They don’t call Whitehorse "The Wilderness City" for nothing. Wildlife is everywhere, and a keen eye can spot indigenous plants and animal species without even leaving town. Springtime brings eagles to the treetops, while ravens are a common site all year long.

When walking around the 5km millennium trail that runs alongside the Yukon River be sure to cross the bridge to Bert Law Park, a great place to stop and learn about local plant life. Or take an interpreted walk with the Yukon Conservation Society along Miles Canyon to learn about all the flora and fauna of the area.

A trip to the world famous Whitehorse Fish Ladder is well worth it when the salmon are running in August. This fish ladder is the largest of its type and allows the spawning salmon to swim upstream over the hydroelectric dam. The Fish Ladder is open all summer, and helpful interpreters will answer any questions one might have about the lifecycle of salmon. .Take a few minutes and watch the kayakers who play in the water around the dam and under the bridge but please NO FISHING within 25 meters of the dam.

When driving to and from Whitehorse be sure to be aware of wildlife on the highway. Seeing bison, sheep, moose, deer, bear and caribou are not uncommon. Bear are often seen on both the Haines highway and the highway from Skagway to Whitehorse. Wild animals are not subject to the rules of the road and will cross as they please. For safety reasons, please do not approach any of these animals. Visit any of the Yukon Visitor Information Centers for information about safely observing wildlife.

Keep an eye out for berries in early summer especially raspberries and wild strawberries found along the sides of the road; cranberries that can be found in abundance in late summer. Remember dandelions and the sweet new grass that grows along the side of the highway in the spring is a favourite for bears so bring your camera.