Haines Junction: Nature, Trails and Culture

Haines Junction serves as a gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve. The area is a popular destination for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing; conditions for these activities vary by season. When planning a stay, you can focus on nature and outdoor activities in the Kluane area or on cultural offerings right in Haines Junction. There are specific points of interest for both.

Nature and getting oriented

The Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre in Haines Junction offers digital exhibits, cultural objects, hands-on activities, and resources for planning outings. Visitors who explore the exhibits and cultural objects will also find materials to help plan activities.

Another point of reference is the Junction Overlook. It has benches, a view of the St. Elias Mountains, and an information panel listing the names and elevations of individual peaks. The panel helps you match the mountain view to the named peaks, while the benches offer a place to linger at the lookout.

Trails for walking and cycling

A paved multi-use trail runs along the Alaska Highway and Haines Road in Haines Junction. It is suitable for hiking and cycling. The Dezadeash River Trail has a different character: it follows the river through wetlands, meadows, and forest, and is easy and well marked. Its trailhead is at the southern end of Haines Junction.

The Dezadeash River Day Use Area also offers the opportunity to walk or ski along the Dezadeash River Trail. This lets you choose among local options based on trail surface and scenery: the paved multi-use trail is suitable for walks and bike rides, while the River Trail passes through several natural landscapes and can also be used for skiing.

Culture and local history

The St. Elias Convention Centre houses a local history exhibit covering significant events in the Kluane region since 1890. The foyer and atrium also display several works and collections from the Haines Junction Permanent Art Collection, for visitors and residents to enjoy. If you are interested in the region beyond outdoor activities, you will find here both a historical perspective on the Kluane area and art connected to the community.

The Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction is dedicated to the culture and traditions of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and the Dän people. The Centre offers guided tours and campfire talks; their seasonal schedule may vary. The gift shop sells locally made First Nations arts and crafts, which may also vary in availability by season.

Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church is also a local landmark and visitor attraction. Built in 1954, it incorporates parts of an old army Quonset hut left over from the construction of the Alaska Highway. The year it was built and its reused building materials give the church a tangible connection to the history of the community.

A cycling event in June

The annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay brings more than 1,100 riders from Haines Junction to Haines, Alaska, on the third Saturday in June. They compete in teams of one, two, four, or eight people. The team format and route set the event apart from local trails and offer a unique reason to explore cycling in the region. Dates and participation details may change; check this information if you are planning your trip around the event.

Discover more destinations: Beaver Creek, Whitehorse, Dawson City

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