Overview
Burwash Landing is a small community on the eastern shore of Kluane Lake, located along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon Territory, approximately 290 km northwest of Whitehorse. Home to only a few dozen permanent residents, it is one of the more remote settled communities in the territory and sits within the traditional territory of the Kluane First Nation, a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
The community is perhaps best known to travellers as a gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world. Kluane Lake itself is the largest lake entirely within the Yukon and is a dramatic presence — framed by the St. Elias Mountains, it is visually stunning in nearly all seasons.
Burwash Landing has historical significance as a former trading post and supply point. A small museum documents local First Nations culture and the Gold Rush and Alaska Highway eras. For most visitors, the settlement functions as a pause point on a longer Alaska Highway journey or as a staging area for wilderness activities rather than as a destination in itself.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements depend on your citizenship and travel history. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the official government website for current requirements before booking.
What to Know Before Arriving
- Services are extremely limited. There is no large grocery store, no hospital, and no bank branch. Carry sufficient cash, fuel, medications, and food supplies.
- Fuel availability: There is a gas station in the community, but hours can vary. Do not arrive on empty. Verify current fuel availability locally or by calling ahead.
- Cell service: Mobile coverage is unreliable or absent in and around Burwash Landing. Inform someone of your itinerary before heading out into the backcountry.
- Weather can change rapidly, especially near the mountains and lake. Pack layers, rain gear, and sun protection regardless of the forecast.
- Kluane National Park visitors should contact Parks Canada before arrival to understand permit requirements, trail conditions, and campground availability for the season.
Getting There
Burwash Landing is accessible by road via the Alaska Highway (Yukon Highway 1), situated at roughly kilometre 1759. It is approximately a 3-hour drive northwest of Whitehorse under good conditions — road conditions can vary significantly by season and weather.
There is no scheduled commercial air service to Burwash Landing. The nearest airport with scheduled service is Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). From Whitehorse, travellers drive or arrange private transport north along the Alaska Highway.
Small aircraft can land at the Burwash Airport (listed as a small aerodrome), which is used primarily for bush flying and private or charter operations. Verify any charter options through Whitehorse-based operators.
There is no regular bus or coach service between Whitehorse and Burwash Landing. Travellers without a vehicle should investigate current charter or shuttle options in Whitehorse before departing.
Getting Around
A private vehicle is essentially required to get around this area. The community itself is walkable given its small size, but access to Kluane National Park trailheads, Kluane Lake viewpoints, and surrounding wilderness requires driving.
Road conditions on the Alaska Highway can be rough in sections — potholes, frost heaves, and gravel stretches are common, particularly in spring and after hard winters. An SUV or truck with good ground clearance is preferable for those planning to take any side roads.
There are no car rental agencies in Burwash Landing. Arrange vehicle rental in Whitehorse before departure.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Burwash Landing are very limited. There has historically been at least one lodge or motel-style property in the community serving Alaska Highway travellers, but availability and operating status can change. Verify current options directly before your trip, as small properties in remote Yukon communities may close seasonally or permanently with little online notice.
Camping is an important option for visitors. There are campgrounds in and near Kluane National Park, operated by Parks Canada, with varying levels of facilities. Yukon government territorial campgrounds also exist along the Alaska Highway corridor. Reservations or early arrival are advisable during the peak summer months.
If accommodation in Burwash Landing itself is unavailable, Destruction Bay — approximately 17 km to the south — is another small community with limited lodging options. Haines Junction, roughly 180 km to the southeast, offers a wider selection of accommodation and is a common base for Kluane visitors.
Things to See & Do
Kluane National Park and Reserve
The primary draw for most visitors is Kluane National Park and Reserve, which borders the area. The park protects vast wilderness including the Kluane Icefield, significant populations of Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and wolverines, and the highest peaks in Canada. Day hikes, multi-day backcountry routes, and flightseeing tours originating from the area are popular. Contact Parks Canada for current trail conditions and permit requirements.
Kluane Lake
The lake offers fishing, boating, and photography opportunities. Fishing in Yukon waters requires a valid Yukon fishing licence — obtain this before your trip through the Yukon government's licensing system. Lake trout and Arctic grayling are among the species found here. Boating and swimming are possible in summer, though water temperatures are cold year-round.
Kluane Museum of Natural History
Burwash Landing is home to a small local museum focusing on natural history, local wildlife, and First Nations heritage. Hours and admission should be verified locally before visiting, as small community museums often have seasonal or limited schedules.
Wildlife Viewing
The broader Kluane region is one of the better places in the Yukon to observe Dall sheep on mountain slopes, as well as grizzly bears along river valleys in summer. Birdwatching can also be rewarding during the warmer months. Maintain safe distances from all wildlife and follow Parks Canada guidelines.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options are minimal. There may be a small restaurant or café associated with the local lodge or service station, but operating hours are not guaranteed and availability changes seasonally. Do not rely on finding a meal in Burwash Landing without confirming in advance.
Travellers are strongly advised to carry their own food supplies purchased in Whitehorse or another larger centre before reaching the community. Groceries are not reliably available locally. A cooler with provisions is a practical necessity for a self-sufficient journey along this stretch of the Alaska Highway.
Alcohol is available in the Yukon, though purchasing options in such small communities are extremely limited. Stock up in Whitehorse if needed.
Practical Information
Medical and Emergency Services
Burwash Landing does not have a hospital or medical clinic. The nearest hospital services are in Whitehorse. A nursing station or health centre may serve the community — verify this locally. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. For wilderness emergencies in or around Kluane National Park, notify Parks Canada wardens or emergency services before heading into the backcountry.
Communications
Cell coverage is not reliable in or around Burwash Landing. A satellite communicator (such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach device) is a sensible precaution for anyone venturing into backcountry areas.
Money
There is no bank or ATM in the community. Carry sufficient Canadian cash before arriving. Credit and debit cards may or may not be accepted at local businesses — confirm ahead of time.
Fuel
A fuel stop is reportedly available in Burwash Landing, but do not count on it being open at all hours. Fill up whenever possible along the Alaska Highway rather than waiting until the tank is low.
Safety
The primary safety considerations in this area relate to wilderness travel rather than crime. Burwash Landing is a quiet, low-crime community, but the surrounding environment demands respect and preparation.
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears are present throughout the region. Carry bear spray, store food properly, and make noise when hiking. Follow Parks Canada guidelines for bear safety.
- Weather: Conditions can deteriorate quickly in the mountains. Do not attempt backcountry routes without appropriate gear, navigation tools, and experience or a qualified guide.
- Road travel: The Alaska Highway in this region can have unexpected hazards including wildlife on the road, frost heaves, and gravel. Drive at appropriate speeds and keep headlights on.
- Backcountry preparedness: File a trip plan with a trusted contact or with Parks Canada if heading into the wilderness. Self-rescue is a real possibility given the remoteness.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Burwash Landing is within the traditional territory of the Kluane First Nation, which is part of the broader Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. The community has deep ties to Southern Tutchone culture, with a history of seasonal land use across the Kluane region long predating the Alaska Highway era.
The Alaska Highway, built in 1942, transformed this part of the Yukon and had profound and often disruptive effects on First Nations communities along its route. This history is acknowledged in local interpretive materials and is an important part of understanding the region.
Visitors should approach interactions with the local community with respect and humility. The Kluane Museum of Natural History provides useful context on both the natural environment and cultural history. If you are interested in learning more about First Nations culture and land stewardship, the museum or community contacts are better starting points than assumptions or generalizations.