Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek

Description: Parks and reserves of Kluane, Wrangell St Elias, Glacier Bay, Tatshenshini Alsek (parks and reserves, USA)

Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek
Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek

These parks and reserves include huge glaciers and high mountain ranges that lie on both sides of the Canada-US border (Yukon and British Columbia/Alaska). The expressive natural landscape is home to many grizzlies, caribou and bighorn sheep. It is here that the largest glaciation zone outside the polar regions is located.

Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek
Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek

The most picturesque corner of nature, which is an international system of parks and reserves, is located in the area of ​​the Canadian-American border, where the provinces of Yukon and British Columbia are adjacent to the state of Alaska. The total area of ​​these protected lands, serving as a haven for large populations of grizzly bears, caribou reindeer, bighorn sheep and many other species of animals, exceeds thirteen million hectares. For a long time, this exceptional area has been listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek
Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek

Canada's Kluane National Park, located in southwestern Yukon, takes its name from the lake of the same name, the largest body of water in the area, which the local Indians refer to as "a lake full of fish." About half of the park's territory is occupied by glaciers and this is the largest glaciation zone in the world outside the polar regions. Here you can also observe the highest point in Canada - Mount Logan, the top of which reaches 5956 meters above sea level. The local population - the Indian tribes of the southern Tutchon, are directly involved in the management of the park. Adjacent to Kluane Park, in northwestern British Columbia, is another Canadian reserve, Tatshenshini Alsek Park, which has a high diversity of birds and animals, including bald eagle, grizzly bear, elk and porcupine.

Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek
Kluane Wrangell St Elias Glacier Bay Tatshenshini Alsek

Canadian parks are adjacent to the US National Park and Sanctuary - Wrangell St Elias, which occupies the southeastern lands of the state of Alaska. The territory of this reserve, which is the largest national park in the United States of America, exceeds five million hectares. The highest point of the park is Mount Saint Elias, the top of which reaches 5489 meters above sea level and is recognized as the second highest in the country. In the same part of Alaska, the expanses of the Glacier Bay National Park extend, with a total area of ​​​​more than one million hectares. The relief of the park is a mosaic of impressive glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine lakes and rivers.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Map