10 things to do in Kluane National Park and Reserve this summer
Slow as the drip of cold birch syrup, long as our January tilt away from the sun—winter in the Yukon can drag on. But now that we are on the other side of the winter solstice, it is time to start dreaming of the brief but brilliant summer to come.
In our short summers, every day off counts. We hike, we bike, we boat, we fish, we photograph, we drive mile after scenic mile. We come with tents, motorhomes, trailers or tarps. And we roast our meals over an open fire, perched on a camp chair in the spot of our mid-winter dreams.
To keep you dreaming through the dark winter mornings, here are 10 things to do in Kluane National Park and Reserve this summer. Most park facilities open May 17. (start planning now!).
THINGS TO DO
- Visit Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake)
This is a great place to relax by the water, hike or go fishing. Grab a campsite or glamp up your stay with a night in an oTENTik. New for 2024, half of the campground’s sites are available for reservation: visitors can call 1-877-737-3783 or go online at reservation.pc.gc.ca to book a site or an oTENTik in advance. - Hike Shepherd’s Knoll Route
Not all of Kluane’s hiking routes will give you calf cramps! You can enjoy this easy to moderate, two-kilometre return hike, which starts from the Sheep Creek Trail, for a view of the Ä’äy Chù Valley. Remember, routes are not marked trails, but a route description is available on the park’s website … and please give sheep their space, especially during lambing season. - Count sheep at the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Centre
Nestled at the base of Thechàl Dhâl’, this cozy visitor centre has interpretive exhibits, a large deck with viewing scopes for watching sheep, and cultural programming throughout the summer. - Learn with Parks Canada
Parks Canada staff love connecting with visitors over campfire talks and other activities. Learn more about the people, landscapes and wildlife that call Kluane home. Check the website for program schedules before your visit. - Go for a bike ride down the Alsek Valley
Nothing beats riding a bike with your friends and family. Cycle the beautiful Alsek Valley Trail surrounded by forests and skyscraping mountains. Bring a picnic and relax on the rock outcrop (just five kilometres down the trail) and continue as far as you like along its 26-kilometre length. - Sit in the King’s Throne
One of the most-hiked trails in the area, this 10-kilometre return trail gains 600 metres in elevation to a spectacular cirque, the “King’s Throne.” This challenging trail offers stunning views of the Kathleen Lake area. - Plan a family camping trip to St. Elias Lake
Bring the whole family for this fun overnight hike into a remote campground. Swim in the lake and eat s’mores, and contact Dalton Trail Lodge to rent the lake’s resident canoe. - Raft the Alsek River
This remote Canadian Heritage River flows through glaciated valleys that are home to mountain goats, golden eagles and grizzly bears. Depending on where you start and finish, a trip on the Alsek can take anywhere from three to 14 days. Pre-planning is a must. Check the park website for details. - Come out for Northern Nights
Experience the Yukon’s only Dark Sky Festival at Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake) every September, with art, music, stargazing and activities for kids of all ages. - Stop by the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre
Our main visitor centre is in the beautiful Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction. Check out the award-winning exhibits and connect with our knowledgeable staff for all your trip-planning needs.
THINGS TO KNOW
Bring layers: Weather is a fickle friend in this wild landscape. Wool and synthetic layers, along with an insulated jacket and rain gear, will keep you comfortable.
Pack out your garbage: We all know that being a litterbug is bad news, but even small or degradable items like apple cores and orange peels can affect the environment, wildlife and the experience of other park visitors. Pack out whatever you pack in, and dispose of garbage in appropriate receptacles.
Be bear aware: This is bear country and, while bears generally prefer to avoid people, it is important to get educated about bear safety. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise and be observant, always keep your dog on a leash and minimize attractants. Stop at the visitor centre in Haines Junction to learn more.
Be a respectful traveller: With First Nation Knowledge Keepers from across the territory, Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism (YFNCT) created a set of guidelines so we can all learn more about travelling through First Nation lands with respect. The area that is now Kluane National Park and Reserve is permeated with thousands of years of Indigenous history and culture; and today, Parks Canada cooperatively manages the park with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Kluane First Nation. Read the guidelines at indigenousyukon.ca/things-to-do. For more information: Go online to parkscanada.ca/kluane, or call 867-634-7250.
