Now
14°C · Drizzle
Today
16° / 9°
Rain, 7 days
21 mm
Season
Fall · frost in ~15 d
Foraging around Whitehorse
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyForaging in Whitehorse: Early Fall Harvest
In season now
Lingonberry (Cowberry)
Where: Dry tundra, open woodlands, and rocky slopes throughout the Whitehorse area; common on south-facing hillsides.
Low evergreen shrub with small oval leaves and bright red berries ripening now; tart, firm berries persist on the plant through fall. Pick by hand or use a berry rake; they freeze well and are excellent for jams, sauces, and pies.
Look-alikes: Crowberry (black berries, different leaf shape) is edible but distinct; no toxic look-alikes.
Cloudberry (Baked Apple Berry)
Where: Moist tundra, muskegs, and boggy areas; scattered throughout the region but less common than lingonberries.
Single orange-red berry on a low herbaceous plant with distinctive palmate leaves; harvest when fully ripe and slightly soft. Prized for fresh eating and preserves; each plant produces only one berry.
Look-alikes: No dangerous look-alikes; easily identified by its unique growth form and single berry.
Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium)
Where: Disturbed areas, roadsides, burned sites, and open meadows throughout Whitehorse.
Tall plant with magenta flowers fading to seed pods; young shoots (spring) and seed pods (now) are edible. Harvest tender seed pods before they open; steam or sauté like asparagus.
Look-alikes: No toxic look-alikes; distinctive magenta flowers and seed pods are unmistakable.
Labrador Tea (Ledum palustre)
Where: Moist tundra, muskegs, and open woodlands; widespread in the region.
Evergreen shrub with narrow, leathery leaves that have rolled edges and rusty undersides; small white flowers fade by now. Steep fresh or dried leaves for a mild, slightly piney tea; do not oversteep or use excessively.
Look-alikes: Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) has similar leaves but is toxic; Labrador tea leaves are distinctly larger and have obvious rusty undersides.
Rose Hips
Where: Wild rose thickets (Rosa acicularis) in open areas, roadsides, and disturbed ground throughout Whitehorse.
Bright red to orange seed pods of wild rose, ripening now and persisting through winter; high in vitamin C. Remove seeds and hairs inside; use for tea, jams, or syrups.
Look-alikes: No toxic look-alikes; easily identified as the fruit of wild roses.
Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea, also called lingonberry)
Where: Moist tundra and boggy areas; less common than lingonberries but present in the region.
Low evergreen shrub with small round leaves and bright red berries; similar to lingonberry but slightly larger and rounder. Harvest ripe berries; excellent for sauces and preserves.
Look-alikes: Crowberry (black berries) and bearberry (larger leaves) are edible but distinct; no toxic look-alikes.
Coming soon
Rosehips (continued harvest)
Persist through winter; can be harvested after frost improves flavor. Collect through November if accessible.
Spruce Tips (spring 2027)
Young tips emerge in late May; essential for tea, syrups, and culinary use. Mark trees now for next season.
Mushrooms (late fall)
Chanterelles and other species fruit in September–October; requires expert ID—consult a local mycologist before harvesting.
Safety in this area
- Bears are active in early fall; make noise while foraging, travel in groups, and carry bear spray in remote areas.
- Respect private land and Yukon First Nations traditional territories; forage only on public land or with permission.
- Ticks are present in Yukon; check yourself and clothing after foraging in brushy areas, especially in warm weather.
- Positively identify all plants before harvesting; when in doubt, do not eat. Labrador tea and some mushrooms can cause illness if misidentified or overconsumed.
Foraging information is educational. Confirm every identification with a regional field guide or expert before eating anything wild.
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