Water Recreation

Pine Lake, Kathleen Lake and Kluane Lake, all offer a variety of water recreation opportunities

River Rafting
The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are two of North America’s premier wilderness rivers. These rivers are extremely challenging and offer spectacular trips for experienced river rafters. Both rivers have a number of different options for long and short trips and access is close to Haines Junction.

The Alsek River has its headwaters in Kluane National Park and Reserve. This Canadian Heritage River flows through the park into the northwest corner of British Columbia and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. It continues into the Alaska Panhandle and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve where it empties into the Gulf of Alaska.

The Tatshenshini River is a major tributary of the Alsek River. The river headwaters in British Columbia, swings north into the Yukon, then south into Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park where it empties into the Alsek River.

Permits are required for all private rafting trips on the Tatshenshini-Alsek River system and quotas are in place for the number of trips allowed. As these rivers flow through a number of different jurisdictions it may be necessary to contact more than one agency. For initial information: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Canoeing / Kayaking
Sudden, strong winds can make all lakes in the Haines Junction area dangerous for canoeing. Having said this, there are a number of canoeing opportunities in the area if the conditions are favourable. Stay close to shore and keep a close watch on the weather. For more information on conditions and opportunities, visit the Haines Junction Visitor Reception Centre.

• Pine and Kathleen Lakes are the most popular canoeing spots
• Other opportunities: Lower Kathleen Lake System, Dezadeash River, Mush and Bates Lakes (access with four-wheel drive), Kluane Lake
• more opportunities are available, ask for details