Kluane Lake

Kluane Lake is located in the southwest area of the Yukon. It is the largest lake contained entirely within Yukon at approximately 408km2, and 81 km long.Until 2016, Kluane Lake was fed by the A'ay Chu (Slims River), which was composed of meltwater from the Kaskawulsh Glacier, located within Kluane National Park. It drains into the Kluane River, whose waters flow into the Donjek River, White River, Yukon River, and eventually the Bering Sea. The lake has a high density of large-bodied lake trout and whitefish and is known for its fishing.Kluane Lake is located approximately 60km northwest of Haines Junction. The lake has a mean depth of 31m and a maximum depth of 91mThe Alaska Highway follows most of Kluane Lake's southern border, and the drive offers many spectacular views of the lake.CommunitiesThe Yukon communities of Burwash Landing and Destruction Bay are located on the southern shore of the lake.Northern Mountain CaribouThe Aishihik and Kluane caribou herds migrate in the area surrounding Kluane and Aishihik Lakes. They are a northern mountain caribou, a distinct ecotype of the woodland caribou. In 2009 there were 181 caribou in the Kluane herd (also known as the Burwash herd) and 2044 caribou in the Aishihik herd. The Kluane herd was declining while the Aishihik herd was increasing.