Residents and visitors in Watson Lake, Yukon, can now use the trails and campsites at North Fox Island after the Town of Watson Lake and a volunteer crew officially reopened the area on February 10, 2026.
Local volunteers reported that the trails have been mowed and that the island’s emergency shelter has been restocked. These efforts are part of a broader plan to keep the island accessible and prevent its trails from becoming overgrown.
While the shelter is currently open, organizers have asked for small donations of fire‑starter materials or dry kindling to keep it prepared for emergencies. Visitors are reminded to follow the community’s ‘pack it in, pack it out’ approach and take all their trash with them when they leave to keep the campsites clean and safe for the next person.
This project is part of a wider community effort to offer more outdoor activities in Watson Lake. The town has also been working on other local recreation upgrades — for example, in 2025 the Watson Lake Ski Club received a Yukon Lotteries grant that supported rebuilding a T‑bar lift at the Mt. Maichen ski area.
Community members can support the North Fox Island project by volunteering time for ongoing maintenance and trail clearing. The volunteer‑led work ensures that local recreation sites remain open for everyone to enjoy.
