Kaskawulsh Glacier
A large glacier about 70 km long with striking medial moraine stripes. Its retreat in 2016 diverted the Slims River and made it a well-known example of climate change.
The Kaskawulsh Glacier is one of the main glaciers flowing east from the Kluane Icefield. It is about 70 km long, and its terminus is about 5 km wide. Dark medial moraines, formed where several tributary glaciers merge, extend across the ice surface like parallel highway lanes, and they are spectacular from the air. In 2016 the glacier terminus retreated and its meltwater began flowing into the Alsek River instead. The former Slims River nearly stopped flowing within days. This is considered the first documented case of river capture linked to modern climate change. Most visitors see the glacier from scenic flights. Experienced hikers can follow the west bank of the Slims River to the Observation Mountain viewpoint to look out over the glacier terminus. The one-way route is about 23 km and takes 2 to 3 days. It involves river crossings and bears are common, so register at the visitor centre.
Opening hours
Open all day (for flights or multi-day hikes)
Nearby sights
- Sheep Mountain & Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre
- Soldier's Summit
- Kluane Lake
- Alsek River Valley Trail
- Kluane Icefield Flightseeing
- Dä Kų Cultural Centre & Kluane National Park Visitor Centre
- Haines Junction Village
- Auriol Trail