Spark-Plug/Jaywalker72: Burning rubber in Canada

Hi there

After a late breakfast we were again on a move , it had been quite sometime that we visited a national park so it was decided to visit Kluane national park and do some trail .

The drive to Kluane national park was long the Alaska highway, till we reached the Haines junction. Just drive in the small town of Haines junction and you will come to the visitors center known as Daku cultural center. The visitors center is an epic and worth imitating in other parts of world too, its actually a art gallery , it has 3D images of all mountains , digital information leaflets , art work , excellent washrooms and you get free eco friendly bags to store litter when on visit to park.

The Kluane national park covers an area of 20,000 sq km of Canadian wilderness . It has the highest peak in Canada the Mount Logan . It is also home to the dhall sheep and grizzle bears. There are a number of trails in the park .

Daku Cultural center

Inside Cultural center

Haines Junction

We decided to do the King’s Throne Trail . The summit is about 2,000 meters high which makes for a challenging day hike, but one that pays off with breathtaking views . The starting point is Kathleen Lake , where the trail begins by following an old mining road along the south side of the lake. At the base of the mountain , you’ll start the climb through aspen forest and then follow the switchback trail up the mountain . Eventually, you’ll reach the spectacular cirque the "seat" of the King’s Throne.

The view on top was really spectacular but we were the only visitors on the trail . After we finished the trail, it was decided to drive along the highway towards Alaska border .

Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake as seen from King's throne

Again the road was fantastic in spite of the area being so remote, absolutely no habitation at all only trees and trees but the quality of road was fantastic. After driving for about 150 km we decided to turn back as it was getting late and we had to go to a new place for our night stay.

Road to Alaska

Klaune National park

Pair of fox with tracking collars

In the night we stayed at a Japanese place called Kaleido lodge ,it is owned by a Canadian Japanese artist. Located in a clearing in actual forest. From outside, the building looks very simple like a barn but moment you enter it feels as if you are in different world . By the time we checked in it was already 9 pm the key of our room was kept in a small basket with welcome card there was no reception at all . As part of house rule one has to take off the shoes and use the slippers provided . The rooms were fantastic we had our own private kitchen which was fully functional and the view from the bed rooms was spectacular. There was a small patio which opened in the forest and it felt as if, you are inside a forest. In spite of full occupancy it was very quite.

This is one of the best lodges I have stayed,its an epitome of Japanese hospitality. The breakfast served next day was really good and only one person a hostess was doing all jobs , she was attending all guests was always smiling . After breakfast it was time for us to say good bye, the hostess was again at the door to bid us good bye. This sort of place one should stay for 2/3 days forget all worries of the world and just chill out.