The first large groups of swans have reached patches of open water in the Yukon’s Southern Lakes, a critical stop on their northerly migration. The annual Celebration of Swans is underway and offering Yukoners plenty of chances to learn about the birds and participate swan-central activities.
As of the most recent count published to the website detailing events at Swan Haven on April 10, 633 trumpeter swans and six tundra swans had been seen. The count as of April 10 was below average for that date but well-exceeded the 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023 counts.
According to information posted to the Yukon government’s website, April 19 marks the beginning of family weekend and the “Swan Olympics” at Swan Haven. The event running on both April 19 and 20 offers opportunities for families to learn about swans, view them and participate in games and crafts for younger audiences. It runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.
April 19 will also have face painting with the Girl Guides, who will also have their cookies on sale.
April 20 will offer a selfie and craft station operated by Northern Lights School of Dance. The school is gearing up for a production of famous ballet Swan Lake. It will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also scheduled for April 20 is a workshop with Rhoda Merkel, the artist-in-residence at Swan Haven for this year. Participants will be able to make a hanging or 3D swan ornament out of clay and sew a button onto a button blanket.
Events at Swan Haven pick back up on April 24 with a senior’s tea between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Those arriving as a group are being asked to contact wildlife.viewing@yukon.ca by email to book an arrival time. The announcement notes that the first floor of the Swan Haven Centre can be accessed by a wooden boardwalk and ramp for those with mobility challenges.
Also on April 24 is another event led by Merkel where she will share stories and encourage participants to add buttons to the blanket she is making. This runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Access to the interpretive centre will be limited to senior’s tea participants during this time. Merkel will also be showing off what she is working on during the residency between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 26, putting on a free watercolour workshop on April 27 at 1 p.m. and hosting an evening showcase of her work from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 29.
Those looking to turn some tires as road-cycling season begins will be able to use a shuttle to either get to Swan Haven with their bikes or returning after the roughly 45 km ride on April 26. Organizers say it is not a group ride and is unsupported so riders should pack accordingly. Those who want to ride the shuttle are encouraged to register by emailing info@terrariders.ca before 5 p.m. on April 24 as the shuttle can accommodate 15 people each direction. it costs $20 per person.
Closing out the April events will be “a short but steep hike” up the M’Clintock West Ridge for an elevated view of Swan Haven with Yukon Wildlife Viewing Staff on April 30. The hike runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants will meet at the Department of Environment building in Whitehorse before carpooling to the trail head.
Regardless of when people are visiting Swan Haven during the month of April, they will be able to learn about the swan migration using a 25-minute audio tour that can be accessed using phones or tablets using a QR code on a sign at the interpretive centre.
Those looking to participate in the celebration without leaving Whitehorse can check out Drawn Together: One artist and 1,400 swans, an art exhibition shown in the Yukon Arts Centre Community Gallery. It is the product of artist Martha Ritchie’s 2024 residency at Swan Haven. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and during special events. It features artwork in a variety of formats: drawings, linocuts and mixed-medium pieces.
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com
