Spring in the Yukon can be brief, but powerful. When it’s winter for 7 months of the year it doesn’t leave much time for the other three seasons. All the more reason to savour the changes and differences when it does arrive! I also write about my first winter in the Yukon, and how to deal with winter in the Yukon.
Spring comes late, but it doesn’t disappoint. March is a great time to visit the Yukon. It’s still at the stage where there’s snow and the lakes are frozen, but the temperature is warming up. This makes it ideal to spend time outside; whether that’s snowmobiling, hiking, or stargazing. The aurora still likes to make an appearance, and you won’t freeze your butt off while enjoying them.
Ice & snow in the yukon
I live on the shore of Tagish Lake, surrounded by forests and mountains. One of the beautiful things to listen to is the ice on the lake. It’s captivating, standing on the frozen lake. Stand still, and listen; the lake speaks beneath your feet, all the way off into the distance. It stretches, and grumbles, like it’s waking up after a long slumber. It’s communicating and moving like it’s coming alive. A captivating sound, although a little frightening too. I can feel the immensity of the lake, the power, and the rawness of the waters beneath me.
At first, it did scare me, and there was a point where the ice was no longer safe. But at times like that it made my heart beat quicker and feel more connected to nature.
As the snow melts on the ground, walking and driving becomes difficult. Everything turns to slush! Trying to drive a vehicle along a slushy gravel road is fun, to say the least. And where there’s no slush, there’s ice. When one leg shoots in the opposite direction I want it to go, pain ensues.
In this sense, it feels like the in-between season. The end of winter and the beginning of spring is almost like another season entirely. An in-between stage of metamorphosis.
A sudden change
It seems to be noticed all at once – the birds start singing, the sun rises early, and so you do too. The sun begins to feel warm on my skin. Even though it still might be one degree celsius, I started to feel hot underneath the blue sky. Off comes the coat! I shed it like a skin and bask in the warm sunshine.
The usual feelings of spring start to emerge. The higher energy levels, the hope of the year to come, and the happiness of the sunshine. I start looking forward to summer (then remember the mosquitoes and black flies, and reconsider). Everything is emerging from the long, dark, cold winter, and delight in the new life being given to them. I love the winters here, but the change is still exciting to experience. If everything constantly stayed the same, you would cease to notice the beauty of it after a while.
I say a fond farewell to the stars who have kept me company for months. They were my constant companions throughout winter and now they seem to fade away more each night. My nights stargazing and learning the constellations are lessened; I know I won’t be able to do it as much for a while. But with that comes new things to learn – the Yukon has an abundance of wildlife. Of fauna and flora to learn about, and trails to explore. When one door closes another opens.
Wildlife in the Yukon
When the ice and snow finally disappear, the ground comes to life in a flash of colour. Suddenly the grass is a rich, deep green. Dandelions bloom in their thousands. And the wildlife wake up.
One spring there were four black bears on the property for two months. The bears co-existed and didn’t seem worried about our presence – food was in abundance and they had nothing to worry about. They spent their days grazing after their long winter slumbering. They seemed to be young and even played with each other.
Although they did seem to be getting a bit too comfortable, and that’s not a good thing for wild animals. We will see if they return this spring. But it was truly a momentous experience that I will always remember! Moose can be seen wandering through the trails. The mother wanders lazily through the forest, her calves in tow.
As long as no one bothers the animals, they don’t bother us. We watch on safely from a respectable distance, as it should be.
The famous birds of the Yukon, Ravens, are present here all year round. I love this and write about the link between here and London.
Explore the Yukon for yourself
Spring in the Yukon starts as a slow thaw, then turns into a sudden flash of life. Everything seems ecstatic to see the sun rise earlier and set later, from the plants to the animals. To feel it warm up the earth and provide life. Everything co-exists together, and we have to be on the lookout. Young moose and bears can dart in front of our cars, or pop up along the trails we walk along. Bear spray is a must when you are outside, just as a precaution. You don’t want to get in between a mama and her child!
Take the time to enjoy every season in the Yukon, as each one is truly different. Find the beauty in each one, and spend time outside. You won’t want to miss any of the beauty!
