Kluane – high in the mountains of southwest Yukon – is a land of extremes. The park is home to Canada’s highest peak (5,959-metre Mount Logan), its largest ice field and North America’s most genetically diverse grizzly population. Travellers from around the world come to traverse alpine passes on backcountry odysseys and raft past calving glaciers. With exceptional day hikes and highway-side scenery, Kluane awes from every angle.

Kluane National Park and Reserve is amazing. A protected area with 17 of Canada’s 20 tallest mountains, including Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, and the world’s largest non-polar icefields. The Alsek River, which flows through the large Alsek Valley, gets its water from old glaciers. In different parts of the huge park, Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou, wolves, grizzlies, and black bears can be seen.

People driving on the two highways that run along the park’s border often get to see bears close to the side of the road. Depending on the time of year, you might see Dall sheep grazing or sleeping on the sides of mountains. You can use the telescopes at the Tachal Dhal Visitor Centre to see them, or you can put on your hiking boots and climb up to get a better look. In the park, there are a lot of different hikes, from short ones that are good for families to epic ones that take several days.

Flightseeing tours are a quick way to get deep into the park and fly over mountains, valleys, and up to the icefields. Land on a glacier and step out to see the vast, beautiful area around you. Some adventurers choose to see grizzlies, eagles, and glaciers while rafting down a Canadian Heritage River in Kluane.

The pace is slower when you paddle on Kathleen Lake, but it is just as beautiful. There are campsites, a day-use area, and trails in this recreation area. Walk along the lakeshore and look at the wildflowers, or hike up to the cirque of King’s Throne for a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding area.

Visit the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre to see a 3D model of the area. This will give you a good idea of what the whole area looks like. The giant floor map at the Da K Cultural Centre shows the many places that are important to the Champagne Aishihik First Nations from a different point of view. The park is in their Traditional Territory, and the centre gives visitors a chance to learn about the region’s interesting cultural and historical importance.

The Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre is in the Da K Cultural Centre in Haines Junction. This is a great place to get a lot of useful information and see interesting displays all in one place.