Burwash Landing, Yukon
Burwash Landing is a Kluane Lake community in Yukon’s Kluane region, on the Alaska Highway between the Ruby Range and the St. Elias Mountains. It is home to Kluane First Nation, the Kluane Museum of History, lake views, flightseeing access and one of the clearest community stories on the western Alaska Highway.
The best visit starts with the lake and the land around it. Kluane First Nation describes A sì Keyi, “My Grandfather’s Country,” as reaching from Kluane Lake toward the St. Elias and Ruby mountain ranges, within the traditional territory of the Lhù’ààn Mân Ku Dan, the Kluane Lake People.
How Burwash Landing Started
The Government of Yukon’s community profile says Southern Tutchone people have lived in the Kluane area for countless generations, and that the present Burwash Landing site was a traditional summer camp. Its location on Kluane Lake made sense for fishing, travel and seasonal gathering before there was a highway.
The settler-era community formed after the Jacquot brothers built a trading post in the early 1900s. A Government of Yukon walking-tour guide explains that the brothers had come north after the Klondike and Kluane gold rushes, built a larger trading post at Burwash Landing, and used Kluane Lake transportation and old freight routes to move supplies.
The Alaska Highway later reinforced the settlement’s roadside role. Burwash Landing became the administrative centre for Kluane First Nation after the highway was built, while the trading-post, lake and road stories remained visible in the community layout.
What Burwash Landing Is Like Today
Statistics Canada counted 64 residents in Burwash Landing in the 2021 census. The community is small, but it sits in a large cultural and landscape setting: Kluane Lake, Kluane First Nation government, nearby Kluane National Park and Reserve, and the Alaska Highway all shape how travellers experience it.
Burwash Landing feels quieter than the larger Kluane service centres. Visitor activity is seasonal, and the museum, lake viewpoints, local lodging, flightseeing operators and highway pullouts do most of the public-facing work. The community should be approached with respect for Kluane First Nation land, local life and small-service capacity.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
The Kluane Museum of History is the main local stop. Travel Yukon lists it in Burwash Landing and describes displays on Yukon wildlife, Southern Tutchone clothing and tools, minerals, gemstones and northern films. The museum is seasonal, so check hours before building a day around it.
Kluane Lake is the other anchor. Travel Yukon notes that the lake supports fish and that the wider Kluane region is known for wildlife viewing and road scenery. Visitors can treat Burwash Landing as a slower Kluane Lake stop, especially when driving between Beaver Creek and Haines Junction.
Flightseeing is a major regional activity when operators are running. Burwash Landing-based flights can connect visitors visually with Kluane National Park and Reserve and the St. Elias icefield country, but weather, minimum passenger requirements and seasonal schedules matter.
Quick Facts
- Territory: Yukon
- Region: Kluane
- Community type: settlement
- 2021 census population: 64
- Local First Nation: Kluane First Nation
- Main route: Alaska Highway
- Main visitor stops: Kluane Museum of History, Kluane Lake viewpoints and seasonal flightseeing
Travel Notes
Burwash Landing is best planned as a Kluane Lake stop with enough time for the museum, lake views and current local conditions. Do not assume every service is open year-round; call ahead for museum hours, lodging, food and flightseeing.
The Alaska Highway is the practical spine of the visit. Weather can move fast along Kluane Lake, and wind, smoke, winter cold or road construction can change driving times. Keep fuel and food plans realistic between Haines Junction, Burwash Landing, Destruction Bay and Beaver Creek.