The Yukon Territory in northern Canada lures visitors in droves, thanks to its spectacular natural scenery, frequent wildlife sightings and abundance of outdoor activities. While it’s common to hunker down in Whitehorse, one might say an even better base for exploring is Haines Junction, as it borders stunning Kluane National Park.
The Alaska Highway
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The community of less than 900 people is 160 kilometres from the capital, linked by the famously scenic Alaska Highway. Situated in the traditional territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, it’s also usually the last stop before roadtrippers head to Anchorage or Haines in Alaska. For those planning to explore the area around Haines Junction, here are some ideas for incredible day trips.
Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church was built in 1954 using parts from an old army Quonset hut. Be sure to stop at Frosty Freeze across the highway for milkshakes!
Kluane Lake
It’s safe to say Kluane Lake is not only one of the most gorgeous water bodies in the Yukon, but could also rival some of the more popular ones in Canada.
Just enjoying the view.
About a one hour drive north of Haines Junction, its turquoise hue is the perfect backdrop for a picnic, a canoeing or fishing excursion, or simply wandering along the shore. Click here to book
One spot worth making a detour for is Silver City, a dilapidated spot which was originally a bustling community in the early 1900s thanks to its trading post. It has since been abandoned and more closely resembles a ghost town, as the original timber buildings are still somewhat standing. It makes for a striking scene, especially when the vibrant pink fireweed is in season.
READ MORE: Kluane National Park: Scenic through all seasons
An abandoned house in Silver City
Glacier Flightseeing
Here’s one for the bucket list. If budget allows, a glacier flightseeing tour over majestic Kluane National Park is absolutely unforgettable.
Kluane is home to the world’s largest non-polar ice fields, and includes Mount Logan which is Canada’s highest peak at a staggering 5,959 metres. Operations including Kluane Glacier Air Tours load small groups into a tiny Cessna, then soar over the glacier pools, icebergs and snow-covered mountains below, reaching elevations of over 10-thousand feet as fluffy white clouds swirl around.
Tour options include flying above the Kaskawulsh and South Arm Glaciers, Pinnacle Peak and Mount Kennedy. Those lucky enough to head up on a clear day will be able to see Alaska, and potentially even the Pacific Ocean. Though they can be hard to spot, it’s also possible to see wildlife including Dall sheep and grizzly bears.
READ MORE: Chasing glaciers on a Kluane National Park flightseeing tour
Tatshenshini River
An hour and a half drive south of Haines Junction along the quiet Haines Highway leads to the Tatshenshini River, which is a favourite play area for outdoor enthusiasts. Stretching from the Yukon over the B.C. border, the river is famous for its Class Four white water rapids which have names like “Twin Holes” and “Rock Gardens.”
Outftters including Tatshenshini Expediting lead groups of rafters and kayakers down the churning river, and those with a sharp eye might even spot spawning salmon or a bald eagle soaring overhead.
READ MORE: White water rafting down the Yukon’s Tatshenshini River
Courtesy of Tatshenshini Expediditing
Kathleen Lake
It’s no Kluane, but Kathleen Lake is a gem that gives its northern neighbour a run for its money. Just a 20 minute drive south of Haines Junction, glittering Kathleen Lake is a scenic spot surrounded by dramatic, soaring mountains.
Kathleen Lake
The day-use area includes picnic and washroom facilities, and a dock for launching a canoe or kayak off of. There are also a couple of walking trails including the half-kilometre Kokanee Trail which rings around the lake, or the King’s Throne Trail which is a challenging five-kilometre trek awarding hikers with fantastic views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
RELATED: 25 photos that will inspire you to visit Yukon, Canada
Kathleen Lake
Top tip: Stay at nearby Dalton Trail Lodge, a rustic fishing lodge on the shores of Dezadeash Lake. Owned by a Swiss family, the welcoming spot has cozy accommodations, a lounge and a fantastic restaurant—they’ll even cook your catch for dinner!
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- White water rafting down the Yukon’s Tatshenshini River
- Must-see spots in Whitehorse, Yukon
- Dawson City, Yukon: A guide to the town that time forgot
- Tracking the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada
- Fun day trips from Whitehorse, Yukon
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Globe Guide explored the Yukon in partnership with Travel Yukon. As always, hosts have no editorial influence over articles.
It’s very uncommon to see those “No Camping or Overnight Parking” signs. You can’t camp right on Kathleen Lake, but you can at many places on Kluane Lake, from a commercial RV park to our favourite Territorial campground, Congdon Creek, and plenty of unofficial but accepted places to camp. To land on a glacier at 8,500 feet or so, go with the ski-equipped Helio Courier at Icefield Discovery. Hiking in the Kluane area is simply superb, from the short Soldiers Summit Trail to challenging multi-day ones.
I would LOVE to rent an RV and spend a week camping in Kluane- so many insanely beautiful spots to explore, as you pointed out!
Hello,
I address you to have advices. We are a couple of French and we wish to spend October 2018 31 days in Yukon Territory……we would like to rent a cabin
next to a small town or in a village because we have no car. Car rentals are too expensive for us. In this time we live in Ecuador.
We dream to rent a very simple, rustic wooden cabin with obviously water, electricity and a good wood stove because in October it begins to be cold, near Whitehorse will be good….or a small town near by……..
We do not like touristic places it is too expensive and too big, a simple village would be good …… we love nature, to walk or to bike.
Thank you for your help….I don’t have a phone…..
Can you send me informations …..
Have a nice day.
Jeanick
Hi Jeanick, sounds like a great plan! I’d recommend checking out https://www.travelyukon.com/ for more ideas, and contacting them with your specific questions since they know the area even better than I do.
For all the credits that follow your your name one would think you’d have had, even if the simplest, advice for poor Jeanick. All the info provided above one can easily obtain from Travel Yukon. Intimacy! Intimacy!