The YukonMarsh Lake sits about 40 km south of Whitehorse along the Alaska Highway, a long, wide lake ringed by cottages, campgrounds, and quiet shoreline. It's one of the easiest Southern Lakes destinations to reach, a straightforward drive rather than a detour, which makes it a natural day trip or short stay from the capital.
Where to stay in Marsh Lake
Inn on the Lake is the area's own accommodation option, right on Marsh Lake itself.
Stays in Marsh Lake
Real, reviewed rooms — booked at the same live rate through app.impt.io, one tonne of carbon removed per stay.
Things to do in Marsh Lake
Swan Haven Interpretive Centre
Each spring, thousands of Trumpeter and Tundra swans stage on the open water at Swan Haven, on M'Clintock Bay at the north end of Marsh Lake, roughly 10 percent of the entire North American Trumpeter Swan population passes through here. The interpretive centre hosts A Celebration of Swans each April to mark the event, and it's one of the territory's genuine wildlife spectacles, an easy day trip from Whitehorse.
Ice fishing
Marsh Lake is a popular local ice fishing spot through the winter months. A Yukon fishing licence is required.
Paddle the M'Clintock River
A quieter way to see the area, with wildlife-watching opportunities along the way.
Dinner at Inn on the Lake
The lodge's own dining room is open to non-guests as well, a reason to stop even if you're not staying overnight.
When to visit
Marsh Lake's water level rises through spring and summer as snowmelt feeds in, typically peaking in late summer around late July or August, then receding once inflows drop off in early autumn. Water is at its lowest in spring, before the melt arrives, if you're planning a shoreline walk and want to see the most exposed ground.
Getting around & the essentials
By road: From Whitehorse, head south on the Alaska Highway, about 40 minutes to the first Marsh Lake pullouts. Fuel up in Whitehorse; the nearest gas station is Jake's Corner, 20 minutes further south.
Marsh Lake — Questions, answered
Can I see the swans without a car?
Not really. There’s no bus, no shuttle, and no walking route from Whitehorse. A couple of Whitehorse outfitters run occasional swan-viewing daytrips in April — check with the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Otherwise rent a car for a day.
Is Marsh Lake a good aurora base?
Yes, better than Whitehorse itself — no city lights, big open sky over the lake. But you’re committed once you’re there; you’re not driving into town for dinner. Bring groceries and firewood. September, October, February, and March are the best aurora months.
Nearby areas
Every stay booked through The Yukon funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, the climate action already built into checkout.
You're not charged more and the hotel isn't paid less. It's just what happens when you tap Reserve.