Credits:
https://cafn.ca/da-ku-cultural-centre/
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/yt/kluane
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/yt/kluane/activ/randonnee-hiking/soldiers
It was time for our 2nd day in Kluane National Park.
Kluane – high in the mountains of southwest Yukon – is a land of geological extremes. The park is home to Canada’s highest peak (5,959-metre Mount Logan), its largest ice field and North America’s most genetically diverse grizzly population. With exceptional day hikes and a very scenic highway-side scenery, Kluane stuns from every angle
Stop #1: Da Kų Cultural Centre - Highly Recommended
The Da Kų Culture Centre is an innovative cultural facility located in Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction) in the southern part of Canada’s Yukon Territory.
They provided us with very useful information on which hikes to consider, given our distance and time constraints. I’d definitely recommend stopping here to determine the itinerary best suited to your needs.
Stop #2: Kluane Lake / Destruction Bay - Highly Recommended
Kluane Lake is Yukon’s largest lake that is entirely contained within the province. It’s 158 square miles and 50 miles long. It drains into Kluane River, which flows into three other rivers before reaching the Bering Sea. The water was crystal clear and chilly, and the almost milky blue lake framed by mountains was just delightful and almost dream-like.
Stop #3: Talbot Arm Motel Fas Gas (Restaurant)
We grabbed a light lunch here. Definitely check it out here.
Stop #5: Soldier’s Summit Trail - Highly Recommended
Distance: 1km
Elevation Level: 90m
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: 20-90 minutes
The trailhead begins at the edge of the parking lot and follows the original Alaska Highway. Keep to your left at the bench at the top of the first hill. The trail will continue to climb until you reach a viewing platform and flags which is the location where the Alaska Highway opening ceremony was held in 1942. This walk offers beautiful views overlooking Kluane Lake.
Dall Sheep are often seen here in the spring and early summer. Bear sightings are also common in the area
Stop #6: Sheep Creek Trail - Highly Recommended (Partially Completed)
DIstance: 10km return trip (Completed 4 km)
Elevation Level: 430m
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: 3-6 hours
This popular trail climbs alongside Sheep Mountain and above Sheep Creek. It offers stunning views of the Ä’äy Chù Valley as it extends into the sub alpine. According to its namesake, this is a great trail for viewing Dall sheep in the spring as sheep can be found at lower elevations.
You can begin the trail 2.6km past the Thechàl Dhâl (Sheep Mountain) Visitor Centre. Here you will find a locked gate and a small parking area. The Sheep Creek Trail begins at the first right about 5 minutes from the gate. From this point on, the trail climbs steadily uphill. The first viewpoint is about 2km up. This is a great end point for hikers who do not wish to go further.
View we enjoyed after hiking for 2km up the trail
