Teslin River facts for kids

The Teslin River is a cool river in southern Yukon and northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It flows for about 632 kilometers (393 miles) from its start south of Teslin Lake until it joins the big Yukon River.

A River of Gold Rush History

Back in 1896 to 1899, during the exciting Klondike Gold Rush, the Teslin River became a very popular path. Many gold seekers, called "stampeders," used this river to reach the Klondike gold fields near Dawson City. They had crossed tough mountains like the Coast Mountains using trails such as the Chilkoot Trail or the White Pass.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The name "Teslin River" comes from the languages of the native people who lived there. In the local Tutchone language, spoken north of the lake, it was called Délin Chú. The Tlingit people, especially the Chilkat Tlingit, called it Deisleen Héeni.

The local Tlingit tribe, known as the Deisleen Kwáan, means "Big Sinew Tribe." Early explorers heard the natives call the river Teslin-tuh or Teslin-too. That's how we got the English name we use today. A part of the river south of the lake was even called the Whiteswan River for a while, from 1904 to 1951.

River's Friends: Other Rivers

The Teslin River system also gets water from other important rivers that flow into Teslin Lake. These include the Jennings River, which comes from the southeast, and the Swift River, flowing from the east-northeast.

River Friends: Plants and Animals

One important tree that grows a lot along the Teslin River is the Black Spruce. It's a common tree in the area where the river flows.

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