First Nations Boat Tours & Fishing in the Yukon

Kluane National Park has Canadian National Wildlife & Heli Trips

Sep 14, 2009
Lori Henry

Mount Logan in Kluane National Park, Yukon, Canada - Lori Henry

Go fishing in Mud Lake, boat tours in Kathleen Lake, helicopter tours over Mount Logan and stay in Haines Junction, all while seeing bears, mountain goats, sheep & moose.

The Yukon, Canada is a haven for outdoor adventures. Think giant mountains, enormous landscapes and pristine wilderness. The territory still has an untouched feel to it and the setting is about as perfect as it gets. 160 km (100 miles) on the Alaska Highway from the hub city of Whitehorse, is Haines Junction, a great base for exploring Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First Nations Boat Tours

A nice introduction to Kluane is on the water. Ron Chambers of Kruda Ché Boat Tours (departing from Kathleen Lake, 867-634-2378) offers cultural and historic wildlife viewing boat trips on Kathleen Lake, part of the national park. Ron’s Tutchone and Tlingit First Nations ancestry plays a vital role in these tours, as he tells stories and shares the history of his people.

The lake itself is a fantastic spot to discover, as it sits low inside steep slopes of sedimentary rock, snow-capped mountains and dense forests. The lake is also not heavily used. As Ron says, “When we get up to four or five boats, I apologize [to my guests].”

Mud Lake Fishing

For those who want to play a more active role in the Yukon waters, guided fishing trips are a blast with Lee Drummond of Paddle/Wheel Adventures (located across from the Kluane Visitor Reception Centre in Haines Junction, 867-634-2683). Even first timers like this author could successfully pull out multiple lake trout from Mud Lake, as Lee knows where to troll and is a patient teacher.

One of the fish caught during a fishing trip is then cooked up by Lee on a beachside location. A full lunch with smoked salmon (just in case!), croissants, lots of snacks and sometimes homemade cookies make for the most relaxing afternoon.

Paddle/Wheel Adventures also does raft-float tours, interpretive hikes, customized itineraries and has equipment for rent. Two cabins are available to book, but they’re popular, so make sure to reserve early.

Yukon Helicopter Tours

Getting up off the water, helicopter tours are an exceptional way to see the Yukon. Mountains are so large that it takes this perspective to see them in all their glory. Those monster peaks look like chocolate truffles with white sauce drizzled over them, almost close enough to reach out and eat; the lakes below shine brilliantly with their dazzlingly aqua blue colour.

Kluane Glacier Tours (based in Haines Junction, 867-634-2916) runs five set helicopter tours from the tiny Haines Junction airport. They run seven days a week on demand, with a minimum of two passengers, so be sure to book ahead.

Prices range from $150 CAD per person for a 40 minute tour of the Kaskawulsh Glacier, up to $325 CAD per person for a two-hour ride over Mount Logan (12,545 feet above sea level, the highest in Canada) and far past the St. Elias Range.

Haines Junction Hotels

To do all of the above activities, it’s necessary to stay at least one night in Haines Junction. There are a few basic hotels available, but the star is the Raven Hotel & Restaurant (867-634-2500). Comfortable rooms and a fine restaurant (reservations necessary) make this a great place to rest weary bodies.