Atlin Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atlin Lake |
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A portion of Atlin Lake (on the right half of the image) during the winter, as seen from space. The lake seen on the left half of the image is Tagish Lake
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 Atlin Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Atlin District, northwestern British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 59°30′N 133°45′W / 59.500°N 133.750°W |
| Native name | Áa Tlein Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Primary inflows | O Donnel River, Pike River, Llewellyn Glacier |
| Primary outflows | Atlin River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface area | 791 km2 (305 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 289 m (948 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 669 m (2,195 ft) |
| Settlements | Atlin |
Atlin Lake (in the Lingít language: Áa Tlein) is the largest natural lake in the Canadian province of British Columbia. A small part of the lake's northern tip is in Yukon, and so is Little Atlin Lake. However, most of this huge lake lies within the Atlin District of British Columbia. Atlin Lake is believed to be the starting point of the famous Yukon River. Its water flows through the short Atlin River into Tagish Lake first.
Discover Atlin Lake: British Columbia's Largest Natural Wonder
Atlin Lake is a very important natural feature in northwestern British Columbia. It covers a huge area of about 791 square kilometers (305 square miles). This makes it the biggest natural lake in the entire province. The lake is also quite deep, reaching a maximum depth of 289 meters (948 feet).
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Atlin
The name "Atlin" comes from the Tlingit language. The Tlingit people are an Indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. In their language, Áa Tlein (sometimes written as  Tłèn) simply means "big lake." This name perfectly describes the vast size of Atlin Lake.
Exploring the Area Around Atlin Lake
The small community of Atlin, British Columbia is located right on the eastern shore of the lake. This town is a popular spot for visitors who want to explore the natural beauty of the area. The southern part of Atlin Lake is protected within the Atlin Provincial Park and Recreation Area. This park helps to preserve the lake's natural environment and wildlife.
