WORDS GUY WILKINSON
Situated high in the mountains of southwest Yukon, one of Canada’s wildest and least populated regions, Kluane National Park, is a land of extremes. Home to the largest non-polar icefields in the world, as well as Canada’s highest peak (5959-metre Mount Logan) this is also where you’ll find 17 of Canada’s 20 tallest mountains.
Close to Kluane is Yukon's vibrant capital Whitehorse. With an excellent mix of activity and scenery in its own right, it's the perfect base to explore the territory's epic wilderness from. And when I say epic wilderness, I mean EPIC. Think ancient glaciers, sprawling forest and towering peaks, as well as North America’s most diverse populations of grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and plenty more.
YUKON
Kluane National Park is situated in southern Yukon.
YUKON
WHEN THE LIVIN’S EASY
Although Kluane National Park and Reserve is open year-round for outdoor adventures, visitor services are only offered in summertime, from mid-May until the end of September, one of many reasons it’s one of the best times to visit this part of Canada. “The days are long, we have up to 19 hours of daylight, and it’s generally warm during summer”, says Katarina Welsch, Ranger and Interpretation Coordinator at Kluane National Park and Reserve. “This is the perfect time to stretch your legs and discover one of our amazing trails. Hiking is Kluane's most popular activity and opportunities range from short strolls to multi-day route-finding adventures. You can also [white-water] raft past glaciers on the remote Alsek River, embark on a thrilling flightseeing adventure for a bird’s-eye view of Canada’s highest peaks, or soak up the scenery at Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake), where crystal clear waters reflect the mountains of the Kluane Range.”
There are up to 19 hours of sunlight in summer in Yukon - plenty of time to fit in a heap of outdoor activity.
Kluane National Park.
It's hard not to feel a connection with nature in a place where nature reigns so supremely.
THE FOUR SEASONS
While summer is undoubtedly the most accessible time to visit, with arguably the greatest number of outdoor adventures to tackle, the park is still a year-round destination and is well known for its dramatic changes between the seasons. “Because of its location north of the 60th parallel, summers are generally warm, with long hours of daylight while winters are long and dark with as little as four hours daylight and bitingly cold,” says Welsch. The Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre located in the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction is an ideal starting point to kick off, or wrap up, a Kluane adventure; the interactive exhibits proving an excellent way to soak in the park’s indigenous culture and history.
Dawson City, an iconic Canadian gold rush location.
FOLLOW FOOTSTEPS
Further north, follow in the footsteps of prospectors on a 19th century gold stampede, by heading to Dawson City. In the 1890s around 100,000 prospectors rushed to the area in the hopes of striking big, although only around a third actually made it all the way to Dawson City. Writer Jack London was among those who made the journey, writing his epic The Call of the Wild about his experiences in Yukon.
The nearby Tombstone Territorial Park is where Yukon’s stark, epic landscapes truly come into their own. A scenic helicopter ride is an option for the more adventurous, giving the opportunity to fly over the harsh terrain that not many get a chance to ever see.
Yukon is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors.
Moose in Tombstone Territorial Park.
Paddling the Alsek River.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF YUKON
Here are five things you should know about Yukon’s Indigenous culture before visiting:
1
There are eight different First Nations language groups in the Yukon. Inland Tlingit is closest to those languages spoken along the Alaskan coast, while the remainder are part of the Athapaskan languages from Alaska through the Canadian Northwest and as far as New Mexico in the United States.
2
Yukon Indigenous people have long-developed social networks and cultural practices to govern themselves. Elders and youth are especially cherished as anchors of continual well-being to the community.
3
The Yukon has 14 unique First Nations scattered throughout its territory.
4
Respect for animals and the land is deeply rooted in Yukon Indigenous culture; hunters today give thanks to animals that provide sustenance to communities.
5
In 1993, Yukon First Nations signed the Umbrella Final Agreement, a modern treaty with Canada and the Yukon. It defines the rights of First Nations to govern, to resources, lands, justice, heritage and culture as well as placing more emphasis on education for young Indigenous people.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL DESIGNER TO CREATE YOUR CUSTOM ITINERARY NOW!
Yukon Summer Dream
5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS | FROM $2145*
Experience a summer adventure in the far north. Go hiking, canoeing and take a flightseeing tour, see wildlife up close at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and dive into the soothing hot water of the Takhini Hot Springs.
Discover the Yukon
15 DAYS | 14 NIGHTS | FROM $3559*
Discover the Yukon at a leisurely pace. This self-drive journey presents an opportunity to explore off the regular travellers route.
Arctic Tundra & Dawson City
6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS | FROM $3765*
Explore Yukon’s most charming cities and its capital Whitehorse, a small town with a huge personality, and Dawson City, a place unlike anywhere else on earth.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL DESIGNER TO CREATE YOUR CUSTOM ITINERARY NOW!
Yukon Summer Dream
5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS | FROM $2145*
Experience a summer adventure in the far north. Go hiking, canoeing and take a flightseeing tour, see wildlife up close at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and dive into the soothing hot water of the Takhini Hot Springs.
Discover the Yukon
15 DAYS | 14 NIGHTS | FROM $3559*
Discover the Yukon at a leisurely pace. This self-drive journey presents an opportunity to explore off the regular travellers route.
Arctic Tundra & Dawson City
6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS | FROM $3765*
Explore Yukon’s most charming cities and its capital Whitehorse, a small town with a huge personality, and Dawson City, a place unlike anywhere else on earth.