Yukon in the Spring: 4 Outdoor Senior-Friendly Activities

Springtime in the Yukon is lovely. The weather finally begins to warm, and it’s the perfect time to go outside and enjoy the beautiful Yukon scenery that surrounds us. So this spring, give these four outdoor senior-friendly activities a try. 

1. Hiking

There are tons of trails in the Yukon, but one in particular is especially senior-friendly, the Millennium Trail, and it’s right here in Whitehorse! The Millenium Trail is level and wheelchair-accessible, so everyone can enjoy it. Plus, the trail makes a loop, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost. And you’re sure to enjoy the plentiful wildflowers and raspberries if you hike the Millennium Trail in the warmer months. 

Want more hiking opportunities? Our local ElderActive Recreation Association hosts group hikes for both leisure hikers and intermediate hikers. These hikes are perfect for seniors who want to meet community members outside of Normandy Living or who would like to take part in more challenging intermediate hikes. Reach out to ElderActive for more details.

2. Train for the Canada 55+ Games

ElderActive also runs Team Yukon for the Canada 55+ Games and encourages seniors to participate. The multi-sport event allows seniors from all over the country to compete in 26 sports, along with making new friends and reconnecting with friends from past years. With games like tennis, track and field, golf, pickleball, badminton, slo-pitch, and swimming, there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to participate in outdoor fun. 

If you are interested in competing in the next Canada 55+ games, contact ElderActive for more information. ElderActive is also always looking for volunteers to help with running the Canada 55+ Games and supporting Team Yukon, so there’s always a place for you to participate even if you don’t want to compete in the games. 

3. Try Dragonboating

Looking for new and exciting senior-friendly activities to do outdoors? Try dragonboating! Flatwater North now offers intro to dragonboating classes right here in Whitehorse. These classes give participants of all ages and fitness levels the opportunity to learn and compete in dragonboating.

So what is dragonboating? It’s a team sport in which 10 or 20 paddlers, plus a drummer and steersperson work together to paddle a boat. The boats themselves come in a variety of colors and have a dragon head and tail attached during regattas. As a participant in intro to dragonboating, you have the opportunity to learn from experienced paddlers, and all equipment is provided!

4. Go Bird Watching

The Yukon is one of the best places in the world for bird watching because we have the opportunity to see so many different species along their migratory journey. The Yukon also hosts a number of bird watching festivals and demonstrations in the spring, such as A Celebration of Swans and the Faro Sheep and Crane Festival, which are always a treat to attend. 

However, you don’t need to attend organized demonstrations or festivals to enjoy bird watching in the Yukon. Our many local parks, observatories, and wildlife preserves offer excellent opportunities to spot birds in the wild. And you might even see some fascinating birds right from your balcony or courtyard! Learn about six incredible birds and where to find them here.

This spring, give some of these outdoor senior-friendly activities a try. And remember, Normandy Living always has opportunities for outdoor senior-friendly activities on site, so keep an eye on our Recreation Calendar for activities you might love to attend!