| 4 Days / 3 Nights Guided Kluane Hiking Tours |
| Kluane National Park |
  The 22 000 sqkm Kluane National Park is set like a jewel in the southwestern corner of the Yukon, only two hours from Whitehorse. It contains Canada's highest mountain St. Logan, the St. Elias range, and some of the most extensive icefields outside the polar region. The landscape includes mountain lakes, alpine meadows, tundra and swift cold rivers. This vast wilderness has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climatic overlap of the pacific and arctic air masses has resulted in one of the greatest diversity of plants and wildlife in northern Canada. Populations of grizzly bears move between alpine meadow and valley with the passing of the seasons. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Kluane is to explore the area on foot. |
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| Day |
Itinerary |
| 01 |
| Upon arrival in Whitehorse, your guide will provide an orientation and outline of your visit in the Yukon Territory. After a city tour and the last shopping we drive on the Alaska Highway towards Haines Junction. The Highway offers spectacular mountain vistas with exhibits and viewpoints of Mount Kennedy, Mount Hubbard and peaks in the Icefield Ranges in the interior of the Kluane National Park. In the vicinity of the Donjek River bridge, other peaks in these ranges can be seen - Mount Steele, Mount Wood and Mount Walsh. After a refreshing stop in Haines Junction we drive 20 km south to beautiful Kathleen Lake where our adventure in Yukon’s famous National Park begins. We set up our base camp at the Campground for the next two nights. The Campground features a kitchen shelter, pump water, firewood, sanitary facilities and picnic tables. In the afternoon we start out to our first short hike to get to know the area and get acclimated with the climate. In the evening our guide prepares a delicious dinner and we slowly get to know each other. |
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| 02 |
| From our base camp at Kathleen Lake we daily branch off in different directions into the park. You will be astonished with the utterly wild and remarkable country you’re immersed in. After a hearty breakfast we start our full day hiking tour. Weight is not a concern as we only have a light backpack for the day. Depending on the group’s ability we hike daily between 4 - 6 hours. Lunch and stops will be held occasionally. Our naturalist guide explains the flora and fauna and has many stories to tell about living in the north. Of the many highlights to be seen, the hiking trails "Kings Throne" and the "Auriol Trail" are a must. The Auriol Trail is one of Kluane's cut trails, which starts in spruce and aspen forest and branches into a loop after 2 km. The trail climbs up to the sub-alpine where we enjoy soon a scenic view of Haines Junction and the surrounding area. We cross a few creeks and reach the peaks of the Auriol Range. Back in camp we enjoy a delicious dinner and relax by the warmth of the campfire. |
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| 03 |
| After breakfast we are ready for our next hiking adventure into Kluane National Park. Kluane is the meeting place of a number of ecosystems and the wildlife reflects this diversity. In the valleys moose browse in dense willow thickets, in the tundra uplands caribou roam in small herds and Dall sheep feed on the steep alpine slopes. Other full time residents of Kluane include mountain goats, wolves, lynx, coyotes and the Yukon's greatest concentration of grizzly bears. The beginning of the Kings Throne trail follows an old mining road on a section of the Cottonwood Trail. The trail leads then off the road at the base of the mountain and up through the forest to tree-line. It then switch-backs up a steep, rocky slope to an alpine cirque. From there we have beautiful views over the Kathleen Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. Back at our campground we pack our belongings and drive to Takhini Hot Springs, 25 km north of Whitehorse where we overnight in charming cabins. They feature two bedrooms, wood heating stove, private bath and scenic view of the Takhini Valley and Ibex Mountains. After a hot shower you can go and relax your body in the hotsprings. |
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| 04 |
| In the morning we take you back to Whitehorse where your trip ends. |
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