Credits:
https://yukoninfo.com/whitehorse-info-miles-canyon/
https://www.ehcanadatravel.com/1-yukon/southern-lakes/carcross/parks-places/5547-emerald-lake.html
Stop #1: Miles Canyon
Fredrick Schwatka wrote, “Through this narrow chute of corrugated rock the wild waters of the great river rush in a perfect mass of milk-like foam, with a reverberation that is audible for a considerable distance.” Although accounts differ as to the ferocity of the rapids, there is no question that they were precarious. During the Gold Rush, hundreds of boats loaded with precious supplies were lost (as well as several lives) before the Northwest Mounted Police arrived to regulate traffic.
Eventually a wooden rail system around the canyon eliminated the need to battle this hazard. The hydroelectric dam constructed to provide power to Whitehorse has tamed Miles Canyon, but drifting through its 50-foot high basaltic walls is still a thrill.
The suspension bridge across Miles Canyon was built in 1922 and dedicated by Governor General Lord Byng. Lowe came to the Yukon in 1899 and had mining interests in the Whitehorse Copper belt and a successful cartage business. Robert Lowe became a long serving local and territorial politician.
The Miles Canyon area is minutes away from downtown Whitehorse.
Stop #2: Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake in Carcross, Southern Lakes, Yukon Territories, Canada is a sightseeing destination located north of the community of Carcross. The lookout point provides many who travel the highway with an opportunity to enjoy some great views of a turquoise-green lake and some mountain ranges.
There is a paved pull out parking area on the side of the South Klondike Highway for viewing the lake. There are interpretive signs explaining the chemistry of the minerals involved for creating the appearance of the turquoise-green lake.
Look further pass the lake and there are mountains. One mountain especially stands out - the Gray Ridge Mountain at an elevation of 6085 feet.
The striking green color of the lake is a rarity and attracts many to the location. The green color is the result of sunlight reflecting off of, what is called, marl. Marl is the white calcium carbonate that settles on the lake floor. It is created by mixing the limestone remains from the ice age with the calcium in the alpine water.
