Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
Location: Kluane: Yukon Territory, Canada and Alaska, USA
Glacier Bay: Alaska USA
Tatshenshini: British Columbia, Canada
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek is a transboundary protected area that spans Canada and the United States. The site is comprised of four contiguous national parks: Kluane National Park and Reserve in Canada, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in the United States and Canada. The site is a breathtaking natural wonder that encompasses towering mountain ranges, massive glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek include:
History: The site has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years, and is home to several indigenous communities, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tagish. The area was also a hub for the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available including:
Fun Fact: The Hubbard Glacier, located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is one of the few advancing glaciers in North America.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the specific park or reserve within the Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek site.
How to reach it: The site is accessible by car or plane. The closest major airports are located in Anchorage, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon. Visitors can also drive to the site on the Alaska Highway or the Haines Highway.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodation options available at Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, including hotels, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds. Some of the most popular places to stay on the USA side are:
Next Stop: Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek Canada
Glacier Bay: Alaska USA
Tatshenshini: British Columbia, Canada
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek is a transboundary protected area that spans Canada and the United States. The site is comprised of four contiguous national parks: Kluane National Park and Reserve in Canada, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in the United States and Canada. The site is a breathtaking natural wonder that encompasses towering mountain ranges, massive glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek include:
- St. Elias Mountains: The St. Elias Mountains are the highest coastal mountain range in the world, and the site includes the highest peak in Canada, Mount Logan.
- Glaciers: The site is home to several of the world's largest non-polar glaciers, including the Hubbard Glacier, which is one of the few advancing glaciers in North America.
- Coastal Ecosystems: The site includes several coastal ecosystems, including fjords, rainforests, and estuaries.
- Wildlife: The site is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
History: The site has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years, and is home to several indigenous communities, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tagish. The area was also a hub for the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available including:
- Hiking: The site offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Glacier Viewing: Visitors can take guided tours or boat trips to view the site's massive glaciers up close.
- Wildlife Watching: The site is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and visitors can take guided tours or go on self-guided hikes to spot animals such as grizzly bears, moose, and bald eagles.
Fun Fact: The Hubbard Glacier, located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is one of the few advancing glaciers in North America.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the specific park or reserve within the Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek site.
- Kluane National Park and Reserve: Entry is free.
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve: There is a per-person entrance fee of $15 for visitors over 16 years old, and a per-vehicle fee of $30. Annual passes are also available.
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: There is a per-person entrance fee of $15 for visitors over 16 years old, and a per-vehicle fee of $35. Annual passes are also available.
- Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park: Entry is free, but camping fees apply.
How to reach it: The site is accessible by car or plane. The closest major airports are located in Anchorage, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon. Visitors can also drive to the site on the Alaska Highway or the Haines Highway.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodation options available at Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, including hotels, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds. Some of the most popular places to stay on the USA side are:
- McCarthy Lodge and the Ma Johnson's Hotel: This historic hotel and lodge is located in the heart of McCarthy, Alaska, and provides easy access to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
- Glacier Bay Lodge: This rustic lodge is located inside Glacier Bay National Park and offers stunning views of the park's glaciers and mountains.
- Bear Track Inn: This cozy inn is located in Gustavus, Alaska, just a short drive from Glacier Bay National Park. It offers comfortable rooms, great views, and easy access to the park.
- Haines Hitch-up RV Park: This RV park is located in Haines, Alaska, near the Canadian border, and provides easy access to Kluane National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
- Dalton Trail Lodge: This remote lodge is located in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness and offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Adventure Bound Alaska: This eco-friendly lodge is located in Gustavus, Alaska, and offers a range of outdoor activities and comfortable accommodations, including cabins and tents.
- Valdez KOA: This family-friendly campground is located in Valdez, Alaska, and provides easy access to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the surrounding wilderness areas. It offers a range of accommodations, including cabins and RV sites.
Next Stop: Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek Canada