Arctic Day: Kluane National Park Tour | Full Day

The ‘Arctic Day: Kluane National Park Tour | Full Day’ offers an immersive exploration of Kluane’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travelers embark on a scenic hike, visit the stunning Kathleen Lake, marvel at the Rock Glacier, and enjoy the traditions of the Klukshu Village and Da Ku Cultural Centre. With an experienced guide, air-conditioned transportation, and included snacks, this comprehensive tour maximizes the Kluane experience for those with limited time. What secrets and wonders await those who join this captivating journey through the Yukon’s awe-inspiring wilderness?

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Full-Day Tours In Whitehorse.

Key Points

Key Points:

• A full-day tour from Whitehorse exploring Kluane National Park’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites, including a scenic hike, Kathleen Lake, Rock Glacier, and Indigenous villages.
• Hassle-free experience with air-conditioned transportation, snacks, and an experienced guide, maximizing the day’s itinerary for travelers with limited time.
• Scenic 45-minute hike through boreal forests with views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, accessible to all fitness levels.
• Opportunity to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Kluane people through guided visits to Kathleen Lake, Klukshu Village, and the Da Ku Cultural Centre.
• Tour operated by Arctic Range Adventure, with a maximum of 20 travelers for a more personalized experience, and a lowest price guarantee.

Tour Overview

The full-day Kluane National Park Tour from Whitehorse lets visitors explore the park’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites in a hassle-free manner.

The tour takes travelers to several highlights, including a scenic hike, visits to Kathleen Lake, Rock Glacier, the Indigenous Klukshu Village, and the Da K䙔 Cultural Centre.

With an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, and an experienced guide, the tour provides a convenient and enriching way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kluane National Park.

Ideal for those with limited time, the tour maximizes the experience by bundling multiple destinations into a single day trip, skipping the hassle of independent travel planning.

Scenic Hike in Kluane

After exploring the park’s cultural sites, the tour kicks off with a scenic 45-minute hike that showcases Kluane National Park’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Trekkers will ascend gently through dense boreal forests, catching glimpses of towering snow-capped mountains in the distance. Along the way, an expert guide will point out unique flora and fauna native to the region, providing insights into the delicate ecosystem. The hike culminates at a scenic viewpoint, where visitors can marvel at the vast glaciers and rugged peaks that define this World Heritage Site. The moderate difficulty level makes this hike accessible to travelers of all fitness levels, providing an immersive taste of Kluane’s awe-inspiring wilderness.

Terrain	Elevation Gain	Duration
Boreal Forest	100m	45 minutes
Mountainous	Viewpoint	Moderate
Glacial Landscapes	–	–

Exploring Kathleen Lake

Following the scenic hike, the tour then takes visitors to the serene Kathleen Lake, a picturesque glacial lake nestled within Kluane National Park.

Guests can admire the stunning turquoise waters and towering mountain backdrop, while learning about the lake’s ecological significance from the knowledgeable guide.

The lake is fed by the Slims River, which carries glacial flour that gives the water its vibrant hue. Visitors may spot wildlife like Dall sheep, moose, and birds of prey around the lake’s shores.

The guide will share insights into the park’s unique ecosystem and the Indigenous Kluane people’s cultural connections to this sacred place.

The stop at Kathleen Lake offers a serene respite amidst the day’s adventures.

Discovering Rock Glacier

Arctic Day: Kluane National Park Tour | Full Day

Discovering Rock Glacier

Next, the tour ventures to the remarkable Rock Glacier, a unique geological formation within Kluane National Park. Visitors are captivated by the sight of this slowly moving river of rock, ice, and debris that has been gradually carving its way through the landscape over centuries. The guide provides insights into the formation and behavior of these enigmatic glacial features, fostering a deeper appreciation for the park’s dynamic and ever-changing environment. Rock glaciers are formed by the accumulation of rock debris, ice, and snow, and their movement is driven by the internal deformation of the ice. Exploring this natural wonder allows participants to gain a firsthand understanding of the powerful forces that have shaped the park’s rugged terrain.

Indigenous Klukshu Village

From the Rock Glacier, the tour then ventures to the Indigenous Klukshu Village, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. The guide leads the group through the village, sharing insights into the traditional ways of life and the enduring connections the local Indigenous communities have maintained with the land.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Observe traditional Indigenous architecture, including longhouses and totem poles, providing a glimpse into the region’s deep-rooted history.

2. Interact with local artisans and learn about their intricate craft-making techniques, such as beadwork and wood carving.

3. Participate in cultural demonstrations, such as drum performances or storytelling sessions, to better understand the vibrant Indigenous traditions that thrive in this remote corner of the Yukon.

Da Kų Cultural Centre

After exploring the Indigenous Klukshu Village, the tour then takes visitors to the Da Kų Cultural Centre, offering a deeper look into the region’s rich heritage. The centre showcases a vast collection of traditional Yukon First Nations artifacts, providing an immersive educational experience for guests.

Exhibit	Description	Highlights
Beadwork	Intricate and colorful beadwork showcasing traditional designs	Moccasins, mittens, and clothing items
Carving	Skillfully crafted wood and stone carvings	Totem poles, masks, and sculptures
Weaving	Intricate textile creations using natural materials	Baskets, blankets, and wall hangings
Storytelling	Interactive displays and multimedia presentations	Legends, histories, and cultural traditions

The Da Kų Cultural Centre is a must-visit for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Yukon’s indigenous cultures and traditions.

Transportation and Amenities

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle to transport guests comfortably throughout the day’s activities. Snacks are also included, ensuring participants stay energized during the excursion.

All transportation with a knowledgeable guide, who ensures a seamless and informative experience.

Personal gear and extras, such as hiking poles and binoculars, are available for use during the tour.

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.

With these convenient transportation and amenity offerings, the Kluane National Park Tour provides a hassle-free and enjoyable way for visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Booking and Meeting Details

To book the Kluane National Park Tour, visitors can conveniently meet at the Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre in Whitehorse, the tour’s designated meeting point.

At the end of the day, the tour returns guests to this same location.

The tour is operated by Arctic Range Adventure and can accommodate a maximum of 20 travelers.

With a lowest price guarantee, the full-day tour includes air-conditioned transportation, snacks, and a guided exploration of the park’s highlights.

Travelers can expect to experience a scenic 45-minute hike, visit Kathleen Lake, Rock Glacier, Klukshu Village, and the Da Ku Cultural Centre, all within the breathtaking setting of Kluane National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator, Arctic Range Adventure, offers private group tours that can accommodate up to 20 travelers and provide a personalized experience tailored to the group’s needs.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour operator typically offers the ability to customize the itinerary for private groups. This allows guests to focus on the sights and activities that most interest them during the Kluane National Park tour.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this tour is typically 8 years old. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator as they may have additional age restrictions or allow younger children with adult supervision.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator does not explicitly state whether there are discounts for seniors or students. Customers should inquire directly with the tour company to determine if any age-based discounts are available for this particular tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes snacks, but bringing additional personal provisions is allowed and encouraged to enhance the experience.

Recap

This Arctic Day tour offers an immersive exploration of Kluane’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

Travelers will embark on a scenic hike, visit stunning Kathleen Lake, marvel at the Rock Glacier, and enjoy the traditions of Klukshu Village and Da Ku Cultural Centre.

With an experienced guide, air-conditioned transportation, and included snacks, this comprehensive tour maximizes the Kluane experience, providing an unforgettable glimpse into the Yukon’s awe-inspiring wilderness.