Roadside attractions

Both the Alaska Highway and the Haines Road, which skirt the boundary of the Park, offer spectacular mountain vistas with view points, exhibits and interpretive trails.

Wildlife | Alaska Highway | Haines Road

Wildlife

The chance to observe wild animals as they go about their natural lives is one of the most fascinating experiences that Canada's national parks have to offer. Along with this opportunity, however, comes the responsibility to treat wild animals with the respect they deserve, and need. 

Please keep your distance. How close is too close? Stay back at least 30 metres (the length of 3 buses) from most animals and stay in your vehicle if you see a bear.

Never, ever feed wildlife. Human food isn't good for them. Feeding wildlife is unlawful in national parks. National parks are here to protect wildlife, not to stress these magnificent residents. The best thing you can do for the animals? Take a quick look and keep driving.

Alaska Highway

Spruce Beetle Trail

Located 18 km (11 mi) north of Haines Junction, the Spruce Beetle Trail is a well marked 2 km (1.2 mi) loop self-guiding interpretive trail.

Detailed Spruce Beetle Trail description

Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre

Situated in the Ä’äy Chù (Slim's River) Valley, the Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre is a one-hour drive north of Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway. Dall's sheep viewing is often possible in the spring and fall.

Soldier's Summit Trail

This 1 km (0.6 mi) trail, located one kilometre north of the Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre, takes you to the site of the official opening of the Alaska Highway in 1942.

Detailed Soldier's Summit Trail description

Icefield Range

In the vicinity of the Donjek River bridge, peaks in the Icefield Ranges in the remote interior of the park can be seen - Mount Steele, Mount Wood and Mount Walsh.

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Haines Road

UNESCO World Heritage Site plaque

At a viewpoint 20 km south of Haines Junction on the Haines Road you can overlook Kathleen Lake and see the plaque commemorating Kluane National Park & Reserve and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska as a World Heritage Site.

Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake boasts a a scenic day-use area with kitchen shelter, boat launch and picnic facilities. The Kokanee Trail, a wheel chair accessible boardwalk that skirts the edge of Kathleen Lake starts from the day-use area.

Kathleen Lake also has a 39-site campground with firewood, bear-proof storage lockers and outhouses. It operates by self-registration on a first come-first serve basis from mid May to mid September.

Rock Glacier Trail

The Rock Glacier Trail, 44 km (27.4 mi) south of Haines Junction on the Haines Road, takes you over the toe of a rock glacier and finishes up with a panorama of Dezadeash Lake.