Top 5 Lakes in Kluane National Park And Reserve
Best lakes in Kluane National Park And Reserve are situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Yukon, protecting over 22,000 km² of Canada's Northern Coastal Mountains. This region features high mountain peaks, glaciers, and boreal forests, with Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, located within its boundaries. The landscape has been shaped by glacial meltwaters, influencing the formation and characteristics of its numerous lakes. The park offers diverse natural features, from expansive bodies of water to smaller, secluded alpine…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Auriol Trail
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Kluane National Park and Reserve
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Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män)
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Kluane Lake
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Saint Elias Lake Trail
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The Saint Elias Lake Trail takes you on a journey through stunning Yukon wilderness, winding through forest and rocky ridges before reaching the tranquil waters of Saint Elias Lake. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, the crisp, clean air of the Yukon backcountry, and wildflowers during summer. It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike, each step upward brings broader views, culminating in a sweeping panorama at the lake that makes the effort truly worthwhile.
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You could spend hours strolling along the shore of this large, beautiful lake, with new views opening up time and time again. Unfortunately, the adjacent trails were closed due to bears.
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A wonderful trail through stunning scenery with views of the mountains and, at the end, Haines Junction. Bear territory!
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The trailhead of the Auriol Trail is just off the Haines Highway, 7 km south of Haines Junction. The well-trodden path leads through a mixed boreal coniferous forest (cold-temperate forest) with a slight incline. Further up, the circular hike goes through wetlands with small lakes to the sub-alpine zone, where you have a wonderful view of the mountains of the 'Auriol Range', especially the peaks of 'Mount Martha Black'. The trail is marked - with kilometer information. In spring you have to reckon with deep snow conditions on the path when descending on the west side. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/activ/randonnee-hiking/auriol
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Kluane National Park and Reserve is located in the Yukon Province and borders British Columbia and Alaska. The national park was established in 1976 and protects more than 22,000 km2 of Canada's Northern Coastal Mountains. Kluane and adjacent Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska were jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Kluane National Park is home to Canada's highest mountains, including Mount Logan (5,959 m), Canada's highest peak. The park features the world's largest non-polar ice fields, covering almost half of the park. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/visit/cartes-maps/PNR-Kluane-NPR https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane http://parkscanadahistory.com/publications/fact-sheets/eng/kluane.pdf
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At 408 km2, 'Kluane Lake' is the largest lake in the Yukon. The Alaska Highway runs along the southwest side of the lake. Until 2016, 'Kluane Lake' was fed by the Ä'äy Chù (Slims River) with meltwater from the 'Kaskawulsh Glacier'. In May 2016, the Slims River disappeared within four days as a result of climate change, leaving a tidal flat where the Alaska Highway crosses the bay. With the loss of the main water supply, 'Kluane Lake' is likely to become an isolated and shrinking lake. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kluane_Lake
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The beautifully situated Lake Mät'àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake) is south of Haines Junction on the Haines Highway. Kathleen Lake is one of the national park's main attractions with opportunities for hiking and recreation. There is a well-maintained campsite near the lake with toilets and access to fresh drinking water. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/visit/services/kathleen
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do at the lakes in Kluane National Park and Reserve?
The lakes offer a variety of activities. At Kathleen Lake, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for Kokanee Salmon. It's also a starting point for hikes like the challenging King's Throne Trail. For a more solitary paddling experience, Mush Lake and Bates Lake are ideal. Scenic views and hiking opportunities are available near Kluane Lake and St. Elias Lake.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Kluane National Park and Reserve?
Yes, Kathleen Lake is a great family-friendly option, offering a day-use area with picnic facilities, a boat launch, and a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk (Kokanee Trail). Kluane Lake also provides expansive views that families can enjoy.
Where can I camp near the lakes in Kluane National Park and Reserve?
Kathleen Lake features a scenic 38-site campground that is typically open from mid-May to mid-September. For a more rustic experience, St. Elias Lake offers a primitive campground, perfect for an overnight trip after hiking the trail.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Kluane National Park and Reserve?
The best time to visit for most activities, including hiking, paddling, and camping, is generally from mid-May to mid-September when facilities like the Kathleen Lake campground are open and the weather is most favorable. This period also offers the best conditions for enjoying the trails and water activities.
Are there accessible viewpoints or trails near the lakes?
Yes, Kathleen Lake has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, the Kokanee Trail, which offers beautiful lakeshore views. Additionally, the Rock Glacier Trail provides an easy stroll through wetlands and boreal forest, offering a scenic view of Dezadeash Lake.
What makes Kathleen Lake a popular destination?
Kathleen Lake is popular due to its easy accessibility, spectacular mountain scenery, and crystal-clear, turquoise-green waters. It offers a well-maintained campground, day-use facilities, and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The challenging King's Throne Trail, with its incredible views, is also nearby.
What is unique about Kluane Lake?
Kluane Lake is the largest lake entirely within the Yukon, stretching 81 kilometers in length. It holds significant cultural and geographical importance, traditionally used by the Lhù'ààn Mân Ku Dań (Kluane Lake people). Its landscape has been dramatically shaped by glacial meltwaters, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Are there opportunities for solitary paddling experiences?
Yes, Mush Lake and Bates Lake are excellent choices for those seeking a more solitary paddling experience. These lakes are accessible via Mush Lake Road and receive fewer visitors, providing a remote and tranquil wilderness setting away from more frequented areas.
What hiking trails are available near the lakes?
There are several trails. Near Kathleen Lake, you can access the challenging King's Throne Trail. The Saint Elias Lake Trail leads to the tranquil waters of Saint Elias Lake. For an easy stroll with scenic views, the Rock Glacier Trail offers views of Dezadeash Lake. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking in Kluane National Park And Reserve guide.
Are there any easy hiking trails near the lakes?
Yes, for easier options, the Rock Glacier Trail offers a beautiful view of Dezadeash Lake through wetlands and boreal forest. The Kokanee Trail at Kathleen Lake is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. More easy routes can be found in the Easy hikes in Kluane National Park And Reserve guide, including the Kathleen Lake Campground loop.
What natural features define the lakes region of Kluane National Park and Reserve?
The lakes region is characterized by high mountain peaks, glaciers, and boreal forests. The landscape has been significantly shaped by glacial meltwaters, which influenced the formation of both expansive bodies of water like Kluane Lake and smaller, serene alpine lakes such as St. Elias Lake. The Kluane Range provides a dramatic backdrop to many of these lakes, including Kathleen Lake.
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