Tatshenshini-Alsek is considered to be one of the most magnificent river systems on earth, and forms the basis of the British Columbia provincial park that bears its name.
Tatshenshini-Alsek Park contains nearly one million hectares of glacier-cloaked peaks, wild rivers, grizzly bears and unusual plant communities. Situated in the very northwest corner of British Columbia, it nestles between Kluane National Park and Reserves in the Yukon and Glacier Bay & Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. Combined, these parks comprise the largest protected area in the world, approximately 8.5 million hectares. The Tatshenshini-Alsek Park has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Alsek and Tatshenshini rivers are responsible for much of what’s special in the area. The great gap they’ve carved through the coastal mountains allows cool, moist ocean air into the cold interior. The quick change from ocean to interior environment, frequent floods, landslides and avalanches, a varied geology and great elevation changes have together created an exceptionally diverse range of habitat conditions.
Despite its remote location the ruggedly beautiful Tatshenshini-Alsek region is attracting an increasing number of recreationalists: kayakers and rafters are drawn to the two magnificent river systems; hikers and mountaineers confront a near-endless pristine wilderness that includes everything from alpine meadows to the jagged edges of the Alsek Ranges and Mt. Fairweather, the province’s highest peak at 4,633 metres; and mountain bikers can explore old mining roads and other interesting and challenging terrain. Interestingly, the Haines Highway provides an opportunity to see much of the same unusual plant and animal diversity that river users experience.
Established Date: October 15, 1993
Park Size: 947,026 hectares
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
There are three toilet facilities located along the eastern edge of the park on the west side of the Haines Highway:
Hikers and mountaineers confront a near-endless pristine wilderness that includes everything from alpine meadows to the jagged edges of the Alsek Ranges and Mt. Fairweather, the province’s highest peak at 4,633 metres.
There are world-class canoeing, rafting and kayaking opportunities within this park.
Fishing is an allowable activity in the park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Mountain bikers can explore old mining roads and other interesting and challenging terrain.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
In this park, horses and horseback riding are allowed by letter of permission only.
Hunting is allowed in the park. Please consult the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for detailed hunting information.
Tatshenshini-Alsek Park is located in the extreme northwestern corner of British Columbia. The park is contiguous to the neighbouring parks in the Yukon and Alaska.
BC Parks
250-651-7634
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations:
867-634-4200 Ext 205
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.