  • Lake Iliamna. This is a gigantic lake that is 77 miles long, 22 miles wide, and nearly 1000 feet deep with tiny villages scattered along its shores.
  • Finger Mountain. Located in the arctic tundra, this is a granite rock formation that is a lone spire in the vastness of the tundra.
  • Shisaldin Volcano. Take a boat out to the Aleutian Islands to see this and other active volcanoes, each of which is a magnificent sight.

Discover more about the most incredible natural attractions in Alaska. 

Related Articles

Explore Alaska

Featured Addresses
91211 Alaska Hwy, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6E4, Canada