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.

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 kilometres 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 kilometres in loose sand.

Location: Meet at the Carcross Desert rest stop, kilometre 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 rainy as this lower trail can be mucky. 

This event involves walking about 3 kilometres 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 breath. 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 kilometre 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 a 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.

Going Batty! In Watson Lake

Friday, July 10 from 11 pm to midnight

Bring a camera and questions to this evening of bat viewing. Biologists will briefly capture and tag bats as part of our monitoring program, so you’ll have a chance to see them up close. We’ll trap bats well into the night and you’ll welcome to stay and watch well past bedtime.

This event involves standing and waiting for the bats to come out, so a lawn chair and warm clothes are recommended.

Location: Watson Lake airport, kilometre 10 Robert Campbell highway

See a map of exact meeting location. 

But Wye?

Saturday, July 11 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm 

The southern corner of the Yukon is home to some unique plants and animals that aren’t found elsewhere in the territory. For some species, Watson Lake is the northern limit of their range. We’ll take a gentle walk around easy trails of Wye Lake and talk about why this is such a good place to see wildlife.

Location: Meet at the Wye Lake Park main parking area. 8th Street N, Watson Lake

See map of exact meeting location. 

Balade découverte sur les plantes sauvages comestibles

Mardi 14 juillet, de 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, biologiste et fervente adepte d’ethnobotanique. L’atelier porte sur la découverte et l’utilisation responsable 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.

Voir le point de rencontre sur une carte.

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 kilometres 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.

Who’s in there? Cavity nesting birds

Thursday, July 16 from 7 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.)

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 kilometres north of Mayo.

See a map of the meeting location.

Not-actually-5-Miles nature walk

Saturday, July 18 from 10 to 11:30 am

As part of Parks Day celebrations we’re leading a nature walk around 5 Mile Lake. Don’t let the name deceive you, the walk is only 3 km long. We’ll look at the different plants and animals that make their homes in a "riparian" habitat. 

This event involves walking an uneven trail with little elevation change, but possible blow-down trees or detours. Closed-toed shoes and bug spray are highly recommended.

Location: Meet at the beach parking area at 5 Mile Lake campground. 

See a map of the meeting location.

Family nature games at 5 Mile Lake

Saturday, July 18 from 1 to 4 pm

Join the Wildlife Viewing Program at the beach for fun nature activities for the whole family. Drop-in between 1 and 4 pm for scavenger hunts, games, or nature challenges to celebrate the wildlife of our parks.

Location: 5 Mile Lake campground, beach parking area.

See a map of the meeting location.

Learn to paddle a canoe

Saturday, July 18 at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm 

Paddling a canoe is the quintessential park experience. Learn the basics of canoeing from entering and exiting a canoe, paddle strokes, and safety. All equipment including canoes, life jackets, paddles and safety equipment are provided. 

Space is limited so register here for a timeslot to learn to paddle. (Registration opens June 18). 

Location: This event takes place at 5 Mile Lake in Mayo. Canoes will be launched from a sand beach, but dock access is available for people with limited mobility. 

Campfire singalong and s’mores

Saturday, July 18, 7 to 8:30 pm

Finish off your Parks Day fun singing songs and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. We’ll mix up the playlist with some summer camp favourites and classic singalongs. Songs books, marshmallows and enthusiastic-but-not-necessarily-talented musical leaders are provided. Bring an acoustic instrument to play along!

Location: 5 Mile Lake campground, exact site to be determined. Look for signs at the campground.

Pika palace

Sunday, July 19 from 10 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 kilometres 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 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 here.

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. 

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 so register here. (Registration opens in mid-July)

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

A berry interesting walk

Tuesday, August 4 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 in to the roost on a flat but uneven and rooty trail, about 2.5 kilometres total. 

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. 

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 (km 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, km 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 ***NEW TIMES***

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.

Pretty plants

Tuesday, June 30

Location: Middle McIntyre pumphouse See map of meeting location

10 to 11 am: 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. 

11 to 12 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.

Itty bitty bugs

Tuesday, July 14

Location: Jim Light Park (By the old High Country Inn in Whitehorse) See map of meeting location.

10 to 11 am: Knee-high Nature: Bring your itty-bitty people to learn about itty-bitty things. When you’re close to the ground, it’s a great time for a close-up look at the insect world. We’ll hunt for some bugs and do some colouring. 

11 to 12 pm: Free-range Kids: There are many different types of insects in the Yukon and we’ll try to classify the ones we find. We have magnifying lenses to get a closer look at their tiny world.
 

Mystery mammals

Tuesday, July 21

Location: Robert Service Campground See map of meeting location. 

10 to 11 am Knee-high Nature: From tiny voles to the huge Wood Bison, the Yukon is home to all sorts of mammals. We’ll play games to learn about what they eat including a close look at different types of teeth.

11 to 12 pm Free-range Kids: What is an herbivore and how are their teeth different from that of a carnivore? We’ll look at skulls and tracks to learn the different types of mammals and how they live in the Yukon.

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.