Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada

Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada is located in the southwestern corner of Yukon, Canada. It is part of a vast wilderness area near the border with Alaska. The nearest town is Haines Junction, located just outside the park, and Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is about 160 km (100 miles) away. Established in 1972, Kluane is renowned for its significant role in preserving one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world, including Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada at 5,959 meters (19,551 feet). The park has a rich history rooted in Indigenous cultures, particularly the Southern Tutchone people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Parking facilities in Kluane National Park are available at key trailheads and visitor centers, including the popular Kathleen Lake area and the Tachäl Dhäl (Sheep Mountain) Visitor Centre. While there are no parking fees for general use, visitors are encouraged to pay attention to rules regarding wildlife protection and safe camping in bear country. Kluane is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, and wolves. Golden eagles and peregrine falcons are among the many bird species that inhabit the park, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing. The park's flora includes vast alpine meadows, boreal forests, and tundra ecosystems. Dominant plant species include white spruce, trembling aspen, and arctic lupine. In the alpine zones, visitors will encounter dwarf willows and vibrant wildflowers during the short summer season. Notable features of the park include the Saint Elias Mountains, glaciers such as the Kaskawulsh Glacier, and the turquoise waters of Kathleen Lake. The park is also part of the Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage site. Public transportation to Kluane is limited, and most visitors arrive by car from Whitehorse or Haines Junction.