HEADING FROM HAINES JUNCTION

Northwest to Beaver Creek on the Alaska Highway

km 17 Spruce Beetle Interpretive Trail The largest outbreak of spruce beetle ever recorded in the Yukon took place in this area. A short interpretive trail describes the role the spruce beetle plays in the natural rejuvenation of our northern boreal forest.

km 55.5 Kluane Lake Viewpoint Interpretive panels provide information on the history and geography of the area; Kluane Lake stretches out below. This is Yukon’s largest lake, approximately 65 km long and between 3 to 9.5 km wide. The Alaska Highway hugs its western shore and offers a scenic drive. There is a boat ramp at Destruction Bay, 53 km further north, and the lake has excellent lake trout fishing, as well as other species. All boaters should beware of sudden windstorms and squalls that can result in extremely dangerous boating conditions.

km 55.9 Kluane Lake Viewpoint A ghost town that dates back to the short-lived gold rush in the early 1900’s. During the building of the Alaska Highway in 1942, the site was used as a construction camp and supply centre. A number of buildings remain in various forms of decay. The site is 5 km off the highway.

km 59.2 The Arctic Institute of North America / Kluane Lake Research Station This institute was established to promote scientific research and education in the Canadian north. A small interpretive facility at the station, with an eclectic display, is open to visitors. Located off the Alaska Highway near Silver City.

km 69.3 Sheep Mountain Visitor Reception Centre–open mid-May to mid-September One of two visitor reception centres for the park (the other is located in Haines Junction), this centre is a one-hour drive north of Haines Junction, and well worth a visit. As well as general park information and backcountry registrations, the centre offers interpretive information about Dall sheep and other fauna and flora of the park. A viewing deck with high-powered telescopes that point toward Sheep Mountain take advantage of one of the best places to see Dall sheep, the most abundant of the large mammals in the park. This is the winter range for sheep in the area. The best times to see sheep from the viewing deck are in the spring before they head to their summer range, May and early June; and late August and September when they have just returned from their summer range.

km 71 Soldiers Summit Trail (0.5 km/0.3 miles long)The opening ceremony for the Alaska Highway was performed at this spot and Soldiers Summit is the name that was given to this portion of the highway. Today an interpretive trail has information about the construction of the Alaska Highway and a short walk leads to a great viewpoint overlooking Kluane Lake. During the months of April, May and September this spot is good for viewing Dall sheep.

km 121 Kluane Museum of Natural History Located in Burwash Landing, this excellent museum features human history exhibits, mounted wildlife displays, and local rock and mineral specimens.