Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek *(CA)

This breathtaking transnational site—Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek—is the largest internationally protected area on Earth, spanning nearly 10 million hectares across the border of Canada (Yukon and British Columbia) and the United States (Alaska).

The site is a colossal “mountain kingdom” comprised of four national and provincial parks. It contains the largest non-polar icefield in the world and features a dramatic transition from the high-altitude peaks of the St. Elias Mountains to the coastal fjords of the Pacific Ocean.

• Kluane (Yukon): Home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak (5,959 meters), and massive interior glaciers.
• Wrangell-St. Elias (Alaska): The largest U.S. national park, featuring nine of the 16 highest peaks in North America.
• Glacier Bay (Alaska): Famous for its spectacular tidewater glaciers that “calve” (break off) into the sea.
• Tatshenshini-Alsek (B.C.): Known for its wild, glacial-fed rivers and the unique “blue” glacier bears.

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Attraction

The site attracts adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking a scale of wilderness found nowhere else.

• Glacier Flightseeing: Because much of the icefield is inaccessible by road, small-plane tours from Haines Junction or Silver City offer once-in-a-lifetime views of “rivers of ice” stretching for miles.
• The Alsek River Rafting: Considered one of the world’s premier wilderness river trips, taking explorers through iceberg-choked lakes and past massive glaciers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area supports “self-regulating” populations of grizzly bears, caribou, Dall’s sheep, and mountain goats. In the coastal areas, visitors can see humpback whales and sea lions.

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Heritage

UNESCO inscribed this site in 1979 (with extensions in 1992 and 1994) under four distinct criteria (vii, viii, ix, and x):

• Criterion (vii): It possesses superlative natural beauty, from the snow-capped summits to the deep, green river canyons and fjord-like inlets.
• Criterion (viii): It is an “outdoor laboratory” for ongoing geological processes, including massive glaciation and active mountain building at the boundary of the Pacific and North American plates.
• Criterion (ix): The site displays a full spectrum of ecological succession, showing how life returns to a landscape as glaciers retreat.
• Criterion (x): It protects critical habitats for a vast range of species, including the world’s largest concentration of grizzly bears.

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Gateway

While the park boundaries are vast, Whitehorse is the essential gateway for international travelers visiting the Canadian side.

• Commercial Airport: Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). It is well-connected to Vancouver, Calgary, and even seasonal flights from Europe.
• Lodging: As the capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse has a high density of lodging, from the Raven Inn to established chains like the Edgewater Hotel, along with plenty of RV parks and B&Bs.
• Logistics: From Whitehorse, it is a scenic 2-hour drive (160 km) via the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, the immediate entrance to Kluane National Park.

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When

• Summer (Mid-June to August): This is the only time most hiking trails are snow-free and boat tours are operational. Expect 18 to 20 hours of daylight.
• Early Autumn (September): This is the best time for photography. The tundra turns vibrant shades of crimson and gold, and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) begin to appear as the nights get darker.
• Avoid Winter: Unless you are an expert in extreme cold-weather expeditions, winter temperatures often drop below -40°C, and most tourist services are shuttered.

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Consideration

• Self-Sufficiency: This is true wilderness. Outside of Whitehorse and Haines Junction, cell service is non-existent. You must carry emergency gear and know how to use a satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach).
• Bear Safety: You are in “Bear Country.” Carrying bear spray is mandatory for hikers, and you must know how to store food in bear-resistant containers.
• Weather Volatility: The weather can change from sunny to a freezing rainstorm in minutes. Layered, waterproof clothing is essential regardless of the forecast.
• Permits: Most overnight backcountry trips require a permit and a mandatory orientation from Parks Canada or BC Parks.

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Resources

1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Detailed maps and scientific reports on the site’s global importance.
2. Parks Canada – Kluane National Park – The official site for trail conditions, bear safety updates, and permit bookings.
3. Travel Yukon – Excellent for planning road trip itineraries and finding local tour operators for flightseeing.
4. BC Parks – Tatshenshini-Alsek – Essential info for those interested in rafting or exploring the British Columbia portion of the site.
5. GetYourGuide – A commercial platform where you can book guided glacier tours and private transport.

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