- Region
- Yukon, Canada
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Parks Canada lists backcountry, mountainee…
- Managed by
- Parks Canada; the national park portion is administered cooperatively with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
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Kluane National Park and Reserve trip tools
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Photos of Kluane National Park and Reserve
How to get there
Kluane National Park and Reserve is in Yukon, Canada. Its center point is 60.6500, -137.8500. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
- Kathleen Lake Campground
A named overnight facility offering primitive campsites without showers and group camping sites. Confirm arrival directions and booking arrangements with Parks Canada.
- Kluane oTENTik accommodation
An overnight accommodation option listed by Parks Canada, with firewood included in the nightly rate. Confirm the unit location and arrival instructions when arranging a stay.
Yukon, Canada · Season: Best: June - September
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
The country
Over eighty percent of this massive park is composed of mountains and glaciers, culminating in the largest non-polar icefield in the world. The lower elevations feature dense boreal forests of white spruce interspersed with broad, braided river valleys. High tectonic activity continually pushes the St. Elias Mountains upward while intense glacial carving tears them down.
Why enthusiasts come
Mountaineers set their sights on Mount Logan to test themselves against extreme cold, altitude, and immense scale. Trekking in the green belt on the park's eastern edge provides grueling, multi-day alpine traverses through pristine grizzly country.
Top experiences
The 8-10 day Donjek Route is a classic wilderness trek, requiring off-trail navigation over high alpine passes to a commanding view of the Donjek Glacier. Skiers tackle the demanding multi-week icefield traverses, navigating crevasses and severe weather.
Planner-relevant notes
Overnight trips require mandatory bear-proof canisters, available for loan at the visitor center in Haines Junction. Backcountry permits must be obtained in person, and specialized icefield permits require proof of extensive mountaineering experience. Braided river crossings are required on almost all trekking routes and can be lethal if attempted at high water.
Field notes
- Carry dedicated sturdy sandals for river crossings; barefoot crossings on sharp glacial till are dangerous and excessively cold.
- Grizzly activity peaks in late summer as bears forage in the alpine; maintain strict camp hygiene and a 100m cook triangle.
- When navigating the Donjek Route, do not attempt to walk directly on the glacier terminus; moraine rock cliffs are incredibly unstable.
- For mountaineering trips to the icefields, all climbers must purchase specialized search and rescue insurance.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon, Canada. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 60.6500, -137.8500
- Latitude (DMS)
- 60° 38′ 60.0″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 137° 50′ 60.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Kluane National Park and Reserve, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Massive icefields and Canada's highest peak define this vast subarctic wilderness, offering immense ski touring traverses and high-alpine climbing.
Key takeaways
- Region: Yukon, Canada
- Best season: Best: June - September
- Coordinates: 60.650, -137.850
Climate suitability
Best: June - September
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Kluane National Park and Reserve
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Kluane National Park and Reserve
A mountain-and-glacier landscape
Kluane National Park and Reserve occupies the southwest corner of Yukon, with mountains and glaciers covering 83 percent of its landscape. The Saint Elias Mountains set the scale: Mount Logan, in the reserve, is Canada’s highest mountain at 5,959 metres. Donjek Glacier is another named feature of this ice-dominated terrain. Forest and tundra lie east of the largest mountains and glaciers, and trees grow only at the lowest elevations. White spruce, balsam poplar and trembling aspen are the main tree species. This contrast matters when choosing a trip: a campground stay and a high-mountain expedition require very different preparation. Choose an objective that matches the group’s experience, and do not treat the presence of camping facilities as evidence of straightforward access to the glaciated interior.
Park, reserve and northern conditions
Kluane’s park and reserve have distinct histories tied to First Nations land claims. The reserve was set aside in 1972. Following an agreement with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, an eastern portion of about 5,900 square kilometres became a national park in 1993, administered cooperatively with Parks Canada. The larger western portion remains a reserve pending a final land claim settlement with the Kluane First Nation. The protected landscape borders British Columbia to the south, while the reserve also borders Alaska to the south and west. For trip planning, Yukon’s long summer days and very short, cold winter days are important constraints. Eastern forest and tundra areas are colder and drier than the western and southern parts of the park. Pack for changing conditions rather than relying on daylight length as a measure of warmth.
Camping, permits and practical preparation
Kathleen Lake Campground offers primitive camping without showers. A campsite costs $30.00 per site per night, including firewood; reservation fees also apply. For a different overnight setup, an oTENTik costs $147.50 per unit per night with firewood. Its online reservation, modification or cancellation fee is $11.50, or $13.50 by phone. Backcountry permits cost $15.00 per person per night or $105.00 per person annually; an annual mountaineering permit costs $259.00 per person. These are separate fee categories, so confirm with Parks Canada which permissions and registration steps apply to the planned trip. Bear-resistant food canisters are available to rent for $6.00 per canister per night. Plan food storage before departure, and match equipment and shelter to the difference between a primitive campground stay and travel in mountain or glacier terrain.
Route options
- Kathleen Lake camping stay
A campground-based option rather than a specified hiking route. Plan around primitive facilities without showers, and confirm any walking objectives separately with Parks Canada.
- Mount Logan mountaineering objective
Canada’s highest mountain, at 5,959 metres, lies in the reserve’s Saint Elias Mountains. Treat this as a specialist mountaineering objective, not a marked visitor route; confirm approach logistics, conditions and permit requirements with Parks Canada.
Sample itineraries
- Kathleen Lake day visit · 1 day
Plan a day around Kathleen Lake rather than an interior expedition. Confirm current access and suitable local outings with Parks Canada before departure. Carry layers and food, and keep the day's scope matched to weather and experience.
- Kathleen Lake overnight base · 2 days
Spend one night at Kathleen Lake Campground, with time on either side for a locally planned outing. The campground is primitive and has no showers. Confirm access, campsite arrangements and appropriate routes with Parks Canada; this is a base-camp plan, not a glacier itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring transition
Do not assume lower-elevation conditions reflect the mountains. Kluane's extensive glaciers and high terrain call for conservative planning. Confirm snow conditions and access before choosing an outing.
Summer
Long summer days
Yukon summers bring extremely long, warm days. That regional pattern does not guarantee warmth in Kluane's high mountains. Carry insulation and weather protection, and avoid letting abundant daylight stretch an outing beyond the group's capacity.
Fall
Fall transition
Plan around the current forecast rather than assuming summer conditions continue. Forest occupies the lowest elevations, with tundra, mountains and glaciers beyond. Match clothing and outing length to elevation and available daylight.
Winter
Short winter days
Yukon winters have extremely short, extremely cold days. Keep plans conservative, carry substantial insulation and lighting, and confirm access before travelling. Do not assume camping facilities or local outings are available.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring transition | Do not assume lower-elevation conditions reflect the mountains. Kluane's extensive glaciers and high terrain call for conservative planning. Confirm snow conditions and access before choosing an outing. |
| Summer | Long summer days | Yukon summers bring extremely long, warm days. That regional pattern does not guarantee warmth in Kluane's high mountains. Carry insulation and weather protection, and avoid letting abundant daylight stretch an outing beyond the group's capacity. |
| Fall | Fall transition | Plan around the current forecast rather than assuming summer conditions continue. Forest occupies the lowest elevations, with tundra, mountains and glaciers beyond. Match clothing and outing length to elevation and available daylight. |
| Winter | Short winter days | Yukon winters have extremely short, extremely cold days. Keep plans conservative, carry substantial insulation and lighting, and confirm access before travelling. Do not assume camping facilities or local outings are available. |
Permits, fees & closures
Parks Canada lists backcountry, mountaineering and fishing permits. Confirm which permits and overnight registration arrangements apply to your trip. Free admission for youth 17 and under does not make camping or backcountry overnight use free.
Fees: Listed fees: Kathleen Lake campsite $30/site/night, including firewood; backcountry permit $15/person/night or $105/person annually; annual mountaineering permit $259/person; bear-resistant canister rental $6/canister/night; fishing permit $15 daily or $51.25 annually.
Reservations: Kathleen Lake camping carries reservation fees. An oTENTik costs $147.50/unit/night with firewood; its reservation, modification or cancellation fee is $11.50 online or $13.50 by phone. Confirm availability and booking arrangements with Parks Canada.
Official source: Fees - Kluane National Park and Reserve · Verified October 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Extreme winter cold and very short daylight can sharply limit safe time outdoors.
- Mountains and glaciers cover 83% of the landscape. Do not treat travel into that terrain as an ordinary walking outing; match plans to technical skills and equipment.
- Warm summer conditions elsewhere in Yukon are not a reliable guide to conditions at high elevation. Carry insulation and check the forecast.
- Trees grow only at the lowest elevations. Do not count on forest shelter when planning travel through tundra or higher terrain.
What to pack for Kluane National Park and Reserve
- Insulating layers suited to the forecast and elevation
- Weatherproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Footwear matched to the planned terrain
- Map and navigation tools
- Headlamp
- Food and drinking water
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Tent or confirmed accommodation
- Sleeping bag and insulating sleeping pad
- Cooking equipment
- Bear-resistant food canister; confirm suitable food-storage arrangements with Parks Canada
Kluane National Park and Reserve FAQ
- Where is Kluane National Park and Reserve?
- It is in southwestern Yukon, Canada. The park borders British Columbia; the reserve borders British Columbia and Alaska. Parks Canada administers the national park cooperatively with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
- What defines the landscape?
- Mountains and glaciers dominate, covering 83% of the area. Forest and tundra lie east of the largest mountains and glaciers. Trees grow only at the lowest elevations; white spruce, balsam poplar and trembling aspen are the primary tree species.
- Is Mount Logan in Kluane?
- Yes. The reserve includes Mount Logan in the Saint Elias Mountains. At 5,959 metres, it is Canada's highest mountain. A visit based at Kathleen Lake should not be confused with a mountaineering expedition.
- What facilities does Kathleen Lake Campground have?
- It is a primitive campground with no showers. The campsite fee includes firewood. Group camping and oTENTik accommodation are also listed by Parks Canada; confirm availability and arrangements before departure.
- Can visitors fish?
- Parks Canada lists daily and annual fishing permits. Confirm current fishing rules and permitted locations before planning to fish; purchasing a permit alone does not establish where or when fishing is allowed.
- How should an interior trip be planned?
- Start with Parks Canada to confirm routes, current conditions, registration and applicable permits. Kluane includes extensive glacier and mountain terrain, including Donjek Glacier. Choose an objective that matches the group's skills rather than assuming a named feature has straightforward visitor access.