Remote Yukon gem on the shores of Kluane Lake
Burwash Landing is a small First Nations community of fewer than 100 residents, situated on the western shore of Kluane Lake in Yukon, Canada. It sits along the Alaska Highway at roughly kilometre 1759, making it a memorable stop for road-trippers traveling between Whitehorse and Alaska.
The village is home to the Kluane First Nation and serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of Kluane National Park and Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring massive glaciers, towering peaks including Mount Logan, and extraordinary biodiversity. The pace is quiet, the skies are enormous, and the sense of remoteness is profound.
Despite its small size, Burwash Landing offers a surprising warmth and cultural richness. Visitors can learn about Southern Tutchone traditions, witness dramatic northern landscapes, and experience genuine off-the-beaten-path travel far from tourist crowds.
- •Kluane National Park and Reserve — UNESCO site with glaciers, Mount Logan, and world-class hiking
- •Kluane Lake — one of Yukon's largest lakes, stunning for photography and fishing
- •Kluane Museum of Natural History — small but excellent wildlife exhibits and First Nations artifacts
- •Burwash Landing Resort area — historic lakeside setting with sweeping mountain views
- •Alaska Highway mileposts — iconic road-trip landmark and gateway to the Yukon frontier
- •Wildlife watching — grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, and bald eagles in surrounding wilderness
Getting around: There is no public transit, rail service, or rideshare in Burwash Landing. A private vehicle or RV is essentially mandatory; the Alaska Highway passes directly through the community. Some visitors arrive by small aircraft at the local airstrip. Fuel is available but services are limited, so top up your tank whenever possible.
Best time: Summer (June through August) offers the most accessible roads, the longest daylight hours, and the best conditions for hiking, wildlife viewing, and lake activities.
Local food: Look for fresh-caught lake trout and Arctic grayling prepared simply by local cooks, along with game meats like moose stew that reflect traditional Southern Tutchone cuisine.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.