While we’re all about a quick day trip destination from Vancouver, we have to put the remote, ‘hidden’ mountain town of Atlin, British Columbia on your map before summer’s end. The small, unincorporated community is situated on the traditional lands of the Taku River Tlingit First Nations on the shores of glacial-fed Atlin Lake – and a visit here feels like stepping back in time!

Original 19th-century buildings remain from the Klondyke Gold Rush of 1898, allowing visitors to travel back to a significant time in our province’s history.

What’s more, there is no cell service in the town of Atlin (apart from three free internet hot spots) due to the towering Atlin Mountain surrounding the town. So you’ll truly feel immersed in the town’s heritage and culture during your visit!

The majestic snowcapped mountain peaks and crystal-clear only add to the tranquil experience.

While the town’s economy has largely been supported by mining and tourism, there is a strong community of artists, musicians, and authors among the 500-some residents of Atlin today.

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atlin british columbia
Photo via Shutterstock

Experienced backcountry hikers can visit the breathtaking Atlin/Áa Tlein Téix’i Park, a remote wilderness area with remarkable topography, including jaw-dropping glaciers and lakes.

So if you’re game for a cross-BC road trip, you’ll be rewarded with some truly breathtaking natural landscapes you won’t see anywhere else.

And if you’re looking to break up the whopping 27-hour drive from Vancouver, there are plenty of beautiful towns to check out along the way!

Happy exploring, BC!

Atlin 

Where: Northwest BC

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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