Bennett Lake

Bennett Lake is primarily bordered by wilderness, but the small town of Carcross draws visitors to its shores and provides easy access to sandy beaches. The lake is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers docked in Skagway, Alaska, who are looking for a day trip into Canada’s Yukon Territory.

You can rent a car and take the classic road trip along the Klondike Highway to the lake, opt for a guided bus tour, or choose a trip via train. The White Pass Railway travels along the lake and offers excellent views and photo opportunities for passengers.

• The lake’s sandy beaches and shallow water (gradually increasing in depth) is ideal for families with young children.
• Picnic tables make it a great spot to enjoy lunch; public bathrooms are available at nearby Carcross Commons.
• The lake can be quite windy, making it great for kitesurfing, but adding a challenge for canoeing and kayaking.

The lake is easy to access on foot from Carcross, with a footpath leading to the beach near the Carcross Railway Bridge. Carcross is midway between Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon, and tours and rental cars are available in both locations.

The beaches are popular from May through September, but if you want to swim in the lake, visit in July and August when the water is the warmest. Wintertime visitors can participate in ice fishing and other winter sports.

Bennett Lake is a hub for outdoor recreation all year round. In summer, frequent high winds produce conditions ideal for kitesurfing. However, the lake also is popular for canoeing and kayaking. When the lake freezes over, it becomes a great location for ice fishing, kite skiing (snowkiting), and snowmobiling. The mountains surrounding Bennett Lake are known for world-class mountain biking, hiking, and skiing.