Former A Nice Motel – Now a Nicer Motel
Nestled at the crossroads of adventure and solitude, Watson Lake, Yukon, stands as a beacon for intrepid travelers traversing the storied Alaska Highway. This remote outpost, with its population hovering around 800 souls, is more than a mere pit stop—it’s the “Gateway to the Yukon,” where the boreal forest meets the endless sky, and the midnight sun gives way to the ethereal dance of the northern lights. Amid this rugged tapestry of lakes, wildlife, and whispered tales of gold rush pioneers, was “A Nice Motel”. However. ownership changed, and now has morphed intpo the affectionately rebranded A Nicer Motel), a modest yet meticulously maintained establishment that embodies the unpretentious charm of northern hospitality. At 705 Frank Trail, this 10-room gem offers weary wanderers a clean, comfortable respite, proving that in the vast expanse of the subarctic, “nice” is not just a name—it’s a promise kept.
To understand A Nice Motel, one must first grasp the spirit of Watson Lake itself. Founded in the early 20th century as a fuel depot for aviation pioneers, the town exploded during World War II when the U.S. Army Air Corps constructed airstrips and highways to supply the war effort in Alaska. Today, it’s a hub for miners, anglers, and overlanders chasing the aurora or the thrill of spotting grizzlies along the Liard River. The Alaska Highway, that legendary ribbon of asphalt stretching 2,224 kilometers from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, funnels thousands through here annually. Drivers, often bleary-eyed from pothole-dodging marathons, arrive seeking not luxury spas but reliable shelter: a hot shower, a soft bed, and perhaps a story from a local about the time a moose wandered into the grocery store. A Nice Motel fits this ethos perfectly, its unassuming facade belying interiors that punch above their weight in comfort and convenience.
The motel’s evolution from “A Nice Motel” to “A Nicer Motel” around 2021 marks a deliberate upgrade under new ownership, transforming a functional roadside lodge into a polished retreat without losing its approachable vibe. Situated behind a Petro-Canada service station—handy for grabbing diesel or a quick coffee—the property spans a compact lot with ample free parking for RVs and trucks. Its 10 spacious rooms, all non-smoking and pet-free to maintain a serene environment, cater to solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Each unit boasts a kitchenette equipped with a full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop, and utensils—ideal for whipping up a post-hike stew of local trout or simply reheating roadside finds. High-definition Smart TVs with surround sound provide a portal to the outside world, streaming everything from hockey playoffs to documentaries on Yukon’s First Nations heritage. Hardwired internet and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure connectivity for remote workers or those uploading epic trail selfies, while 24-hour surveillance cameras add a layer of security in this low-crime haven.
What elevates A Nicer Motel beyond the generic is its thoughtful design. Rooms feature queen beds with plush linens, electric fireplaces that crackle invitingly against the chill of sub-zero nights, and private bathrooms with ample hot water—a godsend after a day of whitewater canoeing on the Frances River. Wheelchair-accessible options make it inclusive for all, and the year-round operation means it’s there for summer solstice campers or winter aurora chasers. Rates start at around $159 CAD per night, a fair bargain considering the isolation; in peak season (June to August), they might nudge higher, but value shines through in the details, like complimentary coffee stations and a small fitness area for stretching out highway kinks. One guest, fresh off the highway, raved about their “Stampeders Cabin”—a nod to Yukon’s Klondike legacy—with its rustic yet spotless vibe, big bathroom, and lake proximity: “Very clean, great beds… Loved the rustic feel of the area—you’re in the Yukon!” Another called it “a hidden surprise,” praising the modern decor and friendly staff who accommodated a last-minute extension without fuss.
Location is the motel’s secret weapon. Perched on the Alaska Highway, it’s a stone’s throw from Watson Lake’s crown jewels. The Sign Post Forest, just 0.3 miles away, is a must-see: over 80,000 weathered signs tacked to posts by passersby since 1942, from “Kilroy Was Here” to “Perth, Australia—18,000 miles.” Strolling its gravel paths at dusk, with the forest whispering secrets, feels like thumbing through a global guestbook. Across the street, Watson Lake itself beckons with its glassy waters, perfect for kayaking or casting for pike under the perpetual twilight of high summer. The town’s compact core—grocery stores, laundromats, and eateries like the Watson Lake Hotel’s pub serving bison burgers—is all walkable, sparing drivers the hassle of firing up the engine after a long haul. For the active soul, trails fan out from town: the 10-kilometer loop around Wye Lake offers boardwalks over wetlands teeming with beavers and loons, while the challenging ascent to Table Mountain rewards with panoramic views of the Cassiar Mountains, where Dall sheep cling to sheer cliffs like living sculptures.
Beyond the beaten path, A Nice Motel serves as a launchpad for deeper Yukon immersion. Venture 20 minutes north to the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, where steaming pools at 42°C (108°F) bubble up from geothermal vents, easing aches from gravel-road jostling amid hanging gardens of ferns and orchids. Birders flock here for the trumpeter swans gliding on thermals, their wings spanning seven feet. In fall, the rutting calls of moose echo through the poplars, turning drives into wildlife safaris. For cultural depth, the Kaska Dena’s heritage shines at the Northern Lights Centre, a short walk away, with exhibits on Dene cosmology and the aurora’s magnetic mysteries. Motel guests often return with tales of midnight hikes, where the sky ignites in greens and purples, or quiet evenings by the lake, grilling salmon caught that afternoon.
Guest experiences paint a vivid portrait of the motel’s allure. On TripAdvisor, reviewers laud its cleanliness—”spotless, like cleaning our own home,” one former employee gushed—and accommodating vibe. A highway traveler, doubling back from Alaska, stayed twice: “Very modern with impressive decorations… Staff are very friendly.” Families appreciate the kitchenettes for kid-friendly meals, while solo cyclists (the highway’s soft shoulders demand grit) value the secure bike storage and early coffee. Even in winter, when snow blankets the lot in hush, the electric fireplaces and heated floors turn it into a cozy cocoon. One reviewer, battling -30°C temps, noted, “A great spot to get a good night’s sleep,” after a day of snowshoeing. Drawbacks? It’s basic—no pool or spa—but in a town without chain hotels, that’s the point. Some wish for more on-site dining, but the walk to YK’s pub for poutine solves that. And while pet-free, the nearby dog park at Lucky Lake (with its “only waterslide north of 60°”) keeps furry friends happy.
In an era of homogenized Airbnbs, A Nicer Motel stands as a testament to Yukon’s resilient spirit. It’s where the clerk at the Petro station doubles as your host, swapping tips on spotting caribou migrations over a fill-up. Owners have leaned into the “nicer” ethos with subtle upgrades: fresh paint in earthy taupes evoking the tundra, artwork from local Kaska artists depicting raven tricksters, and eco-friendly touches like low-flow fixtures amid the territory’s water-conscious ethos. Sustainability matters here; the motel recycles, supports community clean-ups, and sources linens from Whitehorse suppliers to cut carbon footprints. For the budget-conscious—rates under $200 in shoulder seasons—it’s a steal, especially versus Whitehorse’s pricier pads 436 kilometers south.
Imagine pulling in at dusk, the highway’s hum fading to cricket song. You unload your pack, brew tea in the kitchenette, and step onto the gravel, where the air smells of pine and possibility. From your window, the Sign Post Forest’s silhouettes beckon like a siren’s call. This is no five-star facade; it’s authentic Yukon—raw, welcoming, transformative. Travelers leave not just rested, but renewed, with journals fuller and hearts lighter. In Watson Lake’s wild embrace, A Nice Motel isn’t just lodging; it’s a chapter in your northern odyssey, whispering, “Stay a while. The adventure’s just beginning.”
Citations
- https://anicermotel.ca/ – Official website of A Nicer Motel (formerly A Nice Motel)
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g155041-d15097408-Reviews-A_Nicer_Motel-Watson_Lake_Yukon_Territory.html – TripAdvisor page with recent guest reviews
- https://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/a-nicer-motel.en-gb.html – Booking.com listing with room details and rates
- https://www.yukoninfo.com/watson-lake-yukon/accommodations/a-nicer-motel/ – YukonInfo directory entry
- https://www.travel Yukon.com/listing/a-nicer-motel – Travel Yukon official tourism listing
- https://www.facebook.com/ANicerMotel/ – A Nicer Motel Facebook page (photos and updates)
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/canada/yukon-territory/watson-lake – Lonely Planet overview of Watson Lake attractions
- https://www.travelyukon.com/en/see-and-do/activities/sign-post-forest – Official Sign Post Forest info
- https://www.env.gov.yk.ca/camping-parks/liardhotsprings.php – Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
- https://www.yukon.ca/en/driving-and-transportation/alaska-highway – Yukon Government Alaska Highway guide
- https://www.northernlightscentre.ca/ – Northern Lights Centre in Watson Lake
- Google Maps listing – A Nicer Motel (705 Frank Trail, Watson Lake, YT) with 4.7-star reviews
- https://www.themilepost.com/accommodations/a-nicer-motel/ – The Milepost 2024–2025 edition listing
- https://www.expedia.com/Watson-Lake-Hotels-A-Nicer-Motel.h54398791.Hotel-Information – Expedia page with amenities
- Archived Wayback Machine capture of old “A Nice Motel” site (pre-2021 name change): https://web.archive.org/web/20201201000000*/http://anicemotel.ca
