Atlin Provincial Park and Recreation Area

History

Atlin is a corruption of "Ah-lah", a native word meaning stormy weather.

Atlin park is occupied by approximately one third glaciers, Llewellyn Glacier being the most prominent.

Cultural Heritage

The area has been used by the Taku River Tlinget for many years. There are several archeological sites and cultural sites within the park.

It was gold that gave Atlin its reason for existence. Hordes of prospectors poured into Alaska and the Yukon during 1898 spurred by a number of rich strikes. Many of these became weary of travel and were lured aside to discoveries that were easier to reach. The gold rush came to Atlin Lake country in 1898 and was one of the richest offshoots of the klondike rush. By the end of the mining season of 1899 about 5000 people flocked to the region, and Atlin was a busy and important town. Although creeks in the present day park must have been prospected, none bore any gold. Although production was greatest in the early years, the Atlin field still produces today. Total placer gold production has exceeded $23 000 000 making it second only to the caribou in the history of British Columbia.

Conservation

Wildlife

This environment provides exceptional habitat for grizzly and black bear, mountain goat, caribou, moose, stone sheep, and various wolf population.

There are many small animals such as the hoary marmot, Arctic ground squirrel, picas, beaver and the otter. Birds also inhabitant the park area. The most obvious birds are the various gulls, and the Arctic tern, there are also blue-grouse, ruffed-grouse and the rock, willow and white-tailed ptarmigan that have been spotted near the upland.

Return to Atlin Provincial Park and Recreation Area