We had the pleasure of driving past the astounding Kluane Lake twice while on our journey from Florida to Alaska. We first drove past Kluane Lake (the proper order of the name) on the way up to Tok, Alaska during a mild snow storm. We then drove past the lake a second time on a beautiful , clear day on our way back out of Alaska. It was a little hard to believe that it was the same lake on the same stretch of road. Both times we found the lake absolutely stunning, and can see why it is a major attraction to visitors year round. I put together this short photo essay (with video) to share the natural wonder and beauty of Kluane Lake with the world.
Kluane Lake is located in the southwest area of Canada’s Yukon Territory. At approximately 400 km2 (150 sq mi), and 70 km (43 mi) long, it is the largest lake contained entirely within the Yukon’s borders. The Alaska Highway follows most of Kluane Lake’s southern edge, and the drive offers many spectacular views. On our frist trip to Kluane Lake, we found ourselves driving through a bit of a snow storm. Many of the turnouts and stop offs to see the lake were packed full of snow, and were unreachable. Thankfully, we found a boat ramp that was still clear enough to park on.
We got out of the car and were immediately pummeled by biting cold wind. It was gusting so strongly that we found it difficult to stand. To make matters worse, the wind was picking up water from the lake and spraying it in our faces. We took one look out at the lake though and knew we had to get up close for a better look.
It’s hard to imagine this place as somewhere you would come and enjoy leisure time, considering how stark and cold it was on this day. There was such a persistent fog, it was difficult to see the mountains just across Kluane Lake.
The waves were crashing so hard we could have sworn we were oceanside. We took a moment to capture a short video to show how intense the lakeside was.
Strangely though someone found it appropriate to come out and build a small shelter. Maybe it was just a remnant of a past Summer’s day.
Despite being enthralled by the beauty and wonderment of nature’s force, we could only withstand so much of the wind and cold. We reluctantly left and continued on our adventure towards the Arctic Circle, knowing we would see this majestic lake again on our return trip through Canada.
Several weeks later, and deeper into Winter, we returned to the Yukon and Kluane Lake. This time though, we were blessed with rare clear day as we approached the lake from the north. Along the way were able to stop and see one of the rivers that feed this massive lake. It was mostly dry and frozen now, but it will be a raging river when the Canadian Spring melt-off occurs.
We then made it a point to return to the same spot as before. It was shocking to see how starkly different the same location could be, when Mother Nature was behaving well.
We spent a few moments at the lake, staring in awe at its peaceful and calm surface. The last time we were here it was a turbulent and foreboding force of nature, now it was almost zen-like in its stillness. This spot is easily one that I could return to again and again, and can only imagine that each visit will be just as unique as the last.
Please Subscribe by Email for updates in your inbox or follow us on Facebook, twitter, +Lauren,Bloglovin, tumblr , Pinterest, StumbleUpon , and YouTube!
If you enjoyed this post about the lovely Kluane Lake in Canada’s Yukon Territory, you may also enjoy these other related posts.
Picture Perfect Waterfalls across North America
Florida to Alaska Road Trip Update: Banff and Driving the Alaska Highway
Awesome Pics! It really does make all the difference on a clear day. Glad you got lucky the second time through.
It is gorgeous up there, but a little too cold for my liking!
I grew up in Colorado, so I know what the Rocky Mountains are. However, I do have to admit that up there in Canada, they are more majestic at times. Thanks for the virtual trip.
We’ve driven through the majority of the Rockies, through Canada and the US on both Eastern and Western Fronts. The Canadian portions are more remote and pristine so they are a bit more majestic.
Beautiful photos. Kluane Lake looks breathtaking! Thanks for sharing :)
Such a different experience when you get a little blue skies and sun compared to the earlier part of the story where the experience was harsh. I’m sure this place is quite striking when you are lucky enough to be there just at the right time, still looks breathtaking.
Hi,
Thanks for the message re: your presentation of Kluane Lake. I must admit that a great deal of the lake’s appeal when I saw it was the effect of the then-frozen lake allowing the hilly backdrop to be and seem more prominent.
To see considerable waves crashing, and wind howling, (not to mention gloomy skies) certainly affords a different image to what REALLY won me over upon my drives past Kluane Lake.
Noteworthy in many parts of Alaska and on much of the Alaska highway was the fact that to drive in opposite directions on the main road offers views which seem brand new, even upon making a return trip over a path I’d seen just a few days prior.
While I can imagine that Kluane Lake looks impressive when very much a “lake” on a warm and calm summer day, the uniqueness of the still, off-season air, and the further stillness of the water, was unique and spectacular for many miles along the way.
Not only that, but there is something further to be said for traveling ‘off-season’ and knowing the luxury of being able to stop for photo opportunities right in the center of one’s lane on the highway. (that for knowing full well that one seldom even sees a car heading in the same direction, AND that such a vehicle would be loud enough to be detected from 5 miles away during such still times in the rural Yukon)
I can’t say enough about the contrasts I gained from this presentation!!
– NWM
Great photos – can’t believe that you drove from Florida to the Yukon. Wow that is one long drive! Loved that you included the video because it really shows how windy it was outside. What was the temperature?
Hi Mary,
It was pretty brutal with the wind chill. If I remember correctly it was about somewhere between 10 – 15 degrees F outside.
Wow, what a beautiful spot! It’s amazing how the weather can make it look so different. I always love lakes with mountains in the background–would be a great spot to relax for a while, in the summer anyways!
I’ve been to most of the US-Canada border states, so it’s time to go north! This has definitely moved the Yukon higher on my list of places to visit. What a wild place!
Quite the road trip! Loved the photos as always.
Such rugged beauty! Visiting the Yukon is seriously high on my bucket list.