Northern · Yukon
Kluane National Park & Reserve
Canada's highest peak, the largest non-polar icefield, and the road to Alaska.
Province
Yukon
Established
1972
Size
22,013 km²
Coordinates
60.75°, -139.50°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Kluane National Park & Reserve
Kluane is a UNESCO-designated tetra-park complex shared with the United States. Mount Logan (5,959 m, Canada's highest) and the St. Elias Icefields dominate, but the foreground hikes, lake-edge campgrounds and glacier flightseeing are what visitors take home.
Why visit
- Mount Logan and the St. Elias Icefields
- Glacier flightseeing from Haines Junction
- Kathleen Lake — the gateway
- Some of the largest grizzly populations in Canada
Things to do
Plan your days.
Kathleen Lake Campground
camping
King's Throne Peak hike
hiking
Glacier flight from Haines Junction
scenic drive
Slims River West to Observation Mountain
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Kathleen Lake — full-service, lake-edge
- Backcountry: extensive permits for icefield-edge routes
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: snowmelt, grizzly emergence.
- Summer
- July–August: best for everything.
- Fall
- September: golden willow, cold nights.
- Winter
- Aurora; many roads closed.
- Peak
- July and August.
- Shoulder
- June or September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Sheep Mountain interpretive area; bears along the river valleys.
Common species
Dall sheep · Mountain goat · Beaver
Signature species
Grizzly bear · Dall sheep · Moose
Wildlife safety
Long distances between services; carry recovery gear; bear spray essential.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Haines Junction
- Whitehorse
Nearby attractions
- Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park
- Alaska Highway
- Wrangell-St. Elias (USA)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
5 day
Yukon road week
Whitehorse → Kluane → Dawson loop.
photography
Glacier flight + camp
Two nights at Kathleen plus one flightseeing day.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kluane National Park & Reserve.
Can I camp in Kluane National Park & Reserve?+
Yes. Kluane National Park & Reserve operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Kluane National Park & Reserve?+
Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends; a portion of sites may remain first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Kluane National Park & Reserve family friendly?+
Our family score is 8/10. Excellent for families — wide trails, interpretive programs and accessible viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit Kluane National Park & Reserve?+
July and August. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose and mountain goats. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Three to five days.
Nearby parks
