Wild Discoveries
2024 events calendar
Wild Discoveries is a program that provides opportunities for Yukoners and visitors to learn about and engage with the natural world. We offer interpretive walks and hikes, talks and public presentations that focus on a specific wildlife topic.
Scroll down to view events. Check back regularly as we add events throughout the year.
All events are free unless otherwise noted. Events with capacity restrictions require registration. If applicable, a registration link will be included in the event description. Cancel your registration if you cannot attend so we can offer the spot to someone on the waitlist.
Some of our events take place in obscure locations. For those events, we use a service called what3words to show the exact meeting location. Simply click on the link provided, if applicable.
We post regularly to social media (@yukonwildlifeviewing on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok). Follow us for fun clips, photos and for fantastic and respectful wildlife viewing experiences.
Events
Stony Creek hike
Sunday, September 15
The Takhini Valley is glowing gold with fall colours at this time of year and the climb up Stony Creek provides prime viewing. We’ll follow the ATV trail, looking for wildlife and taking in the views. At the treeline, there’s a great place to have lunch before the final push to the summit. If there's time, we’ll walk further on the ridge and look for Collared Pika and Hoary Marmots.
This is a long day but oh-so-worth it. Wear good hiking boots and bring warm layers (particularly for the top) and plenty of food and water. If you don't want to hike all the way to the top, you’re welcome to join us at the start and turn around whenever you would like. Below the alpine, the trail is straightforward and easy to follow.
This event involves a 124 km (return) drive.
Distance and terrain: a moderately difficult 17-km hike with 890 m elevation gain.
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Cost: free
Location: Meet at the Yukon Department of Environment at 10 Burns Road, Whitehorse. We will carpool/caravan 62 km to the site and back.
Ahhh nuts
Wednesday, September 25
Winter is coming and Red Squirrels are working feverishly to collect enough cones to get them through until next spring. The chatter of these animated rodents will take on new meaning after this evening walk in the woods with biologist Édouard Bélanger.
Time: 7 to 8 pm
Cost: free
Distance and terrain: walking up to 1 km through the woods and on trails.
Location: Robert Service Campground in Whitehorse (after entering the campground, turn right and park in the farthest lot).
See a map of the meeting location.
Boogie-woogie Elk bugling
Thursday, September Sept 26
The Elk are in the rut and their eerie calls (bugling) can be heard in the woods of the Takhini Valley. It has become an annual tradition to finish our summer Wild Discoveries season with Elk bugling. We’ll drive out to the Takhini Valley and call for these large members of the deer family to see if they respond. We’ll also talk about the history of these ungulates in the Yukon and how they survive here.
Remember to dress warmly as summer is over and we’ll be out until dark. This event involves a 90-km (return) drive.
Distance and terrain: walking approximately 3 km along uneven terrain on a trail or in the woods.
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Cost: free
Location: Meet at the Yukon Department of Environment at 10 Burns Road, Whitehorse. We will carpool/caravan 45 km to the site and back.