Join us for A Celebration of Swans 2025 from April 1 to 30. Visit the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre to welcome spring and witness the mass migration of thousands of swans, ducks and geese.
More than 20 events are planned during the festival. All events are free and take place at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre, unless otherwise noted.
Scroll down for the full list of events.
Festival poster
Every year, Wildlife Viewing hosts an art competition to select a design for a collectible poster. This year’s poster features the photography of Takeshi Hanatani.
Learn how to get a free copy of the poster.
The swan situation, 2025
Starting April 1, we’ll share the Swan Haven swan count regularly. For the most up-to-date numbers on all waterbirds at Swan Haven, go to Ebird.org
Student art contest
Yukon students in grades 2 to 6 are invited to submit their wildlife-themed art for display at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre for the month of April. The public votes for their favourite entries and the winners receive a prize.
Entry deadline: Thursday, March 27, 2025 (late entries are accepted)
Open to: Yukon students grades 2 to 6
Submit to: Wildlife Viewing/Department of Environment, 10 Burns Road, Box 2703 (V5R), Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 2C6
Artist residency
Yukon Wildlife Viewing and Yukon Arts Centre are pleased to welcome Rhoda Merkel as the 2025 artist-in-residence at Swan Haven. Rhoda was born and raised in the Yukon, is a member of the Tahltan Nation and is a passionate promoter of the arts as an educator and an artist. For over 30 years she has taught at festivals and schools and hosted workshops.
Check the events listing below to see Rhoda’s scheduled workshops and open-studio times.
Swan Haven Interpretive Centre
The Swan Haven Interpretive Centre is open daily from April 1 to 30. Entry is free.
The centre overlooks M’Clintock Bay in Marsh Lake, where there is open water in early spring that waterbirds rely on to feed, rest and stay safe. Visit the centre to learn about bird migration through hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Then, walk along the shoreline trail to see (and hear) thousands of migrating swans, ducks and geese.
Location and parking
Swan Haven is located at 58 Swan Haven Drive, Marsh Lake, in the North M'Clintock Bay subdivision. There is accessible parking and limited angle parking in front of the centre. Parallel parking is available along Swan Haven Drive.
2025 hours of operation
The interpretive centre is open daily from April 1 to 30:
- Monday to Friday: 5 pm to 8 pm.
- Weekends and holidays (April 18 and 22): 12 to 7 pm*.
*New 2025 hours.
You are welcome to visit outside of these hours to view the outdoor exhibits and access the shoreline walking trail. The Swan Haven audio tour is also available any time. See details below.
Facilities
Bring your own drinking water; there is no running water on site.
Amenities:
- Heated two-story building. The first floor is accessible via a boardwalk and ramp
- Accessible outhouse
- Viewing decks
- Shoreline walking trail (approximately 1 km return); accessed via a set of stairs
- Indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits
- Self-guided audio tour
What to bring
- Warm clothing and layers (temperatures vary widely in April, particularly next to the lake)
- Comfortable boots (expect snow, mud and/or ice)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat (the glare off the ice is strong)
- Drinking water and snacks
Swan Haven audio tour: A Walk with the Swans
Discover why Swan Haven is a five-star stop for migrating swans with the new Swan Haven audio tour: A Walk with the Swans. This 25-minute self-guided tour will play on your phone or tablet. It starts at the top of the stairs down to the lake and leads to a viewpoint 500 m along the shore of M’Clintock Bay.
The tour is free and available April 1 to 30. Access it by scanning the QR code on the sign at the top of the stairs and at each subsequent sign along the ice trail. For the best experience for you and others, listen on headphones or earbuds.
The tour will launch April 1.
School visits
School programs have always been an important part of spring activities at Swan Haven. Hundreds of school children visit with their classes to participate in hands-on activities and games, in a spectacular outdoor classroom.
These popular programs are available throughout April for Grades 2, 3 and 5. Programming is provided in partnership with the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Visit the wildlife preserve’s program page to book a visit for your class and for K-9 teaching resources.
Events
All events are free and take place at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre, unless otherwise noted. More events will be added soon.
Tuesday, April 1
Film screening: Return of the Trumpeters
Get excited about swan season with this one-hour film highlighting one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time. The majestic Trumpeter Swan, North America’s largest waterfowl, was once hunted to the brink of extinction. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of a new generation, this iconic species is making a comeback. Return of the Trumpeters was produced by Steve Devon on behalf the Trumpeter Swan Society.
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: free
Location: We’ll screen this film upstairs at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre. Bring a bowl and we’ll provide the popcorn!
Wednesday, April 2
Spring birds of Swan Haven presentation at Yukon University
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.
Time: 7 pm
Cost: free
Location: Yukon University, Whitehorse. Room A2206 (A-wing, upper floor).
Friday, April 4
A starry night
Sunset is the most beautiful time at Swan Haven. Come for an interpretive walk with Yukon Wildlife Viewing staff followed by an indoor presentation with the Yukon Astronomical Society. As darkness falls, look for Jupiter and stay for star-gazing. Bring your own telescope or binoculars or use telescopes set up by volunteers from the society.
Everyone is welcome. Bring a headlamp and reusable mug, as warm drinks will be provided. Dress for outside temperatures.
8 pm: guided walk on the ice with Wildlife Viewing staff
9 pm: “What is a planet?” Indoor planetary science presentation by the Yukon Astronomical Society
10 pm until late: warm drinks and outdoor star-gazing party
Cost: free
This event is open to audiences of every age. However, there is no specific children’s programming.
Saturday, April 5
Drawn Together: One artist and fourteen hundred swans
Join Martha Jane Ritchie, the 2024 Swan Haven artist-in-residence, at the opening reception for her exhibition, Drawn Together: One artist and fourteen hundred swans. Martha’s exhibition features drawings, linocuts, textiles and mixed-medium artworks based on her two-week residency at Swan Haven. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Cost: free
Location: Yukon Arts Centre Community Gallery
Drawn Together will be on display until April 30. The Community Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm and during special events.
Ski and bird
Bring your classic skis ready to go and join Wildlife Viewing staff for a mellow cross-country ski on trails near Swan Haven. Afterwards, you are welcome to visit the interpretive centre or walk the ice trail on your own. Dress for skiing.
This event includes skiing about 5 km on gentle trails with some hills.
Area trails are groomed courtesy of McClintock Bay Resort. If the trails are in poor condition due to the weather, we’ll go for a walk on the ice instead.
Time: 2 to 3:30 pm
Cost: free
Location: Meet in the parking lot at Swan Haven. We'll walk across the road to the trails.
Monday, April 7
Sunset swan walk
Evening 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.
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: free
Audiences of all ages are welcome on this walk although it does not include specific children’s programming. It includes a long flight of stairs and an approximately 1 km (return) stroll along level but uneven snow and ice.
Saturday, April 12
New Yukoner Day
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.)
Time: The interpretive centre is open 12 to 7 pm; guided walks are offered at 1:15 pm and 3 pm.
Cost: free
Audiences of all ages are welcome, but guided walks do not include children-specific programming.
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
Cost: free, thanks to support from Yukon Energy.
Location: The bus will depart from downtown Whitehorse. The exact location will be provided upon registration.
Sunday, April 13
Bird origami
Join the Japanese-Canadian Association of Yukon in a traditional way of celebrating wildlife: folding origami. Volunteer instructors will help you create beautiful, origami swans, cranes and other critters to take home.
Time: Drop in anytime 1 to 3 pm
Cost: free
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.
Tuesday, April 15
Not-quite-sunset swan walk
Evening often offers the best time for viewing and photographing birds at Swan Haven. Join Wildlife Viewing staff an interpretive walk along the shore in the beautiful evening light. Dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for walking on the ice.
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: free
Audiences of all ages are welcome on this walk although it does not include specific children’s programming. It includes a long flight of stairs and an approximately 1 km (return) stroll along level but uneven snow and ice.
Saturday, April 19
Family weekend – Swan Olympics (Saturday and Sunday)
The whole family is welcome to attend a day of fun, self-guided activities. Learn about swans and test your abilities at our Swan Olympics with games, crafts, bird viewing and more. Bring your own food or purchase a snack next door at McClintock Bay Resort.
Time (Saturday and Sunday): 11am to 3 pm.
Cost: free
Activities target younger audiences. Most stations are outdoors, so dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Face painting with the Girl Guides
Face painting is fun for all ages, whether you want to become a swan, tiger or unicorn! This colourful experience is a great way to add some extra excitement to your day. The Girl Guides will also have their famous cookies for sale.
Time (Saturday only): 1 to 3 pm
Cost: free
Sunday, April 20
Family weekend continues – Swan Olympics
The whole family is welcome to attend a day of swan watching and fun self-guided activities. Learn about swans and test your abilities at our Swan Olympics with games, crafts, bird viewing and more. Bring your own food or purchase a snack next door at McClintock Bay Resort.
Time (Saturday and Sunday): 11 am to 3 pm.
Cost: free
All activities are free and target younger audiences. Most stations are outdoors, so dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Photo booth and activities with the Northern Lights school of dance
Pose with swan wings and take your child’s photo at the selfie station provided by the Northern Lights School of Dance. The school is preparing for its production of Swan Lake, the ballet, and dancers will facilitate the photo booth and a craft station.
Time (Sunday only): 11 am to 3 pm.
Cost: free
Art workshop with Rhoda Merkel
Join Rhoda Merkel, Swan Haven artist-in-residence, for a family-friendly art workshop. More details to come.
Time (Sunday only): 1 to 3 pm.
Cost: free
Thursday, April 24
Senior’s tea
The Marsh Lake Community Society invites seniors and Elders to enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches, homemade goodies and swan viewing. Come mingle and enjoy!
Time: Drop in 11 am to 3 pm
The first floor of Swan Haven Interpretive Centre can be accessed by a wooden boardwalk and ramp for improved mobility accessibility.
If you are visiting with a group, please contact [email protected] to book an arrival time.
Cost: free
Wednesday, April 30
M’Clintock West Ridge (Brownie Mountain)
Join Wildlife Viewing staff for a short but steep hike. We’ll get an elevated view of Swan Haven and M’Clintock Bay in the lovely evening light. This hike requires hiking up to two km over very steep, uneven terrain (which could be snowy and/or muddy). We recommend bringing hiking poles and boots. Review trail and parking description at Yukonhiking.ca.
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Cost: free
Location: Meet at 10 Burns Road (Department of Environment building) to carpool and caravan to the trailhead near Marsh Lake. Involves an approximately 30-minute drive (one-way).
May (date TBD)
Shorebird walk
At a certain point in spring, we say goodbye to swans and hello to shorebirds, including sandpipers, snipes, yellowlegs and godwits. Birding expert, Jukka Jantunen, will sort it all out during a short walk and talk. Rubber boots are recommended.
Date and time: This event will take place within the first two weeks of May, depending on the speed of spring melt and arrival of shorebirds. We’ll update this information before the end of April.
Cost: free
Location: TBD based on spring melt and bird sightings but we will likely meet near Swan Haven or the Lewes River Bridge.
Registration is required so we can share event-specific information. (Registration opens at noon one week prior.)
For questions about A Celebration of Swans and wildlife viewing events, email [email protected] or phone: 867-667-8291 or toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408, ext. 8291.