Guided Hikes & Created at the Canyon
Through our free guided hikes and other programming at Miles/Kwanlin Canyon, we help visitors and locals alike learn about conservation by exploring nature. We also offer a glimpse into the First Nations history of the area and the Klondike Gold Rush. See human and natural history come to life before your eyes as you explore and learn with our trail guide interpreters.
Free Guided Nature Hikes: Miles Canyon to Canyon City
Two-hour nature and history hikes leaving daily from Miles/Kwanlin Canyon in the summer months.
Hikes will run THURSDAY JUNE 18th to SATURDAY AUGUST 15th, 2020
When: 2pm - Tuesday through Friday; 10 am & 2 pm Saturdays
Where: Meet at the Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge below the Miles Canyon parking lot
Please note that Friday August 14th there will be no hike at Miles Canyon, but there will be a specialty hike at McIntyre Creek at 11 am.
Under Phase 2 (Effective July 1st, 2020) - Outdoor gatherings can include up to 50 people
Under Phase 3 (Effective August 1st, 2020) - Outdoor gatherings remain at 50. Seated outdoor events with 100 people, such as weddings, will also be allowed.
Our two-hour, easy walking hikes are fun for avid nature enthusiasts, hikers and families alike. Learn about the Gold Rush, First Nations history, geology, plants, animals and so much more! Hikes leave from the bridge during the summer, rain or shine. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own water and snacks – Miles Canyon has no facilities except an outhouse. We practice Leave No Trace principles on the trail. Special themed hikes with guest leaders will take place periodically throughout the summer.
No registration is required for any of our hikes - just show up on time at Miles Canyon Bridge! Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to attend.
No transportation is provided to the Canyon. The Canyon is not serviced by public transit. It is a long walk (7.3 km or approx. one and a half hours) from downtown.
For information about hikes, please call 867-668-5678 or email us.
Our regular hikes are great for people of all ages, including children, who are capable of walking 5km over mostly gentle terrain.
Special Events & Themed Hikes 2020
Bear Awareness Hike - Friday, July 17th, 2020 at 2pm
Stories of the Gold Rush - Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 at 2pm
Bhangra at the Canyon - Wednesday, July 29th at noon
Kid-Friendly Mini-Hike - Saturday, August 1st at 11 am
Plants & The Changing Environment - Saturday, August 1st at 2pm
Beringia Hike - Tuesday, August 4th at 2 pm
McIntyre Creek - Friday, August 14th, at 11 am
Our Specialty Hikes Program in 2020 is sponsored by Yukon Energy.
Created at the Canyon
Created at the Canyon is an outdoors art event celebrating artistic perspectives on nature and history in the Yukon, hosted by the Yukon Conservation Society (YCS). YCS has hosted an “art on the trails” event at Miles Canyon since 2012. These events give local artists an opportunity to reflect on and create art outdoors while sharing their process and inspiration with the public.
Call for Artists
For more information see the document here. For the application click here.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 26th, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Exhibit Launch August 19th at the Yukon Arts Centre Community Gallery (the exhibit will run until September 28th, 2020)
2020 Featured Artists:
Jackie Irvine * Julia Cottle * Leighann Chalykoff * Martha Ritchie * Sean Smith * Selina Heyligers-Hare
The artists create original works of art outdoors, inspired by the culturally and ecologically significant landscape of Miles Canyon and the Yukon River.
Top to bottom: Martha Ritchie, Julia Cottle, Jackie Irvine, Leighann Chalykoff
Link to Selina Heyligers-Hare's video 'Waves'
Link to Sean Smith's video - 'Kwanlin Dän Nlhäshejäl - People of Kwanlin Gathered Together'
This project is made possible through the assistance of Arts Fund, Department of Tourism and Culture, Jeanie Dendys, Minister.
Thank you also to these sponsors of Created at the Canyon and the Yukon Conservation Society Interpretation Program:
Government of Yukon
Government of Canada
City of Whitehorse Recreation Grant
Yukon Arts Centre
Special thanks to CHON-FM for their advertising donation for Created at the Canyon, and to the Yukon Chocolate Company for their donation for the exhibit launch.
Documents
Created at the Canyon - Current and Former Artists
Created at the Canyon - 2020 artists brochure
Created at the Canyon - Overview
Created at the Canyon - 2020 Application
Related News & Events
Created at the Canyon 2017: Artwork will be exhibited August 2nd - September 1st
July 11, 2017
Six local artists created original work in Miles Canyon. Artwork will be exhibited August 2nd - September 1st 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday at the Northern Front Studio, Waterfront Station (curved roof bldg)
Created at the Canyon 2018
June 7, 2018
Applications for artists are now closed.
Extra Hike: Lunchtime Wild Edible Plants Walk
June 27, 2018
Friday June 29, 12:30-1:30pm, meet at the Miles Canyon bridge
Created at the Canyon: Apply by June 3!
May 9, 2019
Calling all Yukon artists! Apply to Created at the Canyon by Monday June 3, 11:59 PM.
Free guided hikes are now over for 2016. Thanks to all who participated.
September 12, 2016
Call for Artists - Created at the Canyon
June 17, 2020
Created at the Canyon will take place Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th, 2020.
Application deadline June 26th.
Created at the Canyon: Exhibit Launch Party
August 1, 2016
Come to the Northern Front Studio on Tuesday August 2nd between 5-8pm to view original local artwork created at Miles Canyon, hear live music and poetry, and enjoy some free snacks!
YCS 2020 - Free Guided Hikes
June 23, 2020
Summer fun exploring the beautiful Miles Canyon!
Yoga with Erica in the Canyon
June 13, 2016
Lunchtime yoga in Miles Canyon is back on Wednesday July 27, 12:15-1:15pm!
Canada Day - Guided Hikes
June 25, 2020
Get outside on Canada Day!
Artists Wanted: Created at the Canyon
May 24, 2017
Apply now to be one of six featured artists for Created at the Canyon 2017!
Created at the Canyon - Exhibit Launch
July 31, 2020
Join us at the Yukon Arts Centre on August 19th, 2020!