Canada: Where Glaciers Meet the Sea – Outdoor Adventure in British Columbia

The Story:

A land of vast wilderness, diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife and spectacular mountain ranges, British Columbia offers endless opportunity for outdoor education and adventure. From world class skiers and mountain bikers traversing the steep slopes and trails of Whistler to casual day hikers and kayakers exploring the verdant forests and crystal blue rivers near Squamish, there’s something for anyone ready to enjoy the great outdoors. During an active summer in Canada’s Pacific Province, you’ll learn respect for remote places, engage in ancient environmental stewardship practices living in an indigenous community, develop wilderness survival skills, camp in alpine fields, hike through ancient temperate forests and become immersed in one of North America’s great wilderness areas.

The Program:

Your adventure begins in cosmopolitan Vancouver. Explore British Columbia’s vibrant capital city before heading north up the coast. Work with outdoor educators to explore the temperate rainforests of coastal British Columbia. Take a wilderness CPR and First Aid course and get certified. Hike, climb, and forest bathe in provincial parks near Squamish as you connect deeply with the natural world. Hike up the Stawamus Chief, enjoy a multi-day bush hiking and camping trip near Whistler and feast your eyes on some of the world’s most beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains and forests. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of British Columbia during an exciting month with our neighbor to the north.

Sample Activities:

Orientation in Vancouver

• Explore bustling outdoor markets in cosmopolitan Vancouver
• Visit the Museum of Anthropology to learn about First Nations history and cultures
• Hike Wreck Beach and walk along Vancouver’s sea wall
• Enjoy a canopy walk at the University of British Columbia’s botanical garden

Seminar at the Cheakamus Centre

• Spend a few days at an indigenous and environmental field school
• Live in a traditional longhouse
• Learn ancient methods of hunting, fishing, weaving and cooking
• Raft the Paradise Valley section of the Cheakamus and rock climb with outdoor experts above Smoke Bluffs
• Climb the massive granite Stawamus Chief and get certified in CPR and First Aid

Field Exploration in Garibaldi and Whistler

• Spend three days hiking and camping in Garibaldi Provincial Park
• Pitch a tent at the top of Helm Creek trail and wake up to glacial vistas from Panorama Point
• Explore shops, cafes and restaurants in the town of Whistler
• Visit the Lil’wat Nations Cultural Centre

Journey’s End in Victoria

• Catch a ferry to British Columbia’s picturesque capital city
• Go sea-kayaking and explore the rugged coast of Vancouver Island
• Visit Craigdarroch Castle and the Butchart Gardens
• Discuss re-entry and prepare for your journey back across the southern border