FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITY

Burwash Landing

Burwash Landing on Kluane Lake with the Kluane Museum of Natural History

Burwash Landing is a Kluane First Nation community of about 75 people on the north shore of Kluane Lake, 15 km past Destruction Bay. It's older than most Alaska Highway settlements — the trading post predates the highway itself. The Kluane Museum of Natural History (small but genuinely good, with detailed dioramas of local wildlife and First Nations history) sits right on the highway, along with the frequently-photographed world's largest gold pan monument.

It's a place to stretch your legs, look at the lake, learn something at the museum, and continue north or south. Overnight only makes sense if you’re breaking a long drive. The Burwash Landing Resort is the main accommodation; a couple of other cabin operations run seasonally. Respect that this is a lived-in First Nations community, not a tourist attraction — off the highway strip, it's people's homes.

Where to stay

Burwash Landing Resort is the main option, on the lakeshore with cabins and rooms, $130-190. Kluane Wilderness Village and a couple of small operations run seasonally. Everything shuts by October and reopens in May. Expect functional, not luxurious — this is highway lodging, not a resort in any modern sense. Book ahead in summer. In winter, don’t count on anything being open; call to confirm before driving.

Getting there

Drive from Whitehorse: 275 km on the Alaska Highway, about 3.5 hours. From Haines Junction 123 km. From Beaver Creek 180 km further west. No public transit. No local buses. Fuel at Burwash — often the last fuel before Beaver Creek, and expensive but usually available May-September. In winter, phone ahead to confirm fuel availability before leaving Haines Junction.

Frequently asked questions

Is Burwash Landing worth stopping at?

Yes, for 45 minutes — the museum is genuinely good and the gold pan is a classic Alaska Highway photo. Overnight only if you’re breaking a long drive or want to be near Kluane Lake without paying Destruction Bay prices.

Can I fuel up in Burwash?

Usually yes in summer, seasonally in winter. Never leave Haines Junction assuming Burwash fuel is guaranteed in the shoulder or winter months — services can and do close. The safe rule on this stretch of the Alaska Highway is fuel up whenever you see an open pump.