Celebration of Swans

Swan Haven / Yukon Government Photo

Yukon's premiere bird festival, Celebration of Swans, brings residents and visitors alike out to great swan viewing areas to welcome spring to the north, arriving on the wings of the Trumpeter Swans.

Taking place during the third week of April each year, Celebration of Swans events include area birding tours, the family activity weekend, bird identification and photography workshops, art exhibits, storytelling, guest speakers from different parts of the swans' flyway, contests, and good, peaceful swan watching opportunities around southern Yukon. Keep an eye our for the 'swan flyer' schedule of events in your mailbox early April.

Over this 9-day period visitors flock to the bay, making the Celebration of Swans the largest birding event in Yukon. Approximately 10% of Yukoners make their way to Marsh Lake each year to see this spring spectacle.

Celebration of Swans Activities

At Swan Haven, join a viewing walk with interpreters and find out how the migration is unfolding, learn to watercolour or photograph, or relax on a viewing deck. Inside you'll find interpretive displays and information about the birds found here in the spring. Don't forget to vote for your favorite piece of children's art!

Each community with spring swan areas nearby hosts events to celebrate their return. Take in storytelling in Tagish, or attend workshops and presentations about swans, wetlands and other spring birds in Whitehorse. Go for a swan viewing walk at the end of Kluane Lake, near Burwash Landing. See how Yukon artists relate with wildlife at the Marsh Lake Community Centre. You can also pick up this year's swan poster at locations around Yukon.

School programs have always been a large part of spring activities at Swan Haven. Hundreds of school children make the trip with their classes to participate in activities and games interpreters put on for them, to give them some hands-on learning in a spectacular outdoor classroom. Each year interpreters receive school groups between grades 2 and 6, and a child visiting year after year learns something new each time.

Additional Resources

• Swan Haven Interpretive Centre
• Swan Links & Resources - Facts, Sounds, Pamphlets & More
• Bringing Your Class to Swan Haven
• Celebration of Swans Artwork Submissions