Wild Discoveries

All events are free and happen 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.

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 kilometres 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 kilometres return with 700 metres of elevation gain. 

Location: Meet at the Magnusson trailhead parking lot.

See a map of the meeting location.

Nature at noon

Monday, July 27 from 12:10 to 12:50 pm 

Get out of the office for a quick nature break over the lunch hour! We’ll walk the trails along the clay cliffs and learn a bit more about the plants and animals of “the wilderness city.” Nature is a good brain-break and reset before getting back to work. 

Location: Meet at the end of Wood Street, past 8th Avenue

See a map of the meeting location.

The bear necessities

Tuesday, July 28 from 7 to 8:30 pm

While running into a bear while hiking is not an everyday occurrence, spotting signs of bear activity is easy if you know what to look for! Join Isabelle Cliche from the Department of Environment to talk about what makes good habitat for a bear while we keep our eyes peeled for scat, tracks and claw marks.

This event involves walking 5 kilometres with 91 metres of elevation gain (some short but steep hills). Be sure to sure wear good walking shoes and trekking poles may be of assistance. 

Location: Hidden Lakes, Whitehorse.

See a map of exact meeting location. 

Neighbourhood nature: Porter Creek

Thursday, July 30 from 7 to 8:30 pm

Explore local trails as part of our neighbourhood nature series. On this we’ll walk the trails in Porter Creek to a bluff overlooking “Stinky Lake.” If time allows we’ll follow the trail around the lake comparing the vegetation from high on the hill to down low in the dark forest. Bring your questions, curiosity or just a desire to walk in nature on this neighbourhood walk.

This walk travels about 4 kilometres on uneven trails with one quite steep section. Good walking shoes are recommended. 

Location: Top of Pine Street in Porter Creek.

See a map of exact meeting location. 

Mt. Anderson 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 kilometres with 867 metres of elevation gain.

Registration is required so we can provide updates if needed.

Register for the Mt. Anderson hike.

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

See a map of the meeting location. 

Guided forest bath

Tuesday, August 4 from 7 to 8:30 pm

This guided experience is designed to deepen your connection with nature, promote wellness and nurture a sense of presence. It has been inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” – literally bathing in the essence of the forest.

We'll follow a gentle structure that prioritizes invitations and exploration. Each individual works in partnership with the natural world in crafting their unique experience.

This event involves being still in the forest but may require travelling over uneven terrain for about 1.5 kilometres to access the location. Be prepared for the weather including sun protection and rain gear (sometimes at the same time), bug spray and a small mat or chair to sit on. 

Space is limited. Register for this event. (Registration opens at noon one week before.)

Location: This event will take place in Whitehorse. The exact location will be provided to registered participants. 

A berry interesting walk

Wednesday, August 5 from 12:10 to 12:50 pm

Bert Law Island has a remarkable diversity of berries including non-native species and a poisonous berry to watch for. This quick lunchtime walk take us around the island learning to identify them all.

Leave the buckets at home, this is not a berry picking event! We’ll learn how to identify the berry plants and talk about their ecology, while doing our best to get you back to work on time. (Maybe don’t book a meeting for 1 pm though.)

Location: Meet at the pedestrian bridge to Bert Law island (along the Millennium trail as it passes through Robert Service campground).

See a map of the meeting location.  

Going batty!

Friday, August 7 from 10 pm to 12:30 am (yes, you read that right)

Calling all night owls, it’s time to stay up late! This late-night interpretive walk is a fan-favourite as you’ll get a close look at these remarkable flying mammals. We’ll demonstrate how we trap, weigh, measure, tag and release bats as part of our on going research. 

Bring warm layer, bug spray and a headlamp as it will eventually get dark. You’ll need to walk to the roost on a flat but uneven and rooty trail, about 2.5 kilometres roundtrip. 

Location: Meet at the Chadburn Lake Recreation Site at the end of the Chadburn Lake Road. 

See a map of the meeting location.

Takhini Salt Flats

Tuesday, August 11 from 5 to 8:30 pm

Discover what wildlife thrives in a salty environment. Join plant expert Bruce Bennett for a scenic stroll through a mosaic of meadow, open forest and ponds and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.

Rubber boots and warm layers are recommended. This event involves walking up to 3 kilometres over uneven terrain and potentially wet ground.  

Location: Meet at the Government of Yukon Department of Environment office at 10 Burns Road, Whitehorse. We'll carpool/caravan 45 kilometres (one way) to the site and back.    

See map of exact meeting location. 

Swimming salmon

Wednesday, August 12 from 7 to 8:30 pm

This walk begins at the Whitehorse Fish Ladder where Chinook Salmon must navigate around the Whitehorse Dam after swimming almost 3,000 km upriver on route to their spawning areas. Join fisheries biologist Elizabeth MacDonald to learn about salmon ecology, habitat and how the dam has changed their journey. Elizabeth is with the Yukon First Nation Salmon Stewardship Alliance, supported by the Council of Yukon First Nations.  

This event involves walking up to 3 km on the paved Millennium trail. Polarized sunglasses are recommended to better see salmon in the water. 

Space is limited. Register for this event. 

Neighbourhood nature: Wolf Creek subdivision

Tuesday, August 18 from 7 to 8:30 pm

This week on our neighbourhood nature walk, we’ll stroll along a lush creek and climb a small ridge offering a picturesque view over a wetland. We’ll meander along a ridge and climb a couple of short, steep hills before returning in the forest. 

This event involves walking up to 4 kilometres on undulating single-track and ATV trails with two short but steep hills.  

Location: Meet at the trail entrance on Harbottle Road, roughly halfway between Boss Road and Langholz Road, in the Wolf Creek subdivision (on the southwest side of the highway). 

See a map of the meeting location.  

Mushroom power up #1

Thursday, August 20 from 7 to 8:30 pm

Join local mushroom enthusiast Sam Skinner for a primer on fungi and a short walk to see how many we can identify. You’ll learn about the importance of fungi in our ecosystems and why a mushroom is like the tip of an iceberg in the ocean.

This event involves walking 1 kilometre over uneven terrain with one steep, short hill.    

Registration is required for this popular event. (Registration opens one week before at 12 pm). Cancel your registration if you can’t make it so someone else can join.

Location: Whitehorse. Exact meeting location provided to registrants. 

Bye bye birds

Saturday, August 22 from 7 to 8 pm

The birds are migrating south again and the Society of Yukon Bird Observatories are monitoring them as they travel along Teslin Lake. Learn the history and methodology of bird banding at this relaxing campfire talk.

This event involves sitting around a campfire in the evening. Bring a camp chair and warm blanket to sit back and hear about more than 20 years of research.

Location: Teslin Lake Campground (kilometre 1258 of Alaska Highway) picnic shelter. Access/parking is between sites 19 and 20. 

See a map of exact meeting location. 

Bird banding demonstration

Sunday, August 23 drop-in between 6:30 to 9 am (You read that right; this event is early!)

The early bird gets the worm, and the early biologists get the birds. Set your alarm and join us at the Teslin Lake bird observatory to watch the banders in action. They’ll have mist nest set up to careful catch birds before weighing, measuring, banding and releasing them. We’ll have coffee on, so stop by to get a close-up look at some birds.

Location: Follow the walking trail next to site 19 of the Teslin Lake campground, kilometre 1258 Alaska Highway. 

See a map of exact event location. 

Mushroom power up #2

Thursday, August 27 from 7 to 8:30 pm

This event is so popular we offer it twice! Local mushroom enthusiast Sam Skinner will once again share a primer on fungi and take us on a short walk to see how many we can identify. You’ll learn about the importance of fungi in our ecosystems and why a mushroom is like the tip of an iceberg in the ocean.

Note this is not a mushroom picking event. It involves walking 1 kilometre over uneven terrain.

Registration is required for this popular event. (Registration opens one week before at 12 pm). Cancel your registration if you can’t make it so someone else can join.

Location: Whitehorse. Exact meeting location provided to registrants. 
 

More events coming soon!

Knee-High Nature and Free-Range Kids

Our kids' programs help families to spend time outdoors while exploring the natural world together. Each week, we focus on a different theme, with hands-on activities and lots of movement. 

Knee-High Nature programs is for toddlers, 4 years old and under. 
Free Range Kids programs is for children ages 5 to 10.

Amazing amphibians

Tuesday, July 28

Location: Middle McIntyre pumphouse See map of meeting location 

10 to 11 am Knee-high Nature: Toddlers will be delighted to learn about the frogs of the Yukon and search the shoreline for newly hatched froglets.

11 to 12 pm Free-range Kids: Play the frog fortune game and search the shoreline for froglets as you learn about amphibians in the Yukon. 

That's all for events specifically for kids!

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.