Overnight registration

During the summer season, you must register for all overnight backcountry stays in the park at the Kluane Visitor Centre in the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction or at Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre.

 Visitor Centre hours of operation

From April 1 to May 16 and September 23 to November 15 you are required to self register.

Self-registration

Fill out the overnight backcountry permit and payment forms found in the self-registration box located to the right of the kiosk outside the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre at the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction.

Bear resistant food canisters

During the shoulder season, bear resistant food canisters are only available for trips inside the park. Please call 867-634-5248, Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 4pm to arrange a time with Parks Canada staff to pick up canisters. Please note that depending on staff availability, it may take up to 24 hours to respond to your request.

Emergencies

You are encouraged to a carry satellite phone or satellite GPS messenger device, such as a SPOT® or inReach® as cell phones are out of range in most areas of the park.

In the event of an emergency, you should be prepared for lengthy delays in search and rescue response times due to weather conditions and/or the availability of both aircraft and rescue personnel.

Parks Canada 24 Hour Emergency Dispatch
1-780-852-3100

 Backcountry permit fees apply.

Overnight camping is allowed without a permit from November 16 to March 31 except for the Kluane Icefields area and on the surface of Kathleen Lake.

During the time periods that overnight backcountry permits are not required, you are responsible for your own safety. You should file a travel plan with a friend or family member whether you are heading out for the day or on a multi-day trip. You are also encouraged to carry a satellite phone or or other satellite GPS messenger device, such as a SPOT^® or inReach^® as cell phones are out of range in most areas of the park.

Refer to the Kluane Winter Activities page for more information.

Approved bear resistant food canisters are mandatory on ALL overnight trips in the Park between April 1 and November 15, EXCEPT in the following areas:

• Kluane Icefields
• Kathleen Lake Campground (food and other bear attractants must be secured in a motor-vehicle, or one of the food lockers supplied in the campground)
• Mush Lake Backcountry Campsite (food and other bear attractants must be secured in a motor-vehicle)

Approved bear-resistant food containers are those listed as certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

Bear resistant food canisters are available free-of charge with registration. A $100 damage deposit (credit card or cash) is required and will be refunded once the canister is returned.

The use of bear resistant food canisters is not required between November 16 and March 31.

In most cases your overnight backcountry permit will allow a campfire but camp stoves are preferred. Campfires may be restricted at certain times during the season or never allowed in some areas. Current fire bans/restrictions in the Park are posted here.

If you use a fire, it must be built in one of the metal fire rings that are provided or - in backcounty settings where this is not an option - in an area free of vegetation (eg: on sand or gravel). Do not burn garbage, like plastic or unwanted food because it can attract wildlife. Once your fire is extinguished and cold to the touch, scatter the evidence when you leave. Do not leave developed fire rings. Fire pits are often visible for years, especially in fragile areas.

Refer to the Kluane Winter Activities page for more information about having fires during the off-season (November 16 to March 31).

Areas may be temporarily closed for safety or environmental reasons.

 Important Bulletins

• When possible, try to tent on a site that is free of vegetation such as sand or fine gravel and do not cut vegetation for shelters.
• Drain wash water (strain out food) into soil that is well away from lakes and streams and keep the use of soap (even biodegradable soap) to a minimum.
• Use facilities wherever they exist. When there are none nearby, select a spot at least 50m away from water sources, and away from the trails and camping sites. Dig a small hole and cover it with soil afterward. Pack out used toilet paper or burn it if the fire hazard is low.
• On established trails travel single file and stay on the trail. "Shortcutting" between trail switchbacks damages both the soil and plant life, leaving the area more susceptible to further erosion damage.
• When hiking off-trail try to avoid fragile areas and spread out if possible.
• Follow a "pack in, pack out" policy, taking out all supplies and/or garbage taken in.