Watson Lake Sign Post Forest Visitor Guide: What to Know Before You Go

I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky roadside attractions, so the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest in Yukon had long been on my radar. I’d seen pictures of this strange and whimsical collection of signs from around the world and knew that someday I’d have to stop. On the return leg of my EV road trip to the Arctic Ocean, I finally made it happen.

What I thought would be a five-minute stop to snap a couple of photos turned into one of the most surprisingly nostalgic and memorable moments of my entire journey.

Sign Post Forest, Yukon: Gateway to the North

The Watson Lake Sign Post Forest is located right on the Alaska Highway in Watson Lake, Yukon — an unmissable stop for those driving north through British Columbia and into Canada’s wild and remote north. Just steps from the Watson Lake Visitor Centre, you’ll find a colorful maze of over 90,000 signs that stretch on for what feels like forever.

For most travellers, it’s a must-stop break on their way to or from the Yukon or Alaska. For me, it was the perfect spot to stretch my legs, soak in some northern history, and charge up my EV before continuing my northern adventure.

Sign Forest History: A Roadside Tradition Born in 1942

The story behind the Sign Post Forest is as charming as the attraction itself — a spontaneous act of homesickness that grew into a global tradition. It began in 1942, during the construction of the Alaska Highway, one of North America’s most ambitious wartime engineering projects.

At the time, over 10,000 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Canadian workers were carving a 2,700-kilometre supply route through rugged wilderness to connect Alaska to the lower 48 states.

Among them was Private Carl K. Lindley, a U.S. Army soldier from Danville, Illinois, assigned to the 341st Engineers.

While repairing directional signposts near Watson Lake, Lindley decided to nail up one of his own — a modest wooden board pointing toward his hometown with the mileage written below: “Danville, Ill. – 2,835 miles.”

That small act of nostalgia struck a chord with others working along the newly cut highway. Fellow soldiers and later civilian workers began adding their own signs, license plates, and nameboards. By the end of the war, a small patch of posts held dozens of markers representing homes and hometowns scattered across North America.

In the decades that followed, the site took on a life of its own. Travellers making the long, lonely drive north on the Alaska Highway began bringing their own mementos — hand-painted boards, family nameplates, and city signs “borrowed” from places far away. The forest kept growing, post by post, story by story.

Today, there are over 90,000 signs from around the world, including every Canadian province, U.S. state, and countries as far away as Japan, Germany, and Australia. The Town of Watson Lake officially maintains the site, adding new rows of posts each year to make space for the constant flow of visitors leaving their mark.

What started as one soldier’s gesture has become a living museum of travel and connection — a visual diary of decades of wanderers passing through the North.

Soon others followed, and what started with a single homemade sign quickly grew into a forest of memories. Today, the Sign Post Forest is officially protected and managed by the Town of Watson Lake and continues to expand with new signs being added by travellers year-round.

Things to Do in Watson Lake: Add Your Own Sign

One of the best parts about visiting the Watson Lake Sign Forest is that you’re invited to become part of the tradition. Travellers often bring signs from their hometowns or create custom markers to leave behind.

If you don’t have one with you, don’t worry — the friendly staff at the Watson Lake Visitor Centre (right next to the forest) offer tools and materials to help you make your own. They’ll even help you find an open post and hand you a hammer and nails.

I didn’t add a full sign of my own, but I was sure to leave behind a sticker from my EV road trip expedition to the Arctic — a small but symbolic token to mark my journey. Leaving even a tiny piece of yourself behind in this forest of stories connects you to decades of travellers who have passed this way before.

Exploring the Sign Post Forest

Wandering through the Sign Post Forest feels like stepping into a collage of human stories. The gravel paths twist and turn through rows of posts, each densely packed with signs of all shapes and sizes.

You’ll spot official highway markers, city signs, license plates, hand-painted boards, and even entire street signs. Some commemorate weddings or epic road trips, others mark where someone’s been or where they’re headed. Each one is a small time capsule.

I spent nearly an hour wandering the rows and taking in the variety. I spotted familiar places from across Canada and surprising mentions of small towns in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

There’s a beautiful nostalgia to it all — an emotional tug that’s hard to describe. Among my favorite Sign Post Forest photos were shots of signs from my hometown and others I’d visited along the way.

Watson Lake Road Trip Tips

Whether you’re coming from British Columbia, Alaska, or exploring the Yukon (perhaps by Alaska ferry with camping), Watson Lake makes for a logical stop along the legendary Alaska Highway.

Before arriving, I’d enjoyed a weekend in Whitehorse and stayed at the Hyatt Place Whitehorse, both of which I highly recommend as a base before heading southeast. The drive from Whitehorse to Watson Lake takes about 4.5 hours, and along the way, you’ll find plenty of classic Alaska Highway attractions.

For those planning an EV road trip to the Arctic Ocean, this stop is not only scenic but practical. Charging in Watson Lake is straightforward, and the town has basic amenities that make it easy to rest and reset for the next leg of your journey.

For more on my EV adventure, check out my full trip report on Dempster Highway EV road trip to the Arctic Ocean.

Watson Lake Attractions Beyond the Sign Forest

Although the Sign Post Forest is the star attraction, there are a few other things to do in Watson Lake if you’re stopping overnight:

• Northern Lights Centre: A small but interesting planetarium-like experience focused on the aurora borealis.
• Wye Lake Trail: A short walking path around a peaceful lake near town — great for stretching your legs.
• Watson Lake Airport Historical Display: A nod to the area’s WWII significance as a refueling and staging ground.

Where to Stay in Watson Lake, Yukon

If you’re overnighting in town, here are a few Watson Lake accommodation options:

• Downtown RV Park and Campground – Great for tenters or RVers; full-service sites and walking distance to the Sign Post Forest.
• Air Force Lodge – A former WWII military building turned cozy and clean lodge; shared bathrooms but good character.
• Cottage in Watson Lake – A private lakefront home perfect for those looking to soak in the beauty of the Yukon. Just minutes from the Sign Post Forest, this cozy retreat offers direct access to hiking trails, peaceful lake views, and a chance to unwind after a day of exploring one of the most iconic roadside attractions in Canada. Whether you’re fishing off the dock or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the water, it’s a memorable way to balance your road trip with nature.

Watson Lake Visitor Centre Info

The Watson Lake Visitor Centre is right across the highway to the Sign Forest and is worth a stop. Staff are incredibly helpful and happy to share local history, road conditions, and sign-making supplies.

Hours: Typically open daily from late spring through early fall.
Cost: Free to visit.
Extras: Public restrooms, picnic tables, and Wi-Fi.

My Sign Forest Takeaway

Honestly, I didn’t expect to spend more than 15 minutes here. But the Sign Post Forest drew me in — row by row, memory by memory. I found signs from Yellowknife, places I’ve travelled, and places I hope to visit someday.

And if your northern route includes ports like Haines, Ketchikan, or Juneau, be sure to check out my guides to make the most of your cruise stopovers.

There’s a certain poetry to this place — where strangers’ stories stand side-by-side, weather-worn but still vibrant.

Final Thoughts: Is the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you’re making the journey from Whitehorse to Watson Lake, heading to Liard River Hot Springs, or embarking on a long haul up the Alaska Highway, the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest is a must-see stop.

It’s quirky, free, historic, and surprisingly moving. Make the time to stop, walk through, and maybe even leave your mark. Bring a sign, bring a camera, and be part of this northern tradition.

FAQ: Visiting the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest

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For more reviews from Canada and beyond, see HERE.