When you pass the “60th Parallell” sign on the Alaskan Highway, you know you’ve entered into a different part of Canada. About 48% of our land lies north of the 60 while less than 1% of the population lives here. You can understand why that might be. It’s harsh up here, and this is the summer. I can’t imagine living here in the winter. My hat is off to those who do! They’ve got grit and that’s why I admire and respect them. I like grit. You’ve got a better chance of survival if you’ve got grit. 

In my last blog, I mentioned that we were in Whitehorse and suggested a few things to do in the area. We’ve since moved on, but I did want to mention our visit to Miles Canyon and Sanchez Cantina. Both should be on your list if you are heading to Whitehorse.

There are two ways to drive to Alaska from Whitehorse. You can drive to Dawson City on the Klondike Highway or continue on Highway 1. Both will take you to Tok, Alaska, the starting point once you arrive in the 49th proclaimed State.

After leaving Whitehorse, we drove to the Haines Junction area. Haines Junction is a small village with the basic necessities like gas and The Village Bakery.

After visiting the tourist office to access Wifi and stock up on more pamphlets, we headed to Kathleen Lake Campground about 25 Km from town located within Kluane National Park, the most westerly National Park in Canada and a designated UNESCO site. 

We have beautiful National and Provincial Parks in Canada, but most do not have full service. They usually have a central water pump, washrooms and sometimes a shower, so you have to come prepared and be self-sufficient. They are much cheaper than a regular campground usually around the $20 - 30 CAD range and offer beautiful surroundings. It’s a place to slow down and enjoy nature. 

After setting up camp, we headed out on the first hike of our trip taking bear spray as Kluane Park is home to lots of bear including Black and Grizzlies. I’m still a bit scared hiking in our Northern and Western provinces but I’m proud to say that my fears are waning as I spend time in the forest and learn more about bear behaviour. Just put one foot in front of the other; albeit with Bear spray. I say this by the way, knowing that a group of hikers got a bit spooked yesterday after seeing 9 grizzlies on their hike!

After spending one night at Kathleen Lake, we drove about 75 km North to the The Thechal Dahl Visit Centre. Here you will learn about the resident Dall Sheep and the First Nations inhabitants. There is so much hiking in the area and if you’re lucky, you’ll come across some wildlife including the Dall and/or Grizzlies as they are plentiful; I was lucky to see a young cub in the distance.

Kluane National Park is approximately 22, 000 square kilometres and lies within the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Territories. It is home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest mountain, sitting at 5959 m or 19 551 ft. Although there is a forest at low elevations, about 85% of the Park is covered in ice-fields.

In order to get a view beyond the forest, we booked a short flight with Icefield Discovery. For an hour and a half, we flew over mountain peaks and glacier fields hoping to see Mount Logan. Although the clouds were coming, we got the privilege of seeing the massive beast.

Honestly, I couldn’t get my head around the enormity and beauty of the whole area. On the flight back, I put away my cameras and just experienced it, in all its form and beauty.

Unbeknownst to me, while I was having my zen moment with the mountains, Brent was calculating the chances of our 5 seater bush plane going down. Once a math teacher…always a math teacher!

If you are visiting the area and would like to book this truly incredible experience, there are a few operators in the area and their information can be located on-line or at Kluane Visitor Center. We booked with our operator because they actually land at the base of Mount Logan when the conditions are suitable. Unfortunately for us, a storm was coming in so we had some cloud cover and a bit of turbulence preventing us from landing. It didn’t matter. It was breathtaking regardless. 

If you want to see more of our visit, see our YouTube channel - Kluane Park