Sea kayak in the spectacular Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and travel through the incredible terrain in Strathcona Park on this amazing multi-element course. During the ocean portion of this incredible land and sea expedition, your group will kayak its way through the coves, natural harbours, and small islands in these Pacific Coastal waters. You’ll travel in tandem or solo sea kayaks learning and practicing many ocean travel skills: paddling and bracing techniques, ocean navigation using nautical charts and tide tables, and safety and rescue procedures. Clayoquot Sound, declared by UNESCO a biosphere reserve, is a maze of small old-growth cedar covered islands and protected inlets, rocky reefs, sandy beaches, deep fjords and hot springs. Clayoquot Sound is one of the most beautiful places in the world; share this exquisite marine environment with resident pods of orcas, seals and sea lions, as well as bald eagles and intertidal marine life. You will start this portion of your journey from the tiny community of Tofino, on Vancouver Island’s west coast.                                               

During the land portion of the course, you’ll trek into old growth forest and rugged, snow-capped mountain regions of Strathcona Park – BC’s first Provincial Park. The mountain terrain here is spectacular and challenging. You’ll travel through ancient stands of Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, and valleys laced with rivers, streams and creeks.

You didn't save the world or fly to the moon, but the feeling you are left with is one of a kind! – Participant

As you become a more competent backcountry traveller you'll develop a greater sense of your strengths and abilities. You’ll work closely with your group as you master technical and leadership skills and gain the confidence necessary for backpacking in varied terrain – navigation and route finding, hazard evaluation, cross-country travel, critical thinking, decision-making, and minimal impact camping. You will be afforded time to reflect on these remote and majestic places during a traditional Outward Bound solos experience. In the Park you might be fortunate enough to glimpse a herd of Roosevelt Elk, hear the howl of a Wolf and spy an elusive, endangered Vancouver Island marmot. Join us on this fabulous course: You’ll make new friends, and take home leadership and team-building skills along with incredible memories.

Click here for information on the high school credit(s) you can earn by taking this course!

This course will help you meet the requirements toward a Duke of Edinburgh Award. For more information on these awards, please contact the Duke of Edinburgh organization at 416.203.0674, or check out their website at www.dukeofed.org.

Please read 'How fit do I have to be?' to prepare for your course

SPACES ARE LIMITED!