2 Days in Kluane National Park: A Detailed Itinerary

Last Updated on September 21, 2025

Covering almost 22,000 square kilometres, Kluane National Park in the Yukon Territory is massive. It’s bigger than the entire country of El Salvador! 

This beautiful park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that it shares with parks in Alaska and British Columbia, and it contains 17 of Canada’s 20 tallest mountains, including Mount Logan at a towering 5,959 metres. 

That stat alone had Lucas and I hooked on visiting. We love mountains, and so we knew that visiting the region that’s home to the tallest peaks in the country would be exciting. 

Now, an important thing to know is that you likely won’t see Mount Logan when visiting Kluane National Park.

We learned from a Canada Parks interpreter that while the mountains you can easily see in the park are very tall, the tallest ones are actually deep in the icefield and not visible from the highway or front-country trails. You would need to do a multi-day hike to see Mount Logan and the other tallest peaks. 

Did this ruin the magic? Absolutely not. While spending 2 days in Kluane National Park, we learned that the park is about much more than just its mountains. It’s home to tons of wildlife (locals joked to us that there are more moose than people in the Yukon!), it’s got great front-country trails, and the park has a long and beautiful cultural history. 

Let’s dive into my 2 day itinerary for visiting this iconic Canadian park!

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and keep Pina Travels reader-supported. To learn more, read my Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, & Disclaimers.

A few snaps from our 2 days in the park!

About Kluane National Park

Kluane National Park, in southwest Yukon, is known for its landscape of dramatic peaks, huge icefields, deep valleys, and wildlife. It’s home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan, and part of the largest non-polar icefield in the world. 

The park is within the traditional territories of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Kluane First Nation, who have lived on and cared for the land for thousands of years. 

Archaeological evidence shows human presence here for over 8,000 years, and many of the park’s trails, lakes, and mountains hold cultural significance. 

While we were staying at Kathleen Lake Campground (this was our favourite campground in the park!) we went to a campfire talk hosted by a Parks Canada interpreter. She shared with us the history of Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí, meaning “Long Ago Person Found” in the Southern Tutchone language. 

This is the name that was given to the preserved remains of a man discovered in 1999 by hunters on a glacier in Kluane National Park. He’s believed to have lived over 300 years ago and is the oldest preserved body ever found in North America’s northwest. 

The finding of Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí provided a glimpse into the human history of the region, revealing details about traditional clothing, tools, diet, and travel through the park’s landscapes. For the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, to whom he belonged, Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí is a powerful link to their ancestors and a reminder of their deep connection to this land.

Today, Parks Canada co-manages Kluane with local First Nations, a partnership that supports both conservation and the continuation of cultural practices on the land. Don’t worry – in this itinerary I include some tips for how you can learn about this partnership and the Indigenous history of Kluane National Park while visiting. 

While Kluane National Park itself is massive, most visitors do what we did, which is stick to the easily accessible front-country area around Haines Junction and along the Alaska Highway. 

While Luke and I enjoy hiking and do it often, we don’t have experience hiking in the backcountry without a guide, and backcountry trips into the park’s icefield ranges require more planning, permits, and sometimes a bush plane.

So, we planned this itinerary around front-country trails. The park’s front-country trails are all beautiful, so don’t worry, you aren’t missing out if you skip the backcountry! It’s better to stick to trails that you’re comfortable hiking.

How to Get to Kluane National Park

The main access point to Kluane National Park is the small community of Haines Junction. If you’re flying in, the closest major airport is in Whitehorse. 

From Whitehorse, it’s an easy and scenic two-hour drive west along the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, where you’ll find the park’s visitor centre and trailheads for many of its front-country hikes.

If you’re coming from Alaska, you can reach the park via the Haines Highway from Haines, Alaska. You’ll cross into Canada at the Pleasant Camp border crossing. The drive to Haines Junction from Haines takes about 4 hours and is full of mountain views!

From northern British Columbia, you can take the Alaska Highway north through Watson Lake and Whitehorse, continuing west to Haines Junction.

Best Time to Visit Kluane National Park

Kluane National Park changes dramatically with the seasons, and so the best time to visit depends on the kind of trip you’d like to have. 

Spring (April–May) means longer days, melting snow, and the first signs of wildlife emerging from hibernation. Some trails may still have snow, but the quieter roads and fewer visitors make it a nice time to visit.

Summer (June–August) means warm days, up to 20 hours of daylight, and the most accessible hiking conditions. It’s also the peak season for ranger-led programs and activities in Haines Junction and at the campgrounds. Expect busier campgrounds, especially in July and August, and expect more people on the trails. 

Fall (September–October) is cooler, with tundra and bright yellow aspens transforming the landscape. Wildlife like bears and Dall sheep are often easier to spot as they prepare for winter, but some facilities and services start to close by late September.

Winter (November–March) is cold and snowy, but winter weather means you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and see the northern lights. Trails and roads are quiet, adding to the winter magic.

We decided on visiting during summer because we wanted to experience the long daylight hours (midnight sun!) and we wanted the best conditions for hiking, camping, and driving. 

Remember, the ‘best’ season to visit Kluane National Park is personal. Whether you visit in the midnight sun of summer or the deep quiet of winter, each season offers its own way to experience Kluane. It just comes down to what you want from your trip.

Where to Stay Near Kluane National Park

If you’re staying in a hotel for your trip to Kluane National Park, I recommend the Alcan Motor Inn. It’s a simple, budget-friendly motel located right in Haines Junction, just minutes from the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre. 

Rooms are clean and come with basic amenities like a microwave, mini fridge, and free Wi-Fi. It’s one of the few accommodation options in town, and offers easy access to trails, gas, groceries, and most parts of the park.

If you’re staying in hotels for this itinerary, I would book 3 nights at Alcan Motor Inn. This way you can stay settled in one room during your whole time in Kluane National Park.  

Campgrounds in Kluane National Park

We decided to camp while visiting Kluane National Park. For our two full days in the park, we stayed 3 nights. 

We spent 1 night in each of these campgrounds, but if I were to do it again, I would spend the first 2 nights at Kathleen Lake, and the final night at Pine Lake. 

Camping: Pine Lake Campground

Only a few minutes from Haines Junction, Pine Lake Campground is a Yukon Parks site with a sandy beach and clear, calm water perfect for swimming or paddling. It’s family-friendly, with a playground, picnic areas, and easy lake access. 

The views of the Saint Elias Mountains from the shoreline are especially beautiful at sunset, and the short drive to town makes it convenient for stocking up on supplies.

We also found that this campground was convenient for visiting the northern end of Kluane National Park, where Kluane Lake is. It cuts down the drive by about half an hour compared to driving from Kathleen Lake or Dezadeash Lake. 

Kathleen Lake Campground

If you’re camping, I recommend staying at Kathleen Lake Campground. This was my favourite campground out of the 3 we stayed at in Kluane National Park. It has great amenities and is a short walk from Kathleen Lake, which is stunning. 

Kathleen Lake Campground is a great base for hiking nearby trails, including the short Kokanee Trail and the popular King’s Throne hike (don’t worry, I’ll share info about these hikes later in this itinerary!). 

The campground offers tent and RV sites, fire pits, and kitchen shelters, and it’s a good spot for paddling, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake. From the campground, it’s a 10 – 20 minute walk to the lake, depending on the site you stay in. 

What I loved most about Kathleen Lake Campground was the fact that this park offers summer programming. A few evenings of every week, a Parks Canada interpreter hosts a campfire talk. Everyone is welcome to come to the campfire, enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate, and listen to an engaging talk about a topic related to the park. 

We were there on a Saturday evening, and the campfire talk was all about “glacier travel through the ages.” It covered how people have traveled through the park in different time periods, as well as the early summits of Mount Logan. This was also how we learned about Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí!

You can check the schedule for campfire talks and other events in Kluane National Park on the Parks Canada website.

If you want to stay at Kathleen Lake, be sure to reserve in advance, it’s popular and books up fast.  

Camping: Dezadeash Lake Campground

Located just outside the park and about 20 minutes from Haines Junction, Dezadeash Lake Campground is a Yukon Parks site known for its peace and quiet. Campsites are spread out along the lakeshore and among the trees, making it feel private. 

The lake is popular for lake trout fishing, kayaking, and watching migratory birds who stop by in spring. The calm setting of this campground makes it a good choice if you’re looking to avoid the busier campgrounds that are closer to town.

Know Before You Go: Kluane National Park Tips

I know, this is a lot of preamble to the itinerary for visiting Kluane National Park, but I want you to be prepared! So, here are some added essential tips that I haven’t touched on yet. 

Kluane National Park Permits

You’ll need a Parks Canada permit to enter Kluane National Park. I recommend purchasing your permit online, ahead of time. Just print your permit to display in your vehicle. If you prefer, you also have the option of getting the permit at the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre in Haines Junction.

Good news! You don’t need to purchase a permit if you’re visiting in 2025 – Entry is free for all visitors this year as part of the Canada Strong Pass. 

Camping and Hiking Gear

If you need to rent camping or hiking gear, head to THE BASE Outdoor Rentals in Whitehorse. I have a (probably healthy!?) fear of bears, and so we picked up a canister of bear spray before heading into Kluane National Park. 

You can also rent any other gear you might need, like an axe. If you’ll be camping, renting an axe is recommended because although Yukon campgrounds provide firewood, you will need to split it. Don’t end up like us! We didn’t know we would need an axe and so we found ourselves asking fellow campers in the campgrounds if we could borrow theirs. 

THE BASE Outdoor Rentals offers all sorts of helpful rental gear, just be sure to reserve your gear in advance. You can reserve online, and then on your pick-up day, they’ll have it ready for you. 

Bears and Other Wildlife

Kluane National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, moose, Dall sheep, and caribou. Seeing the park’s wildlife is exciting, but it’s important to practice responsible wildlife tourism.

When hiking or camping, always carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it. Make noise on trails so animals aren’t surprised by your presence, store food and scented items in bear-proof containers (most of the campgrounds provide this), and never feed wildlife. 

If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak in a steady voice, get your bear spray ready, and back away slowly. Don’t ever run from a bear. In most cases, the bear will go on its way, but if it charges you, gets close to you, or touches you, use your bear spray to deter it and report the incident to Parks Canada afterward.

For other wildlife, give plenty of space and observe from a distance to keep both you and the animals safe. Don’t ever approach or feed wild animals, and don’t linger too long, we don’t want them to get too habituated to humans. 

We got to watch this young moose (he’s named Jake!) from a distance at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Driving the Alaska Highway 

What not to do in the Yukon? Drive distracted or drive too fast. Because there is so much wildlife around, it’s best to drive slow enough that you can stop if you need to. 

Wildlife is often hidden in the brush along the sides of the highway, and so you won’t always spot animals right away. We know from experience! While driving between Whitehorse and Carcross, a massive moose appeared on the highway, seemingly out of nowhere. We had to screech to a halt not to hit it.

So, while driving, make sure you’re hyperaware of the shoulders of the highway, and always be prepared to stop quickly. 

Gas

There are no gas stations inside Kluane National Park, so you’ll need to plan your fuel stops before heading in. The main hub for services is Haines Junction, which sits right at the park’s edge and has a few gas stations open year-round. 

You’ll also find fuel in smaller communities on the outskirts of the park, like Destruction Bay to the northwest. Distances between gas stations can be long in this part of Yukon, so it’s best to top up whenever you have the chance, even if your tank isn’t close to empty.

Enjoying the views on the Spruce Beetle Trail in Kluane National Park

Day 1: Enjoy the South End of Kluane National Park 

Lucas and I love hiking, but we aren’t experienced backcountry hikers so we chose to stick to the shorter, accessible trails in Kluane National Park. This is something about Kluane National Park that I really love. It offers a great mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails, so there’s something for everyone. 

In this itinerary, I’ve covered the easy and moderate trails that we enjoyed in the park, but I have also included a mention of the more lengthy hike options, in case you want more of a challenge. You are welcome to choose your own adventure! 

Morning: Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake is a glacier-fed lake just outside Haines Junction.It’s a popular spot for camping, hiking, paddling, and picnicking, with a day-use area and easy access to trails like the Kokanee Trail and King’s Throne. 

Kathleen Lake was one of our favourite spots in Kluane National Park. We couldn’t get enough of the views of the clear blue water and gorgeous surrounding mountains.

When you arrive at Kathleen Lake, snag a parking spot (there’s plenty) and then spend some time on the beach, taking in the views. There are bathroom facilities and day-use facilities right by the beach. 

Then, go for a hike! You have three good options to choose from. 

We decided on the Kokanee Trail, a 0.5 kilometre wheel chair accessible boardwalk that skirts the shores of Kathleen Lake starting from the day-use area. There’s lots of nice seating areas along the trail, and the views of the lake only get better the further along you walk.

Views around Kathleen Lake

When the boardwalk ends, there’s a trail through the woods that you can continue on. It runs parallel to the shores of Kathleen Lake, and ultimately ends at a little beach where there are some muskoka (Adirondack) chairs that you can enjoy. 

Walking the Kokanee Trail takes 10-30 minutes, but we spent about an hour because we brought some snacks and settled into the muskoka chairs! It was a great spot to have a little picnic. 

Another trail option is the King’s Throne Trail. This is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in Kluane National Park because it’s a steep incline up to a viewpoint that overlooks Kathleen Lake and the surrounding mountains. 

The full hike is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) round trip with over 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) of elevation gain, and takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete. The trail starts off gently through forest, then becomes steep and rocky as it climbs a natural cirque that’s shaped like a throne on the side of the mountain. It’s a tough climb, but the views from the throne make it worth the effort.

We did not tackle this hike ourselves because we wanted to spend our day seeing other parts of the park, too, and we weren’t sure we were in good enough shape for the King’s Throne. If you choose to do this hike, you can dedicate the whole day to it (ie. skip everything else I’ve listed to do on this day). 

Coffee and Lunch at Village Bakery & Deli

After spending the morning at Kathleen Lake, drive back up to Haines Junction to have lunch at The Village Bakery & Deli. 

We stumbled on this bakery while driving around town, and when we saw how busy it was, we knew we had to pop in! Village Bakery & Deli is a cozy local spot that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack between hikes. 

They are especially known for their fresh baked goods, hearty soups, daily specials, and coffee. If you stop in, don’t miss the cinnamon buns, they’re a local favourite for good reason!

Village Bakery & Deli is counter service, so you’ll order your meal, and then you can enjoy it at one of their indoor tables, or out on their patio.

Visit Da Ku Cultural Centre

Once you’ve refueled, drive a few minutes up the road to the Da Ku Cultural Centre in Haines Junction. This is a must for anyone wanting to understand the deep cultural roots of the area’s local First Nations. 

The centre is run by the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and offers a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits focused on language, storytelling, traditional practices, and life on the land. You’ll find displays of beading, carving, and tools, as well as personal stories that speak to the community’s past and present.

Da Ku (which means “Our House” in the Southern Tutchone language) is that it’s more than just a museum. It’s also a gathering space where cultural knowledge is passed on and shared through events, workshops, and performances. 

While visiting Da Ku be sure to look at the floor! In chatting with some of the center’s staff, we learned that designs on the floor of the building’s central room are a map of the dákéyi (“our country”). On the map you can spot settlements where people live today, and have in the past, as well as the walking routes that connected them. 

Attached to the cultural centre is the Parks Canada visitor centre for Kluane National Park, where you can pick up trail maps, check current hiking conditions, and get advice from staff about weather, wildlife activity, and safety tips for backcountry travel. 

The Parks Canada visitor centre also has a few interesting exhibits that cover the history of Kluane National Park, the park’s wildlife, and more. 

Afternoon Hike: Rock Glacier Trail

After spending an hour or so at Da Ku, hop back in the car and drive south to the Rock Glacier Trail. This is a short but rewarding hike that covers 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) round trip. 

The trail starts off relatively flat, winding through forest before climbing gradually over rocky terrain that was formed by an ancient glacier. The path is well-marked but uneven in spots, especially as you reach the viewpoint, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear.

The rocky terrain might be challenging for some folks – if that’s the case, know that you don’t need to reach the top of the trail for beautiful views! We found that the views were gorgeous the entire way up.

What makes this hike special is the chance to walk across a unique geological feature, an inactive rock glacier, that looks like a slow-motion wave of boulders frozen in time. As you hike, you’ll come across lots of interpretive signs that explain the glacier’s history

At the viewpoint of the Rock Glacier Trail, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding valley, mountains, and glacial formations that make Kluane so striking. I recommend doing what we did: bring along some snacks and take a few minutes to enjoy the view over a mini picnic. 

Evening: Enjoy Kathleen Lake

Remember the muskoka (Adirondack) chairs I mentioned that you’ll find at the end of the boardwalk at Kathleen Lake? This is the perfect spot to enjoy the evening midnight sun (if it’s summer) or sunset (if it’s spring or fall). 

To reach the chairs, follow the boardwalk of the Kokaneee Trail right to the end. You’ll see a trail through the woods that you can continue on. It runs parallel to the shores of Kathleen Lake, and ultimately ends at a little beach where there are some muskoka chairs that you can enjoy. 

If they are occupied, head back to the beach where there’s plenty of picnic tables and seating areas! You can even plan to cook your dinner here – self-contained barbecues, hibachis, and portable gas stoves are permitted for cooking. 

Day 2: Head to the North End of Kluane National Park

On your second day in Kluane National Park, you’ll enjoy the northern part of the park. Get an early start because the region you are headed to is about an hour’s drive from Haines Junction. 

You’ll be heading up to Kluane Lake. This part of the park is super interesting to see because the landscape looks quite different compared to the south. Parts of the lake are dry, which means lots of dust, and the rocky mountains are home to lots of Dall sheep. 

I recommend packing lunch for the day, because the closest restaurant to the region you’ll be hiking is a 30 minute drive out of the way. Be sure to be topped up with gas before you start the drive, too!

Morning Hike: Sheep Creek Trail 

When you arrive at Kluane Lake, you’ll start one of the most famous hikes in Kluane National Park: The Sheep Creek Trail. This trail is known for its views of the St. Elias mountains, and because while on it, you have a good chance of spotting Dall sheep.

Finding the trailhead for Sheep Creek Trail is a bit challenging because it’s tucked away. We had to duck into the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre to find out where it was! When you exit the Alaska Highway to visit the centre, you’ll notice a grave road off to the right. This is the road you will take to the trailhead.

The Sheep Creek Trail is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) round trip, with a steady uphill climb that gains around 430 metres (1,400 feet) in elevation. The terrain is a mix of gravel path, alpine meadows, and rocky sections, but it’s well-marked and well- maintained. It takes most people between 3-6 hours to complete. 

Visit to Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre

After the Sheep Creek Trail, you’ll be hungry! Enjoy your packed lunch, or, drive 30 minutes up the Alaska Highway to Destruction Bay, where you can eat at Talbot Arm Restaurant and Saloon.

When you’ve refueled, head over to the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre, located near the base of Sheep Mountain. This is a small but super informative centre that offers interpretive displays about Dall sheep, glaciers, and the park’s ecosystems, along with helpful resources like maps, trail info, and updates on wildlife sightings. 

From the viewing deck or the short interpretive trail nearby, you have a good chance of spotting Dall sheep with binoculars, especially in the spring and early summer when they graze on the slopes above.

Don’t have binoculars? No worries! On the viewing deck of the centre there are several telescopes that anyone can use. I had tons of fun scanning the slopes of the mountains looking for the sheep. I didn’t spot any, but maybe you’ll be luckier than me!

There are also public washrooms and picnic tables on-site at the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre, making it a perfect pit stop part-way through the day. 

Afternoon Hike: Soldier’s Summit

After visiting the Thachäl Dhäl Visitor Centre, I recommend squeezing in one more hike! Now, if you spent 6 hours on the Sheep Creek Trail, you might be hiked out. If that’s the case, feel free to skip this trail and head back toward Haines Junction. But if you’ve got some energy left, Soldier’s Summit is worth it!

It’s a short, interpretive trail located along the Alaska Highway near Kluane Lake. The hike is about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) round trip, with a gentle incline leading to a lookout point. 

Soldier’s Summit marks the site where the official opening ceremony for the Alaska Highway took place in 1942. Walking the trail offers a chance to reflect on the massive engineering effort that connected Alaska to the rest of North America through Canada.

The terrain of Soldier’s Summit  is a mix of gravel and dirt trail, with benches and signs along the way that share the history of the Alaska Highway’s construction during World War II. It’s a pretty easy walk, with rewarding views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Evening: Enjoy Pine Lake

An evening at Pine Lake is the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring Kluane. You can go for a swim, cast a line from the lake’s dock in hopes of catching lake trout, or just enjoy the views of the lake and distant mountains. 

Back at your campsite, cook up dinner and, if fire bans aren’t in place, light a campfire for warmth and a bit of Yukon evening ambiance. If you’d rather skip the fire, simply pull up a chair on the beach and watch as the sun dips lower behind the Saint Elias Mountains.

Visit Kluane National Park Responsibly

After two days in Kluane National Park, I left feeling like we’d only scratched the surface. The mountains are undeniably stunning, but what makes this park special is the way its natural beauty and cultural history are so deeply connected. 

Learning about Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí, hiking trails where Dall sheep graze, and chatting with local Indigenous folks gave me a deeper appreciation for the land and the people who’ve cared for it for thousands of years.

If you plan a trip here, travel with that in mind. Stick to marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems, pack in and pack out, give wildlife plenty of space, and support local businesses and cultural centres like Da Ku. 

Take the time to learn whose traditional territory you’re on, and listen to the stories shared by First Nations guides and interpreters. They’re an essential part of understanding Kluane National Park. 

If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll love my newsletter, as well as my Facebook group. You’re welcome to join these communities – would love to see you there!

Want to travel in a way that’s better for people and the planet? Here are some guides to get you started:

• Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
• Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously. 
• Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
• Practice second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
• Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it. 
• Support Indigenous communities when you travel.