Canada
Canada - Kluane National Park compact
Canada - Kluane National Park compact
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Whitehorse
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
campsite
Overview
In four days you experience the Kluane World Heritage site with a light pack: hikes to St. Elias Lake, the Rock Glacier and on the Sheep Creek Trail with chances to see Dall sheep. Nights are spent in a tent, and to finish you fly over the vast icefields.
Kluane, meaning "lake with many fish" in the Southern Tutchone language, is a rugged and magnificent wilderness area in Canada's Yukon, featuring towering mountains, glacial lakes, icefields, and glaciers. UNESCO has designated the region a World Heritage Site as part of the world's largest non-polar icefield, home to some of the longest and most spectacular glaciers on Earth. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and Dall sheep. The tour begins with cultural experiences at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Long Ago Peoples Place, followed by initial day hikes. It concludes with a scenic flight over the glaciers, included in the price. This compact itinerary does not include a multi-day backpacking trip.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
From Whitehorse to Kluane National Park
Campsite, lunch and dinner
Transfers, sightseeing
After breakfast in Whitehorse, we'll pick you up, and after a coffee break, we'll hit the highway. Our first stop is the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll experience the Yukon's large animals up close. Next, we'll visit Long Ago Peoples Place and gain insight into how the Southern Tutchone traditionally lived on this land. We'll then continue to Haines Junction, where the Parks Canada Visitor Centre will provide us with fascinating information about the region's history and an introduction to the park. Finally, we'll set up camp at either Kathleen Lake or Pine Lake.
From Whitehorse to Kluane National Park
Day 1
Campsite, lunch and dinner
Transfers, sightseeing
After breakfast in Whitehorse, we'll pick you up, and after a coffee break, we'll hit the highway. Our first stop is the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll experience the Yukon's large animals up close. Next, we'll visit Long Ago Peoples Place and gain insight into how the Southern Tutchone traditionally lived on this land. We'll then continue to Haines Junction, where the Parks Canada Visitor Centre will provide us with fascinating information about the region's history and an introduction to the park. Finally, we'll set up camp at either Kathleen Lake or Pine Lake.
Day 2
Day hikes to St. Elias Lake and Rock Glacier
Campsite, full board
Day hikes
Today's program includes two acclimatization hikes. The first leads along the St. Elias Lake Trail to a small lake (approximately 7 km round trip). The second is a short climb on the Rock Glacier Trail. This area boasts a unique, very dry microclimate because the meltwater immediately seeps between the rocks, allowing juniper and sage to thrive. In the evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at camp and chat comfortably around the table.
Day hikes to St. Elias Lake and Rock Glacier
Day 2
Campsite, full board
Day hikes
Today's program includes two acclimatization hikes. The first leads along the St. Elias Lake Trail to a small lake (approximately 7 km round trip). The second is a short climb on the Rock Glacier Trail. This area boasts a unique, very dry microclimate because the meltwater immediately seeps between the rocks, allowing juniper and sage to thrive. In the evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at camp and chat comfortably around the table.
Day 3
Day hike on the Sheep Creek Trail
Campsite, full board
Day hike, 10 km
We drive to Kluane Lake and hike up the Sheep Creek Trail (5 km one way, 10 km round trip, 485 meters elevation gain). With every step, more views open up into the valley of the Ä'äy Chù (Slims River) all the way to the end of the Kaskawulsh Glacier, and on the other side of the valley you can see more glaciers. With a bit of luck, we might spot Dall sheep on the mountainside. We spend the last night at the campground.
Day hike on the Sheep Creek Trail
Day 3
Campsite, full board
Day hike, 10 km
We drive to Kluane Lake and hike up the Sheep Creek Trail (5 km one way, 10 km round trip, 485 meters elevation gain). With every step, more views open up into the valley of the Ä'äy Chù (Slims River) all the way to the end of the Kaskawulsh Glacier, and on the other side of the valley you can see more glaciers. With a bit of luck, we might spot Dall sheep on the mountainside. We spend the last night at the campground.
Day 4
Scenic flight over the glaciers and return to Whitehorse
Lunch
Scenic flight, transfer
We pack up and drive to Haines Junction for breakfast and coffee at the Village Bakery. Afterward, we return to Kluane Lake and the tiny village of Silver City. Here, the highlight of the tour awaits: a scenic flight over the Kaskawulsh Glacier and usually over a large portion of the St. Elias Icefield, the largest non-polar icefield in the world, with a bit of luck, even as far as Mount Logan, Canada's highest mountain. We then visit the Thechal Dhal Visitor Centre, learn more about the region, and have another chance to see Dall sheep. We arrive in Whitehorse in the late afternoon or early evening.
Scenic flight over the glaciers and return to Whitehorse
Day 4
Lunch
Scenic flight, transfer
We pack up and drive to Haines Junction for breakfast and coffee at the Village Bakery. Afterward, we return to Kluane Lake and the tiny village of Silver City. Here, the highlight of the tour awaits: a scenic flight over the Kaskawulsh Glacier and usually over a large portion of the St. Elias Icefield, the largest non-polar icefield in the world, with a bit of luck, even as far as Mount Logan, Canada's highest mountain. We then visit the Thechal Dhal Visitor Centre, learn more about the region, and have another chance to see Dall sheep. We arrive in Whitehorse in the late afternoon or early evening.
Services
What's included
Transfer from/to Whitehorse
Admission and guided tours at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Long Ago Peoples Place
Scenic flight over the glaciers with Icefield Discovery
All meals, snacks and drinks during the tour (except those listed under "Not included")
Cooking equipment, stove and water filter
Tents and tarps
Emergency radio or satellite phone and first aid equipment
All camping and hinterland fees
2 professional English-speaking guides
Small group with a maximum of 8 guests
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA required for Canada)
Tip (recommended: 10–20 CAD per day and guide)
Overnight stay in Whitehorse before and after the tour
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat (can be rented on site)
Coffee stop on the first morning and breakfast at the Village Bakery
Single tent available for an extra charge
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Pure nature
The tour is of moderate difficulty and suitable for anyone in good physical condition. You will undertake day hikes with light luggage, the longest being 10 kilometers with 485 meters of elevation gain.
You'll be staying overnight in a tent at a campsite. You'll help with setting up and taking down the camp. You should enjoy simple conditions in nature.
Dates and prices
Group dates
11/08/2027 – 14/08/2027 · €1,690.00 per person
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The itinerary may change depending on the weather, wildlife sightings, and other circumstances. You will receive the detailed itinerary with maps, as well as a clothing and equipment list, after booking.
Arrival and departure
Arrive in Whitehorse the day before the tour. A pre-tour briefing will take place at a designated meeting point the evening before departure. Plan your departure for the day after the tour, as we usually don't return to Whitehorse until late afternoon or early evening.
Tour variant
The tour is also available as a 7-day option, including a multi-day backpacking trip along the Auriol Trail.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.