14-Day Hike & Climb, Rockies, AB

Getting to your course is simple. We’ll provide full details once you register but here’s what to expect:

• Drop-off & Pick-up: Each course has a designated meeting point with clear times and directions provided in advance 
• Transportation Options: Depending on the course, participants can be dropped off by parents at designated meeting points, or, for those flying in, we can arrange airport pick-up within set arrival windows
• Support & Supervision: OBC staff are present at designated meeting points and travel hubs. We confirm arrival with parents and support participants during their travels
• Have questions? Our Admissions Team is here to help: admissions@outwardbound.ca

At OBC, every course is packed with adventure, friendship, and hands-on skill-building in the great outdoors. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow, but a typical schedule might look like this:

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome

• Getting Here: OBC staff will meet participants at Calgary International Airport (YYC) at a designated meeting point during set arrival windows.
• Confirm Arrival: OBC Staff will confirm participant arrival with parents and bring them to the OBC base at Camp Jubilee, in Cochrane
• Meet the Crew: Once at base, participants meet their instructors and fellow adventurers
• Duffle Shuffle: Instructors guide participants in organizing their clothing and equipment
• First Night Together: Enjoy a welcome dinner and spend the night at the OBC base

Day 2 – Packing & Hitting the Trail

• Morning Routine: Breakfast at base
• Transportation: Group departs OBC base to the launching area for the expedition
• The Adventure Begins: Set out on the trail, hiking through the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains

Days 2–8 – Backpacking Adventure

Each day brings a mix of exploration, skill-building, and teamwork. As students gain confidence and independence, instructors gradually transfer responsibility for the planning and execution of daily tasks to them, leading to a final expedition experience. Exact routes and activities vary depending on weather, and group dynamics—but a typical day might look like this:

Morning

• Wake up, breakfast and morning routine
• Group meeting on the day’s route and safety briefing
• Set out on the trail, practicing navigation, pacing, and hiking skills along the way

Daytime

• Lunch break and rest
• Continue hiking or focus on skills like navigation and route planning
• Arrive at new campsite; scout the area and set up camp
• Campcraft session (e.g., cooking, shelter-building, or environmental stewardship)

Evening

• Cook and enjoy a communal dinner 
• Evening reflection and leadership development activities
• Free time for journaling, stories, or group games
• Quiet time and lights out under the night sky

Day 10 – Transition to Rock Climbing Experience

Morning

• Breakfast and morning routine.
• Pack up backcountry camp and begin hiking toward the trailhead.

Daytime

• Complete the hike out and transition to a frontcountry camp setting. 
• Set up camp, review frontcountry site guidelines, and undergo initial safety and gear briefings for rock climbing.

Evening

• Prepare and enjoy a communal dinner at frontcountry camp.

Day 11-12 – Facilitated Rock Climbing Experience

Morning

• Breakfast in camp, morning safety briefing, and equipment check (harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, belay devices). 
• Travel to the climbing site.

Daytime

• Participate in facilitated rock climbing sessions led by qualified instructors.
• Learn top-rope climbing techniques, movement on rock, communication protocols, and belaying skills.
• Challenge personal limits on diverse routes tailored to various skill levels.
• Lunch break on-site with time for rest, reflection, and peer encouragement.

Evening

• Return to frontcountry camp for dinner, equipment care, and a group reflection session focused on trust, risk management, and personal growth achieved on the rock.

Day 13 – Back to Base

As the journey comes to a close, the group returns to the OBC base, bringing with them new skills, lasting confidence, and lifelong friendships.

• Break camp: Take down the frontcountry camp setup and prepare to move
• Unload gear: Transition back to base and unload outdoor equipment
• Refresh: A chance to clean up and prepare for the journey home
• Repack: Organize personal belongings for departure
• Celebration: Closing dinner with the group and instructors

Day 14 – Departure

• Farewell breakfast: Share a final meal together and closing activity
• Goodbyes: Exchange contact info with new friends 
• Pick-up or drop-off: Parents pick up participants at designated meeting points, or OBC Staff provide airport drop-off during set departure windows

We provide the essential group gear and technical equipment including tents, sleeping bags and pads, activity specific (i.e. canoeing, backpacking, kayaking, etc.), and safety equipment, so participants only need to bring personal items and clothing.

• Packing Checklist: A detailed packing checklist is provided once you register, making it easy to prepare for your adventure
• Duffle Shuffle: At the start of the course, instructors will guide participants on organizing their belongings, confirming necessary items, and preparing them for the expedition 
• Recommended Clothing & Footwear: Weather-appropriate layers, waterproofs, activity-appropriate footwear, and quick-drying clothes
• Personal Essentials: Toiletries, medications, sun safety, insect prevention, etc.
• Health & Safety: Clearly label all personal items and bring any medication-related necessities (i.e. prescription, allergy, over-the-counter)

OBC instructors are more than outdoor guides. They’re experienced educators, mentors, and role models who help young people develop skills, confidence, and independence in a supportive environment.

• Qualified professionals: Trained in wilderness first aid, technical outdoor activities, and backcountry travel.
• Experienced educators: Skilled in guiding young people through outdoor challenges, teamwork, and personal development.
• Carefully screened: All instructors undergo a thorough hiring process, including reference and credential checks and vulnerable sector police checks.
• Ongoing professional development: Regular OBC training in leadership, inclusion, outdoor skills, and youth development.
• Personalized support: Our instructors take a participant-centred approach, adapting their guidance to individual needs and helping each young person progress at their own pace.

“A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” – William Shedd.

Adventure involves challenges, and learning to navigate them is an important part of the Outward Bound experience. We take risk management seriously, using established safety procedures, experienced instructors, and carefully maintained equipment to create an environment where participants can challenge themselves with appropriate support.

• Risk assessment and planning: Activities are planned and adapted based on environmental conditions, group needs, and potential hazards.
• Small groups: Low instructor-to-participant ratios allow for close supervision and individual attention.
• Reliable equipment and procedures: Technical equipment is maintained to industry standards, with regular safety checks and established emergency response plans.
• Emergency preparedness: Groups carry communication and tracking devices, and instructors are trained to respond to emergencies and coordinate evacuations.
• Individual needs: Health information is reviewed before the course, and dietary restrictions and allergies are accommodated with advance notice.
• Learn more: Visit our Risk Management page for additional information about our safety practices.

An Outward Bound course is an opportunity to develop practical outdoor skills, build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and discover new strengths through hands-on experiences and shared challenges.

• Leadership & teamwork: Develop communication, collaboration, and leadership skills while working together to overcome challenges.
• Outdoor skills: Gain hands-on experience in navigation, camping, Leave No Trace principles, and activities such as hiking, paddling, and climbing.
• Environmental stewardship: Build a deeper appreciation for nature and learn how to care for the places you explore.
• Life skills: Strengthen problem-solving, decision-making, organization, and personal responsibility.
• Social-emotional growth: Develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthy coping strategies while building connections with others.
• Time away from screens: Enjoy a break from digital distractions and discover the benefits of being fully present in nature.

One of the most memorable parts of an Outward Bound course is the solo experience. Participants spend time on their own in nature, away from everyday distractions, with an opportunity to rest, reflect on their experiences, and enjoy some quiet time outdoors.

• Duration: From several hours to 48 hours, depending on the course and conditions.
• Instructor support: Instructors remain nearby and conduct regular check-ins throughout the experience.
• Equipment & supplies: Participants have the necessary gear, food, and water to remain comfortable and prepared.
• Personal growth: Time alone encourages reflection, independence, and a greater understanding of personal strengths and challenges.
• A supportive experience: The solo is not a survival challenge. It’s a structured opportunity to slow down, reflect, and experience nature in a different way.