Sponsored Content

Manager encourages Yukoners to 'make a day of it' with a trip to Teslin and the museum this summer.

Closed for the past year due to the COVID-19 crisis, staff at the George Johnston Museum in Teslin took the opportunity to rework a number of the colourful exhibits, add new interpretation, and completely overhaul the lighting.

“We normally close in the winter, but it’s been almost two years since we have had visitors, so we got a lot of our ‘to do’ items done,” says Ryan Durack, the manager of the museum.

George Johnston was a respected and high-ranking member of the Yanyedi (Wolf) clan. Like many Inland Tlingit, his family migrated to Teslin from Juneau in the late 1800s. George taught himself photography at a young age and captured Indigenous life in the Yukon before European influence transformed the region.

“George was a fascinating character,” says Ryan. “He was a renaissance man; he is remembered for purchasing Teslin's first automobile, a Chevrolet model AB, before a single road existed here. The restored vehicle is one of our top exhibits.”

The museum boasts 3,000 square feet of professional displays in its main exhibit area, a number of outdoor exhibits, including the original Teslin Aeradio Range station, and walking trails through the grounds.

Interpreters are available to guide you through the museum and regale you with stories of Teslin’s past.

The museum is part of the new Teslin walking tour that could easily take a half-day for the avid historian.

The George Johnston Trail is a pleasant walk along the lakeshore that takes you to the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre to complete a guest's immersion into the rich and unique Tlingit culture.

The Wildlife Gallery, located at the Yukon Motel, showcases a wonderful taxidermic display of northern wildlife.

Rent a canoe from Nisutlin Outfitting and paddle around Nisutlin Bay or book a fishing tour with Fishhawk Charters.

Guests are encouraged to photograph Teslin's iconic metal deck bridge, in use since 1956, as it will be dismantled in the coming years. 

“We hope to entice Yukoners to ‘Make a Day of it’ and join us in Teslin this summer. We have added comfortable seating on our deck to enjoy an outdoor lunch, and we are offering admission by donation. And hey, it’s only a two-hour drive from Whitehorse.”

George Johnston Museum
 KM 1244 (historic mile 804) Alaska Highway
Teslin, Yukon YOA 1B0 Phone: 867-390-2550 https://www.facebook.com/The-George-Johnston-Museum-118367546478802

Sponsored Content