Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada
Park Regulations
Artifacts at Deep Lake© Parks CanadaThe contrast between the scenic grandeur of the Coastal Mountains and the fragile remains of the stampeders' goods and temporary structures makes the Chilkoot a unique backcountry trail. Destroying, damaging, collecting or removing natural or cultural resources is an offence under the National Historic Park Regulations.
Cultural Resources
The remains of supplies, equipment, and machinery from the Gold Rush are strewn along the route of the Chilkoot Trail. Boot soles, tin cans, tramway pilings and canvas boats are items that were brought in and, for various reasons, abandoned by the stampeders. These artifacts, and their placement within the landscape, combine to create a living exhibit of Gold Rush history. Removed from their original location and setting, artifacts lose much of their historical significance. As the value of an artifact is dependent upon it's context, it is important that they not be moved or tampered with.
Modification of the landscape by the stampeders is an irreplaceable record of Gold Rush activity on the Chilkoot Trail. Stone tent platforms, rock quays at the shores of a lake, the routing choices of the trail, and other cultural landscape features are not always obvious, but speak of the lives of the stampeders and can serve to trigger the imagination as to what life was like for those who came over Chilkoot Pass. An apparent jumble of rocks observed from one angle may upon closer inspection reveal itself to be the foundation of an hotel; tampering with these features will destroy the story of their past. Please do not move rocks; they tell a story. Please respect the artifacts and the cultural landscape -- your stewardship of the Chilkoot Trail will benefit all.
Natural Resources
Prior to, as well as during the Gold Rush, the Chilkoot Trail was an important trade and travel link for First Nation peoples. After the Gold Rush the area continued to be important for a variety of subsistence activities. Local First Nations people have the right to hunt, fish, and gather wild food within Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada. Site visitors are not allowed to harvest, remove or disturb any natural resources.
Fishing
Fishing is prohibited on the Canadian portion of the trail. An Alaska State fishing license is required along the US portion of the trail.
Fires
Open fires are prohibited on the Chilkoot Trail. There are wood stoves available in most shelters below tree line, but wood supplies may be scarce and/or wet. Do not cut green trees for firewood. Carry a backpacking stove and plenty of fuel.
Litter
You must pack out everything that you pack into the park. Keep your meals simple and light. This will cut down on the weight you carry in and the garbage that you will have to carry out. Nothing should be discarded in the park, including food scraps, wet garbage, grease and cigarette butts. These can take years to decompose in this northern environment.
Water Quality
Water is available all along the trail. Purify all drinking water by boiling, filtering, using iodine or bleach, and/or other appropriate methods. Never wash clothes, dishes, or yourself directly in a water source. Wastewater may be disposed of in the fastest part of the river on the U.S. side only. On the Canadian side, wastewater disposal pits, located in all campgrounds and at Chilkoot Pass, must be used for this purpose. Be sure to clean food waste off the screen and pack it out with your garbage. Use the outhouses: they are located in every campground and at Chilkoot Pass.
Pets
We recommend you do not take your pets on the trail; however, if you choose to do so, pets must be kept on a leash at all times . Clean up after your pet and dispose of pet faeces in the outhouses.
Restricted Activities
Metal detectors, firearms and mountain bikes are prohibited on the Canadian portion of the Chilkoot Trail.
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