By Lauren Himiak
Kluane National Park and Reserve is located in
the southwestern corner of the Yukon, and is a park of natural wonder.
Visitors will be in awe of the natural landscape, full of mountains,
large icefields, and valleys. The park protects the greatest diversity
of plant and wildlife in northern Canada and is also home to the highest
mountain in Canada, Mount Logan. The protected regions of Kluane
National Park & Reserve, join with Wrangell-St. Elias and Glacier Bay National Parks in Alaska, and with the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia to form the largest international protected area in the world.Slims River flows from the Kaskawulsh Glacier in Kluane National Park and Reserve.
History:
The park was established in 1972.
When to Visit:
Much
of Kluane National Park and Reserve is cold and dry, though some areas
in the southeast are known for more precipitation. Summer is a great
time to visit as the temperature is warm and visitors have more
opportunities with longer days of sunlight. In fact, the park can get up
to 19 hours of continuous sunlight; imagine all you could do in a day!
Avoid trips in the winter as the park gets as little as 4 hours of sunlight.
Keep
in mind that mountain weather is highly unpredictable. Rain or snow can
occur at any time of the year and freezing temperatures are possible,
even during the summer. Visitors should prepare for all conditions and
have extra gear, just in case.
Getting There:
Haines
Junction is Kluane National Park and Reserve's hub and where visitors
can find the Visitor Center. It is also the best place to find
restaurants, motels, hotel, service stations, and other amenities to
make your trip easier. Visitors can reach Haines Junction by driving
west of Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway (Highway 1), or by driving
north of Haines, Alaska on the Haines Road (Highway 3). If you are
traveling from Anchorage or Fairbanks, take the Alaska Highway south to
Tachäl Dhäl (Sheep Mountain).
Fees/Permits:
The following fees are specific to activities:
- Fishing: $9.80, per person, daily; $34.30 annual
- Guided Walk: $4.90 per person for 1-2 hours; $19.60 per person for 4-6 hours
Camping fees: Kathleen Lake Campground: $15.70 per site, per night; $4.90 for group sites, per person, per night
Campfire permit: $8.80 per site, per night
Backcountry permit: $9.80 overnight, per person; $68.70 annual, per person
Things To Do:
The
park has been home to Southern Tutchone people for thousands of years
and it's no surprise why. With stunning views of mountains, lakes,
rivers, the park is a perfect place for scenic hiking and backcountry
adventures in the mountains. A variety of activities await visitors,
such as camping, hiking, guided walks, mountain biking, horseback riding, and mountain climbing. Water activities include fishing
(license required), boating, canoeing, and rafting on the Alsek River.
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog
sledding, and snowmobiling.
Accommodations:
Camping
is encouraged in the park. The best location is Kathleen Lake - a
39-site campground with firewood, bear-proof storage lockers, and
outhouses. Sites are first come-first serve and are available from mid
May to mid September. Keep in mind that bears are common in the park.
Brush up on your bear safety before visiting.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park:
- Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Contact Info:
By Mail:
P.O. Box 5495
Haines Junction, Yukon
Canada
Y0B 1L0
P.O. Box 5495
Haines Junction, Yukon
Canada
Y0B 1L0
By Phone:
(867) 634-7207
(867) 634-7207
By Fax:
(867) 634-7208
(867) 634-7208
