Kluane Wildlife Sanctuary

Kluane Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately 1,320,000 acres of mountainous terrain in southwestern Yukon, adjacent to Kluane National Park and Reserve. The sanctuary was established in 1961 primarily to protect the habitat of Dall sheep, one of its most notable species. The landscape includes alpine and subalpine zones, expansive glaciers, steep ridges, and river valleys. The sanctuary supports an abundant and diverse wildlife population, including mountain goats, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, and numerous bird species. Due to its large size and limited public infrastructure, the area offers a remote wilderness experience with few developed trails. Activities here focus mainly on wildlife observation, mountaineering, and wilderness hiking. Unlike the neighboring Kluane National Park, the sanctuary has fewer facilities and restrictions, emphasizing preservation with controlled access to minimize human impact. The sanctuary is an integral part of the larger Kluane region, recognized for its extensive ice fields and mountain scenery, including parts of the St. Elias Mountains. Visitors are drawn to the area for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for spotting Dall sheep in their natural habitat. The sanctuary plays a critical ecological role in maintaining habitat connectivity and species protection in this portion of the Yukon.