Watson Lake Visitor Information Centre celebrates official grand reopening

Press Release

May 11, 2026

On Friday, May 8, the Watson Lake Visitor Information Centre (VIC) celebrated its grand reopening at its new location in the Northern Lights Centre.

The free public event included a ribbon cutting ceremony, barbecue lunch and an open house featuring self-guided tours of the newly refreshed and renovated space. Remarks were delivered by Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore and Mayor of the Town of Watson Lake Lauren Hanchar.

Late last year, the Watson Lake VIC moved into the Northern Lights Centre, transforming the space into a dynamic destination where visitors can get travel tips, local insight and an immersive aurora borealis theatre experience all in one place. The refreshed space features a new look and feel, improved signage, updated exhibits that integrate First Nations history and culture with the region’s World War II-era Alaska Highway history, alongside three works from the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, including one by Watson Lake artist Mary Caesar.

Visitor Information Centres support local communities and the tourism economy by providing travellers with clear guidance, maps and reliable local knowledge. They are a trusted and welcoming first stop for visitors.

Visitor Information Centres also play a role in safety and emergency information. Digital kiosks located in the VICs offer quick access to road conditions, emergency updates, weather and local events when people need information on the go.

The Watson Lake Visitor Information Centre welcomes travellers and supports the local tourism economy. This refreshed space improves the visitor experience while better reflecting the rich history, culture and stories of the region. Sharing space with the Northern Lights Centre creates a strong partnership where visitor services and cultural programming work together, offering travellers a more seamless and engaging experience in one place.

Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Jen Gehmair

We’re excited about this collaboration and proud to host the Visitor Information Centre in our facility. Bringing it together with the Northern Lights Centre creates a natural and obvious partnership, and a stronger welcome for visitors to Watson Lake and the Yukon.

Mayor of Watson Lake Lauren Hanchar

Quick facts

• The Watson Lake VIC operates May 1 to September 30, 2026, from 8 am to 8 pm daily.
• The Watson Lake VIC is one of the gateway locations for visitors entering the Yukon by road and on average greets 17,000 visitors each year.
• The Northern Lights Centre is one of Watson Lake’s unique public spaces – a place where science, storytelling and the beauty of the aurora borealis all come together.
• The Association of Yukon Communities Annual General Meeting took place in Watson Lake from May 7 to 10.
• The Yukon Permanent Art Collection artworks currently on display are:
  • Tucho Ahda Stick Gambling at Coffee Lake by Mary Caesar;
  • The Ever Evolving Spirit by Blake Lepine; and
  • Diamonds by Ernest Chua.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

Alicia Debreceni
Communications, Economic Development, Tourism and Culture
867-332-3670
alicia.debreceni@yukon.ca

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