How to Add Your Own Sign to the Famous Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake Yukon

 

How to Add Your Own Sign to the Famous Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon – Step-by-Step Guide

Want to leave your mark on one of the quirkiest roadside attractions in Canada? The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon, is a must-stop on the Alaska Highway. With over 100,000 signs from around the world nailed to wooden posts across two acres, it’s a living scrapbook of travellers’ stories. Started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. soldier who added a sign for his Illinois hometown, it’s now a Yukon Historic Place where anyone can join the fun.

Here’s exactly how to get your sign up — super easy and totally free!

Step 1: Prepare Your Sign

Design and make one at home (wood, metal, old license plate, or custom-printed). Or wait and create it on-site. Include your hometown, distance (use Google Maps for fun mileage), family names, or a fun message.

Step 2: Find the Spot

The forest is right off the Alaska Highway in Watson Lake (Mile 635). It’s outdoors and open 24/7 year-round.

Step 3: Get Supplies at the Visitor Centre

Stop next door at the Watson Lake Visitor Information Centre (open daily 8am–8pm, mid-May to mid-September). They’ll happily give you free paint, hammer, and nails. No reservations or fees needed — just friendly Yukon hospitality! You can buy a piece of wood at the local hardware store to craft your sign on.

Step 4: Hunt for the Perfect Post & Nail It

Wander the maze (it’s bigger than it looks!). Look for space on a post, be respectful, and hammer your sign securely. Take photos, hunt for your hometown, and soak up the stories.

Pro Tips  Summer is best for long daylight and open services.   
Winter visitors can still add signs (bring your own tools).   
Keep signs reasonable size so everyone fits!   
 

Combine with a visit to nearby Liard River Hot Springs. 
 
In this quick KassDays YouTube clip, we walk through the forest, show you the scale, and share the vibe of adding to this incredible tradition.

Ready to start your own adventure? Pack that sign and head north — your sign belongs in the forest!  

Alaska Highway Gems: Sign Post Forest & Liard Hot Springs

 

 

Alaska Highway Gems: Sign Post Forest & Liard Hot Springs – A Must-Do Northern Adventure

If you're craving a road trip that blends history, whimsy, and pure natural bliss, the Alaska Highway delivers in spades. In this captivating KassDays vlog (uploaded November 19, 2025), we dive into two standout gems along this legendary route through Yukon and northern British Columbia: Watson Lake Sign Post Forest and Liard River Hot Springs.

First stop: the iconic Watson Lake Sign Post Forest. Since 1942, travellers have nailed hometown signs here—now over 80,000 strong! The vlog shows the fun of crafting and mounting a custom KassDays sign, surrounded by a colorful, global mosaic in every language imaginable. It's a quirky tradition that makes you feel connected to adventurers worldwide. 

Pro tip: Grab materials from a local hardware store and weatherproof it—your mark lasts!

Then, the scenic drive north reveals roaming bison (keep your distance and stay safe—bears are around too, with electric fencing reminders). The real reward? Liard River Hot Springs, Canada's second-largest thermal spring system. Fed by six natural springs pumping 120-130 litres per second, these mineral-rich pools stay steaming year-round—even in freezing temps—creating a tropical oasis amid the wilderness.

The boardwalk trail leads to serene, bubbling hot pools perfect for soaking and unwinding. The vlog captures the peaceful vibe: relaxing in warm waters, learning the springs' history, and soaking up the Arctic contrast. Dry camping in the park makes it easy to extend the stay.

This stretch of the Alaska Highway isn't just miles—it's unforgettable moments of wonder, wildlife, and relaxation. If it's possible for you, make the journey. The road rewards every turn with beauty and stories you'll carry forever.Watch the full adventure here: https://youtu.be/JU3m9kmDj8E 
Subscribe to KassDays for more epic Canadian explorations!
 

The Barren Whisper of Yellowstone

The Barren Whisper of Yellowstone: Echoes of Life, Loss, and Inner Void

In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, a photograph captures a scene of stark, otherworldly beauty: a vast expanse of white, crusty ground stretches like a frozen sea under an endless azure sky. A small, vivid turquoise pool mirrors the heavens, while skeletal trees—twisted, leafless snags—stand as silent sentinels against distant, forested mountains. Taken in the geothermal wonderland of places like Norris Geyser Basin, this image from Okotoks adventurer Magdelene Feher invites us to pause and ponder. What begins as a snapshot of nature's raw power evolves into a canvas for the imagination, stirring thoughts of barrenness not just in the land, but within ourselves.

Geologically, this landscape is a testament to Yellowstone's volcanic underbelly. Hot springs bubble up mineral-rich waters, depositing silica sinter that creates the pale, sterile terrain. Trees once took root here, perhaps seeds carried by wind or wildlife, sprouting in fleeting pockets of soil amid the steam and heat. But as geothermal activity shifts—vents migrate, waters scald—the ground turns hostile. Roots choke on toxic minerals; trunks blanch and die, leaving these ghostly remnants. It's a cycle of tentative life interrupted: beginnings full of promise, only to wither under unrelenting forces. How did they start? Maybe a resilient pine pushed through cooling ash eons ago, defying the odds until the earth reclaimed its dominance.

Yet, gazing at this desolation, the mind wanders deeper. The emptiness evokes a profound metaphor for the human spirit. Those dead trees—once vibrant, now stripped bare—mirror moments when our own beliefs falter. Has faith in a dream, a relationship, or an ideal dried up like these roots in acidic soil? The barren field might whisper of inner voids: the quiet ache of lost purpose, where what we once nurtured stands hollow against life's harsh backdrop. In a world of constant change, like Yellowstone's ever-shifting caldera, we too face upheavals that scorch our foundations. Imagination runs wild here—perhaps this is a lunar wasteland, a post-apocalyptic echo, or a soul's barren winter awaiting renewal.

This photo reminds us that beauty thrives in desolation. The turquoise pool hints at hidden vitality beneath the surface, urging introspection: What has withered in you? And what might yet bloom anew? In this wild tableau, nature doesn't just exist—it reflects, challenges, and inspires us to embrace our own evolving landscapes.

Slow Down and Savor the Beauty

Slow Down and Savor: The Untouched Beauty Outside Cody, Wyoming

In a world racing at breakneck speed, sometimes the most profound moments come from simply stopping to gaze. These two captivating photos, captured just outside Cody, Wyoming, embody that quiet invitation. The first reveals a winding gravel road slicing through lush green prairies, leading toward a distant town nestled under snow-capped mountains and dramatic, cloud-filled skies—a scene that whispers of endless adventure and serenity. The second offers a closer view of rolling hills dotted with sagebrush and wildflowers, bathed in the moody light of an approaching storm, where rays of sun pierce through like nature's own spotlight.

These images aren't just pretty; they're a reminder of the raw, utter beauty that unfolds before us daily, yet so many rush past without a second glance. Wyoming's vast landscapes, with their expansive grasslands and rugged peaks, demand we pause. As the user aptly notes, it's utterly beautiful— a vista that can reset the soul if we let it.Science backs this up: Studies show that immersing in nature reduces stress and boosts mental well-being.  

Even 10-20 minutes in green spaces can prevent mental strain, improving mood and cognitive function.  
health.state.mn.us 
 

Walking in natural settings decreases rumination—those repetitive negative thoughts—and lowers depression risk, as found in research from Stanford.  
news.stanford.edu 
 

By slowing down, removing ourselves from daily stresses for just minutes or hours, we foster positive emotions, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus.So, next time life's pace hits 200 mph, pull over. Step into a place like Cody's outskirts, breathe in the fresh air, and truly see. Your mind—and heart—will thank you. 

Why Some People Simply Love to Make Art

 

The Joy of Creating: Why Some People Simply Love to Make Art – No Audience Required In a world full of pressure to perform, share, and perfect, there's something quietly revolutionary about sitting down with a gel pen and a colouring book page featuring a majestic dragon. No deadlines, no likes needed—just you, the page, and the slow, satisfying glide of ink across intricate scales and wings. Creating isn't always about producing something "valuable" in the eyes of others. For many, the deepest pull comes from the act itself. When you pick up those vibrant gel pens—perhaps layering shimmering blues over deep greens for iridescent dragon hide or adding white highlights to make flames pop—the mind quiets. The repetitive motion of colouring detailed lines, like the swirling mane or fierce eyes of a dragon, draws you into a meditative flow. Research on adult colouring, especially intricate designs like mandalas or fantasy creatures, shows it reduces anxiety, lowers stress, and promotes mindfulness by anchoring attention in the present moment. It's a gentle way to hush the inner critic and let the brain breathe. What makes it even more powerful is the freedom from perfection. Some folks chase flawless results, turning creation into a chore that drains rather than energizes. But when creating is viewed as pure expression—not a task to master—magic happens. The dragon doesn't have to be gallery-ready; its scales can shimmer unevenly, its flames might blend in unexpected ways. That's okay. In fact, that's the point. The satisfaction comes from the process: watching colours build, feeling the texture of gel ink dry glossy and bright, seeing the page transform under your hand. It pleases the one person who matters in that moment—you. This personal joy explains why so many return to colouring books, sketchpads, or any medium that lets them play without judgment. It's not about impressing an audience or proving skill; it's about reclaiming a simple, human need to make something beautiful (or fierce, or whimsical) just because it feels good. So next time you see a time-lapse of gel pens bringing a dragon to life, remember: behind every stroke is someone choosing joy over obligation. And that's a kind of art worth celebrating.

 

 

Embracing the Sunrise: Beauty in Every New Dawn

There's something profoundly magical about a sunrise. As the first light breaks the horizon, the sky ignites in fiery oranges, reds, and golds—streaks of cloud painted like brushstrokes across the heavens. In this early morning capture on the road to leaving High River Alberta, a lone truck silhouettes against the blazing sky, the Highway 2 North sign standing sentinel. What started as a quest for a hot air balloon liftoff turned into this breathtaking gift from nature, wind grounding the balloons but lifting the spirit instead.

Sunrises remind us that every day begins with promise. Plans may shift—wind cancels flights, rain derails outings—but there's always a silver lining if we pause to notice. That "failed" early rise became a moment of pure awe: vibrant colours washing over the prairie, the quiet road stretching toward new horizons. It's a gentle nudge to make the most of each day, no matter what unfolds.

Embrace the unexpected beauty around you. Let the sunrise set the tone—fill your hours with gratitude, creativity, and openness. Even when the original desire doesn't pan out, the day still holds wonders worth chasing. Start fresh, eyes wide open, and watch how ordinary mornings transform into something extraordinary.

My Three Wise Dragons Are Almost Complete!

See No Evil • Speak No Evil • Hear No Evil

Hello fellow makers!  If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been quietly working on a brand-new resin sculpture series: the Three Wise Dragons. These little guys are my playful twist on the classic “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” proverb—except they’re adorable, spiky, and full of personality.

In the photo above you can meet the first two members of the trio: The fiery red-pink dragon is cast in ResinCrete. He’s solid, matte, and has that lovely stone-like weight. He’s my “See No Evil” dragon—paws pressed sweetly over his eyes, looking both mischievous and wise at the same time.   
The vibrant blue dragon is made with clear epoxy resin. He came out beautifully glossy with a deep, jewel-like shine. His expression is more curious and watchful—perfect for the “Speak No Evil” role. 
 
And the best part? The third dragon—Hear No Evil—is still tucked away in his mold right now. He’s being cast in a light, transparent green epoxy that I’m really excited about. Once he’s demolded (hopefully later today!), the whole trio will be together for the first time.

Next steps for all three:  Light sanding   
A few coats of sealer   
Hand-painted details (tiny gold accents on the horns and eyes are already planned)   
Maybe a soft gloss on the eyes to make them pop 
 
I’ll be sharing the full reveal + a step-by-step “how I cast them” post once the green one is out and they’re all finished. These little dragons have been so much fun to make—each one feels like it has its own tiny soul.

Would you love to see a full tutorial on how I make these (mold making, resin choice, demolding tricks, etc.)? Let me know in the comments!  

Happy Creating!