Join the Japanese-Canadian Association of Yukon in celebrating wildlife the traditional way: folding origami. Volunteer instructors will help you create beautiful, origami swans, cranes and other critters to take home. 

Time: Drop in anytime from 1 to 3 pm 

This activity is open to participants of all ages. There are simple creations for younger audiences and more complex instructions for those looking for a challenge.

New to the territory? Come to Swan Haven to experience an amazing spring phenomenon: the mass migration hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of birds! 

Join us for a guided walk along the shoreline trail to learn why so many birds gather in this spectacular place or explore on your own. Bring your lunch or grab a snack next door at the McClintock Bay Resort. 

On this day only, the Yukon Energy Swan Bus offers a free return shuttle to Swan Haven. See details below. (The shuttle is free but advanced registration is required.) There are also two guided walks. 

Time: The interpretive centre is open from 12 to 7 pm.

Guided walks

Join Wildlife Viewing staff for an interpretive walk along the shore to get a closer view of the swans. Along the way, learn why Swan Haven is a five-star resting stop for migrating Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans. 

This walk includes a long flight of stairs and approximately 1 kilometre of walking along flat but uneven snow and/or ice. Wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing. 

Cost: free Time: 1:15 and 2:45 

Location: Meet on the viewing deck outside the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre.

Yukon Energy Swan Bus

This free shuttle offers return transportation from downtown Whitehorse to Swan Haven. Enjoy an afternoon at Marsh Lake during the spring swan migration and take in the day’s events. 

Time: 12:30 pm departs Whitehorse; 4 pm departs Swan Haven 

Due to limited space, registration is required. Registration opens one week before at noon. 

Location: The bus will depart from the SS Klondike in downtown Whitehorse. 

Cost: free, thanks to support from Yukon Energy. 

Register for this event (opens at noon one week before).

Twilight often offers the best light for viewing and photographing birds at Swan Haven. Join Wildlife Viewing staff for an interpretive walk along the shore in the gloaming. Dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for walking on the ice. 

This walk includes a long flight of stairs and approximately 1 kilometre of walking along flat but uneven snow and/or ice. Wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing.

Expert birder and photographer Jukka Jantunen will share identification and viewing tips for common spring birds seen at Swan Haven and around the Southern Lakes. Learn all you can, then visit Swan Haven and impress your friends with your knowledge. 

Location: Yukon University, Whitehorse. Room A2206 (A-wing, upper floor). There is accessible parking at entrance 5. (View campus map).

Join Wildlife Viewing staff for an interpretive walk along the shore to get a closer view of the swans. Along the way, learn why Swan Haven is a five-star resting stop for migrating Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans. 

This walk includes a long flight of stairs and approximately 1 kilometre of walking along flat but uneven snow and/or ice. Wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing.

Bring your classic skis ready to go and join Wildlife Viewing staff for a mellow cross-country ski on the forest trails near Swan Haven. Afterwards, you are welcome to visit the interpretive centre or walk the ice trail on your own. Dress for skiing and meet in the parking lot at Swan Haven. 

This event includes skiing about 5 kilometres on gentle trails with some hills. 

Area trails are groomed courtesy of McClintock Bay Resort. If the trails are in poor condition, we’ll go for a walk on the lake ice instead. 

Location: Meet at the Swan Haven parking lot.

This film chronicles one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time. The majestic Trumpeter Swan, North America’s largest waterbird, was once hunted to the brink of extinction. Thanks to remarkable efforts, this iconic species is making a comeback. 

We’ll screen this film upstairs at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre. Bring a bowl – we’ll provide the popcorn. 

Location: Meet inside the centre.

Twilight often offers the best light for viewing and photographing birds at Swan Haven. Join Wildlife Viewing staff for an interpretive walk along the shore in the gloaming. Dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for walking on the ice. 

This walk includes a long flight of stairs and approximately 1 kilometre of walking along flat but uneven snow and/or ice. Wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing.

Location: Meet on the deck for the sunset swan walk.