Wild Discoveries
2026 events calendar
Wild Discoveries are events that provide 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. All events are free and open to Yukoners and visitors alike. Please read event descriptions carefully to be prepared and comfortable during our time together.
Events
Free wildlife events
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.
You’ve got to be kidding! (Mountain Goat viewing)
Thursday, June 4, 6 to 10:30 pm
There are few better ways to spend a Thursday night than looking for ungulates on the side of a mountain in the evening glow. The story of Mountain Goats is a cliff hanger, and we’ll tell you why on an excursion to Mount White. After a short walk along the base of the mountain, we’ll set up viewing scopes for a better look at billies, nannies and kids (baby goats) in the bluffs above.
This event involves driving two hours (180 km) roundtrip and walking approximately 2.5 km return on an uneven gravel path with about 120 m of elevation gain.
Location: Meet at 10 Burns Road in Whitehorse to carpool/caravan to White Mountain.
Neighbourhood nature: Whistlebend
Monday, June 8, 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 will 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.
9th Avenue nature
Sunday, June 14, 10 to 11:30 am
The 9th 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, 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.
Neighbourhood nature: Copper Ridge
Wednesday, June 17, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.
Neighbourhood nature: Ingram delights
Tuesday, June 30, 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.
More events for July and August coming soon!
Kid's programming
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!
Contact us
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.