The YukonKusawa Territorial Park
A 3,100 sq km glacial lake and mountain park an hour west of Whitehorse — the classic Yukon paddle and campground.
Kusawa is Whitehorse's backyard big-lake park. The lake itself is 75 km long, glacier-fed, and hemmed in by 2,000-metre peaks of the Coast Mountains. It is the traditional territory and cultural heart of the Kwanlin Dün, Champagne and Aishihik, and Carcross/Tagish First Nations, who co-manage the park. The 45-site campground at the north end sits on a fine sand-and-cobble beach with a boat launch, day-use area and mostly-level tent pads. It is the closest 'real' Yukon backcountry lake to town.
Locals come for lake trout fishing, canoe touring toward the head of the lake (a serious 5-7 day round trip), and fall trumpeter swan watching. The 24 km gravel access road from the Alaska Highway is fine for any car in summer but rough after rain. Cell service ends at the turnoff. Fill up on gas, groceries and a fishing licence in Whitehorse — there is nothing between Whitehorse and the campground except the highway junction store at Champagne.
Hours & entry
Free day-use, $20/night camping
Campground mid-May to mid-Sep · Day-use area open 24/7 year-round · Boat launch open ice-free season, typically Jun-Oct
What to see
Kusawa Lake beach and campground viewpoint — North end day-use area at end of Kusawa Lake Road
Takhini River headwaters swim spot — Kusawa Lake outlet, 400 m north of the boat launch
Multi-day paddle to Kusawa's southern arm — Launch from campground boat ramp, head south along the west shore
Tips from the ground
Weekend campsites fill by Friday noon in July — arrive Thursday or reserve online at Yukon.ca/camping.
Winds pick up on the lake around 11:00 and stay strong until early evening; paddle at dawn or after 19:00.
The gravel road has washboard sections — drop tire pressure to 30 psi for a much smoother ride.
Questions, answered
How much does it cost?
Day-use is free. Camping is $20/night per site, cash or exact debit at the self-registration kiosk. Yukon anglers licence for non-residents is $20/day or $50/season.
Are there free-entry days?
The day-use area is always free. Camping fees apply every night the campground is open.
How long to visit?
Half day for a swim and picnic, full day if you launch a canoe. Overnight campers usually stay 2-3 nights.
When is it closed?
The campground closes mid-September and reopens mid-May. The day-use gate and lake access stay open year-round for ice fishing and skiing.
Do I need to book?
Yes for weekends in July-August — reserve at Yukon.ca/camping starting the first week of April. Weekdays are usually walk-in fine.
How do I get there?
Drive 60 km northwest from Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway to Km 1543, then 24 km south on the Kusawa Lake Road. No transit; rental car required.
Every stay booked through The Yukon funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, the climate action already built into checkout.
You're not charged more and the hotel isn't paid less. It's just what happens when you tap Reserve.