Kluane National Park 

Kluane National Park 

The Kluane National Park is located in the extreme southwest of Yukon Province, directly on the border with Alaska. Its scenery is characterised by massive mountain ranges, sparse coniferous forests, grasses and colourful wildflowers. Above all, however, it is dominated by the Kluane Icefield, the largest glacier ice field outside of the polar regions. At 21,000 square kilometres, it is about half the size of Switzerland and even in summer there can be up to 30 centimetres of fresh snow every day.

Every year, scientists from all over the world conduct research in disciplines such as glaciology, geology, biology and climate science in Kluane National Park. While some glaciers decline year after year, others begin to gallop and grow drastically. These movements of the glaciers affect the entire ecosystem in the park. Together with scientists such as glaciologist Christian Schoof, biologist Syd Cannings and surface geologist Panya Lipovski, we will talk about and inspect the effects of the changes that have taken place in recent years on the living environment of Kluane National Park. Additionally we will speak to members of the First Nations – like the former ranger Ron Chambers, the storyteller Harold Johnson and Amber Berard-Althouse, who works as a summer wilderness guide in the park – about their centuries-old connection and their treasure trove of knowledge of Kluane National Park.