Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a mountain lake in Yukon distinguished by its vivid green color that results from light reflection off calcium carbonate deposits on the lake floor. The water's hue shifts depending on the angle of sunlight and season, creating an ever-changing visual experience throughout the year.

The lake basin was carved by glacial activity roughly 14,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Glaciers shaped the surrounding terrain and established the geological conditions that create the water's distinctive appearance today.

The lake area serves as a traditional territory for Indigenous communities who maintain connections to the natural resources of the region.

The lake can be reached via the Klondike Highway and offers several viewpoints along the route for observation and photography. These spots provide different angles to experience and capture the water from various perspectives.

The green color comes from mineral deposits eroded from nearby limestone mountains rather than from algae or living organisms. This means the lake's striking hue is entirely a result of natural mineral composition and light reflection.

Location: Yukon

Elevation above the sea: 1,223 m

GPS coordinates: 60.26630,-134.75070

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41