Wild Discoveries

All events are free and happening in communities across the territory. If registration is required (for events with a limited capacity) a link is provide in the event description.  

Audiences of all ages are welcome but these events are not designed for children. For events specifically for young people, check out our Knee High Nature and Free-Range Kids programs.

Neighbourhood nature: Whistlebend 

Monday, June 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm 

Explore local trails as part of our neighbourhood nature series. On this walk, we will walk behind Whistlebend. Along the trail we will talk about forest ecology and plant identification. We'll also make our way to a small pond where we might be lucky enough to see some waterbirds. 

This event involves walking up to 4 km on unpaved trails. There will be a couple of steep but short hills along the way. 

Location: Meet at the corner of Eldorado Drive in Whistlebend. 

See a map of the meeting location.

One fish, two fish of Teslin Lake

Wednesday, June 10 from 7 to 8 pm

Teslin Lake is a long, deep lake home to many species of fish. Each species prefers different conditions, from Northern Pike in shallow, reedy water, to Burbot who prefer the cold darkness at the bottom. Join senior fisheries biologist Cameron Sinclair on an easy stroll along the lakeshore where we’ll chat about how fish live in Teslin Lake and some of the research we’re doing there to understand more. We won’t be “viewing” any fish but we’ll be able to appreciate their habitat on this lovely evening walk. 

This event involves a 2.4 km easy walk on the Lakeshore Trail Loop in Teslin. 

Location: Meet at the recreation centre in Teslin.

See a map of the meeting location.

Grasslands walk 

Thursday, June 11 from 7 to 8:30 pm 

Though the Yukon is dominated by boreal forest, there are mini-grasslands all around, remnants of the last ice age. These ancient ecosystems have unique plants, some of which are found nowhere else. Join habitat biologist Caitlin Willier on a visit to a grassland in Whitehorse and learn about what lives in these mini-ecosystems. 

Location: Meet at the pullout at the top of the hill on the Chadburn Lake Rd. 

See a map of the meeting location.

Crocus Bluff trail

Friday, June 12 from 7 to 8 :30 pm 

Stretch your legs on an evening walk along Dawson’s Crocus Bluff trail. Enjoy a nice view and learn about some of the plants and habitats along the way. 

This event involves walking approximately 2 km over gentle terrain.

Location: Crocus Bluff trailhead on Mary McLeod (Dome) Road. 

See a map of the meeting location.

Orchid Acres

Saturday, June 13 from 10 to 11 am 

Spotted Lady’s-slipper orchids are beautiful to behold, and West Dawson is home to tens of thousands of them. We’ll wander along the Orchid Acres trail and learn about these delicate flowers (and the profusion of other interesting local plants). Remember to take only photos and leave the flowers for all to enjoy. 

This event involves hiking approximately 2 km with changes in elevation.

Location: Meet at the Yukon River Campground entrance on the west side of the Yukon River. From there, we’ll carpool/caravan 5 km to the trailhead.

See a map of the meeting location.

Walking on top of the world

Saturday, June 13 from 11:30 am to 4 pm

Pack your lunch for an afternoon road trip! The Top of the World Highway follows mountain ridgelines through diverse ecosystems and offers spectacular views from above. We’ll stop at the Fortymile Caribou lookout at km 14 then head up to km 56 for a picnic at Castle Rock viewpoint. After, we’ll take a short stroll through the subalpine while looking for rare plants like the Twin-flowered Violet. At this point you are welcome to continue exploring the Top of the World on your own or return to Dawson. 

This event involves driving at least 110 km return on the Top of the World highway (partially paved) and walking up to 2 km in uneven alpine terrain. 

Location: Meet at the Yukon River campground entrance on the west side of the Yukon River. From there, we’ll carpool (space-permitting) or caravan 55 km on the Top of the World Highway. We will stay on the Yukon side of the border.

See a map of the meeting location.

9^th Avenue nature

Sunday, June 14 from 10 to 11:30 am

The 9^th Avenue Trail skirts downtown Dawson but is anything but urban. Local nature enthusiast Sebastian Jones will guide us through the many ecosystems found along this trail, from Beringian Steppe and aspen parklands to boreal forest. 

This walk makes a 5-km loop (including the Riverside Connector trail) with minimal elevation gain. 

Location: Meet outside the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre. 

See a map of the meeting location.

The ‘humble’ ground squirrel

Tuesday, June 16 from 7 to 8 pm

Don’t underestimate the Arctic Ground Squirrel. These remarkable mammals are nature’s aerators and play a critical role in the ecosystem. Join Tom Jung, senior wildlife biologist, to look and listen for these chatty rodents and learn about their behaviours and “sleeping” superpower. 

Ground squirrels prefer warm, sunny weather, so if conditions aren’t ideal they may stay below ground. 

This event involves walking less than 1 km over gentle terrain. 

Location: Meet at the ‘mammoth’ parking lot of the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.

See map of meeting location. 

Neighbourhood nature: Copper Ridge

Wednesday, June 17 from 7 to 8:30 pm

Explore local trails as part of our neighbourhood nature series. This week, we’ll walk part of the Porcupine Ridge trail behind Copper Ridge. We’ll follow a series of switchbacks down to a fen where we’ll look for interesting plants and birds, then climb up to the ridge on the other side. After doing a loop on the ridge, we’ll return the same way. 

This event involves walking up to 4 km on trails with two big downs and two big ups. 

Location: Meet at the greenbelt across from North Star Drive and Iron Horse Drive in Copper Ridge. 

See a map of the meeting location.

Who’s in there? Cavity nesting birds

Thursday, June 18 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Woodpeckers are not the only birds who make their homes in hollowed trees. We’ve asked researchers from Yukon University to guide us on walk to see some cavity nests and learn about the birds who live there. We’ll watch from a respectful distance for any feathered friends coming and going. 

This walk involves moving through the forest off-trail. Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

Location: This event will be in Whitehorse. Exact meeting location to be determined closer to the date to improve our chances of viewing success. 

See map of meeting location. (coming soon)

Orchid walk at Paddy’s Pond

Tuesday, June 23 from 7 to 8:30 pm 

Wild orchids are bountiful in some habitats but can be surprisingly hard to find if you don’t know where to look. We do! Look for these elegant flowers on the Hillcrest trails with the guidance of Denise Gordon, orchid enthusiast and Government of Yukon ecologist. If the timing is right, we’ll see one or more species in bloom. 

This event involves walking about 3 km on an uneven, muddy trail. Wear rubber boots and bring warm layers as we won’t be moving very quickly, and we’ll be in the shade.

Location: Meet at the bus stop on Hillcrest Drive between Chalet Crescent and Kluane Crescent.  

See a map of the meeting location.

Neighbourhood nature: Yukon University

Thursday, June 25 from 7 to 8 pm

Explore local trails as part of our neighbourhood nature series. On this walk we’ll explore the Boreal Worlds trail behind Yukon University. This trail passes over a south-facing slope, wanders by a pond, follows a quick flowing stream, and winds through an open pine forest. With so many ecosystems to explore, there’s so much to see. 

This event involves walking approximately 4 km with some short but fairly steep sections. 

Location: Meet at the pumphouse at Middle McIntyre. Follow University Drive to an unmarked dirt road on your left. Follow it until it ends at the pumphouse. 

See map of the meeting location.

Carcross dune walk 

Saturday, June 27 from 10 to 11:30 am

The shifting dunes in Carcross provide a home for plants and insects found nowhere else in the territory. Join us on a short walk to learn about this interesting ecosystem and the geological events that shaped the land.

This event involves walking approximately 2 km in loose sand.

Location: Meet at the Carcross Desert rest stop, km 108 South Klondike highway.

See map of meeting location. 

Neighbourhood nature: Ingram delights   

Tuesday, June 30 from 7 to 8:30 pm 

Explore local trails as part of our neighbourhood nature series. On this walk, we’ll follow the ridge trail behind Ingram and McIntyre and enjoy a view of Chasàn Chùa Territorial Park while we look and listen for animals in the wetland below. We’ll descend from the ridge and walk back beside the wetland. Wear rubber boots or hiking boots if it’s been raining recently as this lower trail can be mucky. 

This event involves walking about 3 km on trails with minimal elevation gain. 

Location: Meet at the trail access by Pintail Place and Mallard Way. (Parking is along Mallard Way.)

See a map of the meeting location.

Mt. White Bioblitz hike

Sunday, July 5, from 10 am to 3 pm

The Yukon Conservation Data Centre is hosting a bioblitz in areas along the Atlin Road and the Wildlife Viewing Program will be there! We’ll be guiding a short but very steep hike up the communications tower trail at Mt. White, bioblitzing our way to the top. This hike is quite steep so we’ll use iNaturalist to document what we see while we catch our breaths. Once at the top we’ll be treated to some spectacular views of Little Atlin Lake and beyond. 

You do not need to be part of the whole bioblitz to join us on this hike. All are welcome but sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are required. Pack a lunch and layers for changing weather conditions. 

Location: Meet at the gravel pit gate at km 5.6 of the Atlin Road. It's about a one-hour drive Whitehorse to the trailhead so leave enough time to meet us there.

See a map of exact meeting location.  

Dam good beavers

Tuesday, July 7, from 7 to 9 pm

As part of the bioblitz, we’ll be documenting plants and animals we find from the water. BYOB (boat) for a paddle across Snafu Lake to a series of beaver dams and lodges. We’ll haul up some of the dams into some beaver ponds to see if we can watch these industrious rodents at work. Along the way we’ll be documenting what we find as part of the bioblitz. 

This is a simple paddle on flatwater but is not the time for paddling instruction. You must be able to navigate your own non-motorized vessel whether canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. 

Your vessel must have all the required safety equipment, and you must wear a PFD to participate. Dress for the weather with extra layers as the temperature cools in the evening. 

Location: Meet at the Snafu campground boat launch with your equipment ready to go at 7 pm. The Snafu campground is about a 1.5 hour drive from Whitehorse. 

See a map of the exact meeting location. 

Wildlife on the water

Thursday, July 9, from 7 to 9 pm

Sometimes the best wildlife viewing experiences can be from the water. We’ll be paddling in a group around Chadburn Lake looking for beavers, otters, loons, and ducks, while scanning the slopes for bears, deer, woodpeckers and hikers. The clear waters give us an amazing look at beaver lodges, and any critters swimming below the surface. 

This is not time for paddling instruction. You must bring your own non-motorized watercraft (canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard) and all the required safety equipment. You must wear your PFD to participate in this wonderful water wildlife viewing event. 

Location: Meet at the boat launch at Chadburn Lake.

See a map of the exact meeting location.

Balade découverte sur les plantes sauvages comestibles  

Mardi 14 juillet, 19 h à 20 h 30  

Activité en français !  

Partez à la découverte des plantes boréales comestibles au gré d’une balade et d’une discussion avec Sylvie Binette, biologist et fervente adepte d’ethnobotanique. L’atelier porte sur la découverte et l’utilisation responsible de plantes sauvages qui sont comestibles.  

Sylvie Binette est propriétaire de Heavenly Wild, une petite entreprise qui se concentre sur la cueillette, la transformation et la cuisine de plantes sauvages, à travers des ateliers.  

Point de rencontre : stationnement du canyon Miles.

Regarder une carte du point de rencontre.

Monkey see, Monkeyflower!

Wednesday, July 15, from 7 to 8:30 pm

In a hidden valley behind Crestview neighbourhood lies a mineral seep. The warm moisture from the seep has created a micro-ecosystem of different plants that we don’t often see around Whitehorse. On this walk we’ll look for plants like the Monkeyflower, Bog Orchid and Cow Parsnip, as well as other critters we come across. 

This walk involves walking up to 4 km on uneven trails with one short but very steep hill to get down into the seep. Closed-toed shoes are a must! 

Location: Meet at the corner of Klukshu and Crag Road in Crestview.

See a map of the meeting location. 

Living on the edge: Minto Bridge trail

Friday, July 17 from 7 to 8 pm

Join us for an evening stroll along the Mayo River. The Minto Bridge trail passes through a number of habitats with excellent birding and flowers to enjoy. This gentle walk with no elevation gain takes us along the banks of the Mayo River on a narrow footpath.

Location: Meet at the Minto Bridge rest area, about 15 km north of Mayo.

See a map of the meeting location.

Pika palace

Sunday, July 19 from 10:00 am to 12 pm

The mining roads of Keno Hill give us access to the alpine and prime pika and marmot habitat. Join long-time local biologist Mark O’Donoghue for a short off-trail hike to look for Collared Pika, Hoary Marmots, alpine flowers and birds and arctic butterflies. Bring sturdy boots, warm layers and drinking water/snacks. 

Location: Meet at the Alpine Interpretive Centre in Keno City (next to the mining museum at the Silver Trail and Duncan Creek Road intersection). We'll carpool/caravan 10 km up an old mining road to Keno Hill (a high clearance vehicle is recommended). Keno is approximately 5.5 hours from Whitehorse and 3.5 hours from Dawson City.   

See a map of meeting location. 

All the small things

Tuesday, July 21 from 7 to 9 pm

The vast food web of the boreal forest is all built on a foundation of small things: berries, seeds, mushrooms and bunnies. The Community Ecological Monitoring Program has been tracking these critical elements from the same research plots for decades. Join Government of Yukon biologists at one of these plots to learn how we count them, what we’re looking for, and what we do with all that information. We'll set up the instruments and give you training so we can survey the plot together and make you a citizen scientist.

We’ll be right down on the ground counting small things, so long pants that can withstand some wear are recommended. 

Location: Gunnar Nilsson/Mickey Lammers Research Forest, km 197 North Klondike Highway. The research forest is about a 20-minute drive north of Whitehorse before the Takhini Hotsprings Road.

See a map of the meeting location. 

After the fire: Forest regeneration and resilience

Wednesday, July 22 from 7 to 9 pm 

Forest fires leave a path of destruction in their wake, but that’s not the whole story. There’s life after the fire and the recent burn at the Takhini River Bridge gives us an opportunity to witness the pioneer plants and animals returning. Plant ecologist Jill Johnstone will lead us on a walk through this regenerating forest to talk about the ecology of burns and how the systems changed through the fire cycle. 

This walk involves walking through a burned forest with lingering soot and debris. Closed-toed shoes and clothing that might get sooty are recommended. 

Location: Meet at the Cousins Airstrip rest stop (the big pullout before the North Klondike Highway). From there we will carpool or caravan to the Takhini River Bridge on the Alaska highway, about 40 km away.

See a map of exact meeting location.

A dreamy hike

Thursday, July 23 from 9 am to 4 pm

The Dream Trail is arguably the best hike within Whitehorse city limits. It’s long with significant elevation gain, but the views are incredible for such an “urban” trail. We’ll hike out-and-back, investigating plants, listening to birds and looking for signs of other wildlife along the way. 

Though it is within the city, this is still a rugged hiking trail. Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, rain gear, lunch and water are required. You may also want trekking poles. This hike will cover 17 km return with 700 m of elevation gain. 

Location: Meet at the Magnusson trailhead parking lot.

See a map of the meeting location.

Mt. Anderson hike wildflower hike

Saturday, August 1 from 9:30 am to 5 pm

This Wheaton valley trail follows an old quad-track at a steady incline into the alpine. We’ll stop for lunch at a small pond and scan the slopes for caribou. Along the way we’ll look at alpine flowers, watch for raptors, listen for marmots, and maybe spot a surprise guest – like a Mountain Goat!

You’ll need sturdy hiking books, warm clothing layers, rain gear, lunch and water. Trekking poles are recommended. This trail covers 14 km with 867 m of elevation gain.

Registration is required so we can provide updates if needed.

Register for this event.

Location: Meet at the parking lot at the start of the Annie Lake Road on the South Klondike Highway, about 17 km from the Alaska Highway turnoff. From there, we'll carpool/caravan 34 km on a gravel road to the trailhead.     

See a map of the meeting location. 

More events for July and August coming soon!

Knee-High Nature and Free-Range Kids

Our children's programming is about spending time outdoors exploring the natural world with your kids. Each week, we focus on a different theme, with hands-on activities and lots of movement. Knee-High Nature programs are targeted to toddlers, about four years old and under. Free Range Kids programs are designed for kids ages five to ten.

Busy birds

Tuesday, June 23

Location: Robert Service Campground See map of meeting location. 

1 to 2 pm: Knee-high Nature: Do you know where birds live and how they build their nests? We’ll listen for bird calls and look for birds, then try to build bird nests of our own.

2 to 3 pm: Free-Range Kids: Some birds prefer nesting in comfy homes. Join us to build bird houses together! We’ll provide all the materials, just bring your own hammer and a power drill if possible. 

Pretty plants

Tuesday, June 30

Location: Middle McIntyre pumphouse See map of meeting location

1 to 2 pm: Knee-high Nature: There are so many plants all around us. We’ll look at the differences between flowers and trees and play some games to get to know them. 

2 to 3 pm: Free-range Kids: How well do you know the plants in the forest. We’ll learn some of their names and become familiar with them in a fun scavenger hunt. 

More events for kids coming in July and August!

If you have questions about events or meeting locations contact us email [email protected] or phone 867-667-8291 or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 8291.