Kluane National Park and Reserve
Haines Junction, Yukon
Canada’s highest peak, the largest non-polar ice fields, and North America’s most genetically diverse grizzly populations are all housed in the Yukon Territory’s Kluane National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with glaciers, peaks, rivers, and lakes where visitors can spot wildlife such as Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, grizzlies, and more than 100 different species of birds.
Adventure opportunities abound in this remote outdoor recreation epicenter. Visitors to the park can ski, paddle, hike, climb, and even try dog sledding. While day trips to see glaciers and lakes are possible, the vastness of the park means setting aside a few days to explore is ideal.
In summer, you can embark on a four-day tour that begins with a float plane trip to the park from the nearby city of Whitehorse. Visit between late fall and early spring for a Yukon northern lights tour or a dog sledding and snowmobiling adventure. For full immersion in the wilderness, spend 10 days rafting the glacier-fed Tatshenshini River.
- Kluane National Park is a worthy destination for any outdoor adventure seekers.
- Short trails, flightseeing tours, and scenic vistas make the park accessible for all travelers.
- Prepare accordingly for rough terrain and cold conditions.
- Visit the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre in Haines Junction for park information and exhibits.
- The Kathleen Lake Campground and adjacent Kokanee Trail boardwalk are wheelchair accessible.
The Kluane National Park Visitor Centre is located in Haines Junction 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Whitehorse along the Alaska Highway. From there, the eastern edge of the park is bordered by the Haines Highway and Alaska Highway and has limited road access, camping, and trails. The interior is only accessible on extensive backcountry tours such as rafting or mountaineering. The easiest way to see the park is via a flightseeing tour.
The park's two visitor centers are generally open from mid-May to mid-September. Visiting the park in the summer allows for longer daylight hours and more access within the park. Additionally, many tours are only available during certain seasons, so plan ahead before you decide when to visit. If you want to see the northern lights from the park, visit between September and April.
A visit to Kluane National Park is not complete without spotting a Dall sheep. The rare white, horned animals are native to the northern reaches of Canada and Alaska. Thachäl Dhäl (Sheep Mountain) is one of the best places for travelers to view them. While the sheep can be found throughout the park—especially in the spring and fall—the telescopes at Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre offer a close-up perspective.
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