This April marks the 30th anniversary of the Yukon's premier birding festival. A Celebration of Swans offers Yukoners and visitors an amazing wildlife-viewing opportunity that fosters stewardship and shares knowledge about the Yukon’s biodiversity.
The swan festival begins annually on April 1 and runs until April 30, when tens of thousands of swans, ducks and geese land on M’Clintock Bay, Marsh Lake, to rest and feed during the long migration to their northern nesting grounds.
More than 20 long-running popular events including guided walks and a family weekend are planned during the month-long celebration. In addition, there will be special 30th anniversary events including a performance by the Tagish Nation Dancers, an artist-residency program and public workshops.
Most events will be held at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre which is located on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün and Carcross/Tagish First Nations and will be open daily in April. The centre offers learning opportunities for all ages, exhibits, knowledgeable guides, daily swan counts and a 500-metre shoreline trail with views of water birds all along the way.
Since 1994, our government has been celebrating the Yukon's premier biodiversity festival, and on April 1st, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Celebration of Swans. We recognize the importance and work that goes into organizing events that foster stewardship and share knowledge about the Yukon’s biodiversity. I look forward to seeing fellow Yukoners out enjoying the sights and sounds at Swan Haven.
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke
This April, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of A Celebration of Swans, we invite Yukoners and visitors alike to join us in experiencing this natural pageant of spring. Events like guided walks, family weekends, and special performances foster stewardship and cultural appreciation while providing prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. Thank you to all those involved with coordinating these events!
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker
The main goal of this celebration is to educate Yukoners and visitors about the importance of early-spring open water as a place for migratory birds to feed, rest and stay safe from predators.
Events will be held at the at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre and other wildlife-viewing sites in the Yukon.
Visit A Celebration of Swans | Government of Yukon for more information about the upcoming events.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Mara De La Rosa
Environment
867-456-5565
mara.delarosa@yukon.ca