Wild Discoveries
Summer is here! We are happy to announce we will be doing in-person programming this year. Please keep checking in on this page for upcoming events.
Information is also posted regularly on our social media channels. Follow us for fun clips, photos and real-time tips for fantastic and respectful wildlife viewing experiences.
Kids programming
Knee High Nature
Bring your youngsters out for a new nature-based activity each week. Activities and games are designed for kids ages 3 to 5, but siblings are welcome. We request 1 caregiver for every 4 kids please!
All events run 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Robert Service Campground.
June 22: Birds – In flight
This in person event has been cancelled.
Check out this nature-activity that you can do with your kids on your own!
June 29: Insects – A bug’s life
This event has been cancelled. Check back for nature-activity ideas that you can do with your kids on your own!
July 6: Flowers – Blooms and blossoms
Register to reserve your spot.
July 13: Trees – Into the woods
Register to reserve your spot.
July 20: Carnivores – Pelts, paws and poop
Register to reserve your spot.
July 27: Ungulates – Horns and antlers
Register to reserve your spot.
August 3: Small mammals – Bats and rodents
Nature nerds
iNaturalist Wild Discoveries Bingo
Join your neighbours in documenting the wildlife around you. Plants, birds, insects, mammals, fish or fungi, all living things are captured in this global citizen science database.
The app will even provide identification suggestions! Experts will help identify what you submit and you will be contributing to our understanding of wildlife in Yukon.
How to play
Go to iNaturalist Canada and create a free account. You can either add photos from your computer, or download the app for your phone. When you’re walking the trails, open the app and snap a photo. iNaturalist will help you ID and then submit it for review. Or you can take photo on a camera and load it from your computer when you get home.
Your submissions will be automatically added to the Wild Discoveries Bingo.
The person to document the most different species between June 1 and August 31 will win a Wildlife Viewing Program prize pack.
Trails challenge
Get outside and explore the trails and greenspaces in Yukon. Yukoners are fortunate to have such easy access to nature in our own backyards. Whether you live in a condo in downtown Whitehorse, or a house in a rural community, now is a great time to explore the natural world.
How to play
Walk the designated trails between June 1 and August 31. Take a picture of yourself on the trail at a memorable landmark. Then:
- Send your low-res image to wildlife.viewing@yukon.ca.
- Use the tag or subject line: #letsGOyukon.
- Tell us your favourite wildlife experience of the challenge.
- The person with the most points at the end of the summer will win a Wildlife Viewing Program prize pack. We will contact you via the same method you entered the contest.
Scoring
- 1 point for each Whitehorse trail you hike.
- 2 points for each community trail you hike.
Eligible trails by community
Dawson area
- Orchid Acres: 2 km
- 9th Avenue Trail: 2.5 km
- Midnight Dome: 3.3 km
- Crocus Bluff: 900 m
- Ridge Road Heritage Trail: 30 km
- The Millennium Trail: 2.3 km
- Klondike River Trail: 1.7 km
- Mary McLeod Loop: 2.5 km
- Fox Hills Loop: 2.5 km
- Thomas Gulch Trail: 5 km
- Jackrabbit Trail: 2.5 km
- Lynx Loop: 3.5 km
- Beaver Pond Trail: 2.0 km
- North Klondike Trail: 3.2 km
- Goldensides Trail: 3 km
- Grizzly Ridge Trail: 6 km
- Discovery Trail: 1 km
Faro and Ross River
- Dena Cho Trail: 67.6 km
- Arboretum: 0.9 km
- Van Gorder Falls: 1.5 km
- Raven Trail: 2.4 km
- Fox Trail: 1.8 km
- Bear Trail: 5.8 km
- Eagle Trail: 1.7 km
- Rabbit Trail: 3.6 km
- Mt. Mye Trail: 23 km
- Grouse Trail: 34 km
- Wolf and Moose Trail: 18 km
- Lapie River Trail: 0.5 km
- Lynx Trail: 4.1 km
Haines Junction
- Dezadeash River Trail: 3.5 km
- Paine Mountain: 4 km
- Pine Lake: 1 km
- Trans Can Trail: 6.5 km
- Rock Glacier: 1.6 km
- Mt. Decoeli: 18 km
- Spruce Beetle: 2 km
- Kokanee: 1 km
- Soldier’s Summit: 1 km
- King’s Throne: 10 km
- St. Elias Lake: 7.6 km
- Tachal Dhal: 11 km
- Auriol: 15 km
- Sheep Creek: 10 km
Mayo
- Prince of Wales Trail: 2.5 km
- Devil’s Elbow: 750 m
- Crocus Hill Trail: 2.1 km
- Salmon Rearing Channel: 2.5 km
- Five Mile Lake Trail: 5 km
- Minto Bridge Trail: 1 km
- Mt. Haldane: 6.5 km
- Mt. Hinton: 10 km
- Lightning Creek Trail: 10 km
- Gambler Gulch: 16 km
- Silver Basin Trail: 4 km
- Signpost Trail: 10.5 km
- Keno 700 Trail: 11 km
- Monument Trail: 5 km
- Butterfly Trail: 1 km
Whitehorse area
- Lower McIntyre/Point Park: 2.3 km
- Boreal Worlds: 2.5 km
- Fish Lake Ridge: 6.7 km
- McIntyre Marsh: 0.5 km
- Quartz Road Wetland: 1 km
- Millennium Trail: 5 km
- Bert Law Park: 1.4 km
- Paddy’s Pond: 2.1 km
- Hidden Lakes Loop: 1.6 km
- Grey Mountain summit: 7 km
- Schwatka Lake Loop: 12.1 km
- Chadburn Lake cabins: 2.5 km
- Tagaya (Wolf Creek Campground): 2.5 km
- Coal Lake Road: 9 km
- Airport Loop: 8 km
- Long Lake Loop: 2. 7 km
Watson Lake
- Wye Lake: 3 km
- Mid Lakes Trail: 2 km
- Ski Hill Trail: 8 km
- CMD Trail: 1 km
- Raven Lunch Trail: 3 to 5 km
- South Fire Guard Trail: 5 km
- Hour Lake Trail: 2.5 km
- Liard River Loop: 4 km
- Gravel Pit Trail: 2 km
- Old Alaska Highway Trail: 7 km
- Pipeline Trail: 6 km
- Beacon Trail: 5 km
- Old Ski Hill Trail: 4 km
- Telegraph Trail: 4 km
- Lucy Allen Loop: 3.5 km
- Birds Eye View Trail: 3.5 km
- North Fire Guard Trail: 8 km
- Y2C2 Loop: 8 km
For directions and trail information, consult these resources:
Events
*We are hoping to host the following events however they are subject to change daily due to the recent COVID 19 outbreak. Please check back often for available programming. *
Wild Discoveries is back! This year's events include easy, evening walks throughout Whitehorse's neighbourhoods, Knee High Nature programs for youngsters, and the return of popular events such as the butterfly walk in Keno, Elk bugling and exploring the Carcross dunes. We're always adding new events, so check back often.
Though we are outdoors, we must remain 2 metres apart or wear a mask if closer than that. There will be no sharing of binoculars or scopes, so please bring your own.
June 22: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - CANCELLED
Out of an abundance of caution this event has been cancelled. Stay tuned for possible rescheduling.
June 26: Carcross dunes walk, 10 to 12 p.m. - CANCELLED
Out of an abundance of caution this event has been cancelled. Stay tuned for possible rescheduling.
June 29: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - CANCELLED
Out of an abundance of caution this event has been cancelled. Stay tuned for possible rescheduling.
July 6: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Riverdale
You do not have to go far from home to get immersed in nature. We’ll explore some of the trails behind Riverdale and climb up Peewee Hill to a small wetland. Dress warmly as walks will proceed at a leisurely pace with many stops. Binoculars and sturdy walking shoes recommended. Register for meeting location.
July 8: Wandering for wolves, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
Join the Wolf Management Program coordinator Peter Knamiller for an evening of wolf discovery. We will carpool to a nearby location and try our own wolf howls! Involves a 3-km hike. Register for meeting location.
July 10: Camera trapping, 10 to 12 p.m. - CANCELLED
Location: Mayo
Motion-trigger cameras provide us a non-invasive look into animal life. Join wildlife viewing staff and learn all about how camera-traps are used in wildlife research in Yukon. This is a particularly kid-friendly event.
July 11: Keno Hill alpine adventure, 10 to 1 p.m.
Location: Keno
Join biologist Mark O'Donoghue to look for pikas, marmots, alpine flowers and arctic butterflies on Keno Hill. Bring a water bottle, lunch and warm clothing. Wear sturdy hiking boots or rubber boots. Involves a 2-km hike over uneven terrain. Register for meeting location.
July 12: Beware of Baneberries, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Dawson
Baneberries are poisonous and can be found along the 9th Avenue trail in downtown Dawson. Join us to learn how to identify this species, and other plants along the trail. Register for meeting location.
July 13: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Whistle Bend
A new boardwalk gives us access to the lush wetland around Lower McIntyre Creek. We’ll look for songbirds and identify common wetland plants. As usual, binoculars and sturdy walking shoes recommended. Register for meeting location.
July 15 to 19: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Bioblitz
Location: Dawson
Join the Yukon Data Conservation Centre and experts from across Canada as they blitz the Dawson area documenting every living thing. You don't need to be an expert, just have keen eyes and desire to explore, to contribute to this science data. Visit iNaturalist for event details.
July 20: Weekly nature walks, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Crestview
The extensive trails behind Crestview go past a beaver pond and lush wetlands. But beware of the poisonous Baneberry growing here. Join us for the walk and we’ll identify the plant before carrying on to the beaver pond. As usual, binoculars and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Register for meeting location.
July 22: Fen and now, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
What is a fen? How is it different from a bog? Habitat biologist Caitlin Willier will join us for this walk and show us what’s special about this important wetland right in our own backyard. Register for meeting location.
July 27: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Riverdale
If you’re up for a challenge join us for this more difficult hike up Grey Mountain. We’ll encounter some alpine species such as Sub-alpine Fir, Moss Campion, and eagles. Good quality hiking boots, trekking poles, and a backpack with water and food are required. Register for meeting location.
August 3: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Porter Creek
Explore the trails behind Porter Creek and the little gem called Stinky Lake. We’ll look for common Yukon forest birds, plants, and other critters. Binoculars and sturdy walking shoes recommended. Register for meeting location.
August 10: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Mt. McIntyre
Did you know the cross-country ski trails offer great access to the wilderness of Whitehorse? We’ll wander the trails and look for the common critters of the forest that make their homes there. Binoculars and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Register for meeting location.
August 12: Going batty, 9 to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
Bring a camera and questions to this evening of bat viewing! Biologists will briefly capture and tag some bats as part of our bat monitoring program. Involves a 2.5-km walk over uneven terrain. Bring flashlights for the return walk in the dark, and bear spray if available. Register for meeting location.
August 17: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, downtown
The Millennium Trail may be paved, but there is still a lot to see along the banks of the Yukon River. We’ll pause at Bert Law Park to look for salmon in the shallows and berries in the bushes. Register for meeting location.
August 18: Mushrooms 101 - a fungal primer, 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Facebook Live
Kingdom Fungi is a peculiar, wonderful place. This presentation will ease beginners into the world of Yukon mushrooms, focusing on interesting biology and fungi features. This is an important place for those starting to learn about the fungus among us. Tune to the Yukon Wildlife Viewing Facebook page to join in.
August 19: Mushroom power up, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
Local mushroom man Sam Skinner will lead this walk and talk about the biology and identification of Yukon mushrooms. Register for meeting location.
August 20: Mushroom power up, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
Local mushroom man Sam Skinner will lead this walk and talk about the biology and identification of Yukon mushrooms. Register for meeting location.
August 23: Great Salt Lake, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Takhini Valley
This is the place to see rare plants and unique mineralization. Join plant enthusiast and biologist Bruce Bennett for a walk around this little-known gem of the Takhini valley. Rubber boots are suggested due to the harsh salt and soggy terrain. Carpooling is encouraged for the 90-km drive. Involves a 3-km hike. Register for meeting location.
August 24: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Riverdale
Behind the Whitehorse General Hospital there’s a great ridge that looks over a unique perspective of Whitehorse. We’ll find plants of south-facing slopes and observe how they’re changing to get ready for winter. Register for meeting location.
August 26: Ahhh nuts!, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
Join Meghan Larivee, biologist and squirrel enthusiast, for an evening stroll to learn about the fascinating world of Yukon's Red Squirrels. Register for meeting location and details.
August 30: Camera trapping, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse
Motion-trigger cameras provide us a non-invasive look into animal life. Join wildlife viewing staff and learn all about how camera-traps are used in wildlife research in Yukon. This is a particularly kid-friendly event. Register for meeting location.
August 31: Weekly nature walk, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehorse, Copper Ridge
Our last walk of the season will take us along Porcupine Ridge. The trail heads down from North Star Dr. though a damp lowland then climbs up to the ridge. As usual, binoculars and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Register for meeting location.
September 8: Red fish, blue fish, 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Scout Lake
Fisheries biologists will lead an evening walk to view Kokanee Salmon in their spawning colours. Involves a 60-km drive and 3-km hike over uneven terrain. Register for meeting location.
September 24: Elk bugling, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Takhini Valley
View Elk in rut and hear them bugling. We'll drive up the highway to the Takhini Burn (100 km) and try to spot Elk on the slopes. Be sure to dress for falling temperatures. Involves a 2-km hike. Binoculars and sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Register for meeting location.