FAQs

We offer much more than just a summer camp experience! Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Diverse activities in epic locations: We offer a variety of programs in Canada’s most beautiful landscapes, tailored to age groups, interests and goals to ensure each participant’s experience is relevant and impactful.
2. Holistic learning: Our programs blend adventure, experiential education, and reflection to create a holistic learning journey that goes far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
3. Expert instructors: Our instructors are skilled outdoor leaders and experienced educators who cultivate inclusive and transformative spaces for personal growth.
4. Unique methodology: We work with a proven pedagogical approach that challenges participants to step out of their comfort zone and encourages deep learning and self-discovery.

Key ways we stand out:

• Gradual transfer of leadership: Participants gain responsibility throughout the course, developing their technical skills and decision-making abilities.

• Solo experience: The “solo” is time spent alone in nature allows for reflection, personal insights, and a chance to reset. It provides a change of pace and varies in length depending on the duration of the course.
  The solo is often described as the most transformative part of the experience. It gives participants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences on the expedition so far, gain important insights about themselves and leave behind anything that won’t be useful to them in the future.
• Hands-on service projects: We partner with other youth programs and communities to provide reciprocal programs with service-learning environmental projects during the expeditions. By working on these projects, participants have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills, engage in civic activities, and learn about and discuss critical issues such as climate change and the biodiversity crisis 

Outward Bound Canada offers a transformative journey that empowers young people to become resilient, confident, and environmentally conscious leaders. Learn more about how we’re different and check out our participant stories.

A detailed menu is planned before each program, which may change based on a number of factors. We can accommodate many dietary restrictions and most food allergies. Please provide as much detail as possible about your dietary restrictions and allergies on your confidential medical history form. We may ask you for further information so that we can plan your menu.

Participants will receive sufficient calories through the physical activities on the course. It is not necessary for you to bring your own food to the course. Please speak to the Admissions Department to make sure you understand the dietary concerns of the other participants before packing any extra snacks.

The possession and/or consumption of non-prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, cannabis or illegal substances during the course is strictly prohibited. This also applies to the misuse of prescription medications.

If you wish to use tobacco for ceremonial purposes, please speak with your instructor when you arrive for your program. You will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct & Assumption of Risk form acknowledging that you understand these guidelines. Any participant who brings these substances to the course will be sent home at the participant’s/family’s expense.

Although being in nature can be described as therapeutic, it is important to note that Outward Bound Canada is not designed as a therapy program. Our instructors are trained in outdoor education and expeditionary travel and are not mental health professionals. The Outward Bound program can be very challenging both physically and mentally, and it is important to your success that you arrive with some healthy coping strategies to deal with these challenges.

In an Outward Bound program, participants learn by doing. They are challenged as individuals and become effective team members, whether they are canoeing, backpacking or kayaking. Following the traditional Outward Bound model, you will cover a certain distance each day and divide the various tasks and responsibilities among the group members, including campsite management, navigation, cooking and group leadership.

It is important to know that your participation is voluntary and we expect you to try new things and give your best. The program is designed to be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. We allow participants to try new things in a safe and supported environment – you will never be forced to do anything you don’t want to do. Your instructors inform and inspire you; as the course progresses, responsibility for tasks shifts from the instructors to the participants, and the group’s technical and decision-making abilities are able to grow and flourish.

Before you decide to embark on an adventure with us, you should take the time to consider if you have the
following:

• A desire to boost your personal and practical skills
• An interest in disconnecting from your usual routine to try something new
• A positive attitude and an open mind
• Willingness to meet new people, outside of your usual social group
• Willingness to take responsibility for your own safety and decision making
• Strategies to manage stress and overcome challenges in your day-to-day life
• A detailed understanding of the program activities and day to day routine
• An appetite for adventure, fun and challenge!

Outward Bound is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things! Our courses are designed to challenge participants physically, emotionally and mentally. With a little preparation, you’ll feel more comfortable on the course overall. Students of all ages have successfully participated in wilderness adventures with us.

Overcoming challenges is one of the many tools we use to help you explore your personal potential. You will face physical challenges that are outside your routine, but motivation and the will to try are key to a successful Outward Bound experience. You can start now by engaging in activities that improve your endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Go for a walk, ride your bike, take a yoga class – whatever gets your body moving! On each course page you’ll find a rating and a description of the level of physical and social-emotional challenge the course offers. This gives potential participants an idea of the level of challenge they can expect in each course. Learn more about the levels.

If you are unsure about the physical requirements of your course, please contact one of our admissions coordinators at admissions@outwardbound.ca to find out more about the physical challenge you can expect in each course. When completing the confidential medical history form, please answer all questions honestly and provide as much detail as possible so that we can help you prepare. We are committed to ensuring the wellbeing of you and your group.

Outward Bound instructors are skilled, dedicated, and caring outdoor educators. They have extensive wilderness experience and come from a variety of backgrounds: education, business, camps and other outdoor education networks, or from one of over 40 Outward Bound schools around the world.

In addition to formal qualifications in Wilderness First Aid, our instructors are constantly updating their skills through independent training, personal expeditions, and staff development opportunities provided by Outward Bound Canada. They can’t wait to meet you!

You won’t need it – course participants enjoy a vacation from technology! Your cell phone and other personal items you won’t need (wallet, music player, plane tickets, etc.) will be safely stored in our office nearby while you’re in the wilderness.

Once the course begins, you won’t be able to contact anyone at home, you will be immersed in the Outward Bound experience – building a connection to yourself, to others and to nature! Please know that the instructor team has a plan for you to get in touch with our office and your emergency contacts at home in case of an emergency.

The course fee includes all technical equipment for your course: Tents, sleeping bags, backpacking gear, and much more! Also included are three meals a day and the snacks you need to keep you nourished and energized. The course fee also includes the knowledgeable and experienced instructors who will teach and guide you throughout the course. 

Additional fees include a high school credit fee (if applicable) and applicable taxes.

Outward Bound Canada courses take place in different landscapes across the country. As you can imagine, some are more remote than others. Participants must make their way to and from the course independently. You can travel to us in a variety of ways: by car, bus or plane. In your welcome booklet you will find information on the exact meeting times and locations for your course – please contact your Admissions Coordinator if you have any questions about your program.

All Outward Bound Canada participants are expected to actively and willingly participate in their expedition. Our instructors ensure that participants have safe and supportive opportunities to try new things, expand their comfort zone and learn along the way.

We encourage you to involve your child in exploring and deciding whether to participate in the program and to be honest when filling out the forms at the time of application. An applicant should not feel pressured to participate in a program. Course participants will be highly encouraged and supported, but ultimately not forced to participate in the expedition if they decline to participate. Our Admissions team is happy to work with parents and participants to ensure it is the right time for them to join a course and to answer any questions you may have when deciding whether your child should attend.

Since 1969, more than 175,000 people have experienced a wilderness expedition with Outward Bound Canada. Groups typically consist of eight to twelve participants and two instructors. Our participants come from across Canada and around the world, bringing with them a wide range of skills and life experiences. So you can expect to meet peers with very different family, educational and social experiences.

We strongly encourage participants to attend a course alone, independent of friends or siblings. We have found that participants who step out of their comfort zone and attend on their own experience tremendous personal growth. Most of our participants attend their course alone – starting afresh with the whole group allows for the building and nurturing of an integral team of working groups and the development of special friendships. 

If you do choose to participate with a friend, please know that you will be expected to interact and build connections with the whole group, as exclusive relationships are discouraged. An Outward Bound experience is truly about being part of a team and supporting each other through new and unexpected challenges as your journey unfolds.

If you would like to participate in an Outward Bound experience with your school, friends or community, please contact us at groups@outwardboundcanada.ca to inquire about our custom groups programs

Participants will sleep in tents or improvised shelters during the program – so you are even closer to nature! Outward Bound Canada will provide you with the tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. If you wish, you can bring your own sleeping bag, but if it is not suitable for the weather conditions, your instructors may suggest that you use one of our sleeping bags.

Depending on the program, you may have the option of sharing a tent with your peers or setting up your own sleeping shelter. Please contact us if you have further questions about sleeping arrangements for your specific program.

Yes, there are several financial assistance options available to help you participate in an Outward Bound Canada program! Check out our financial assistance page to learn more about these opportunities.

The solo experience, called “solo”, is designed to give you some time to yourself, away from the group, to relax, reflect and recharge. The solo provides a change of pace and varies in length depending on the duration of your course. You will have the opportunity to set up your own campsite, take care of your own physical and mental needs and enjoy your independence.

You will never be more than a whistle away from your instructors, who will check on you regularly. The solo is often described as the most transformative part of the experience. It gives participants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences on the expedition so far, absorb important insights about themselves and leave behind anything that won’t be useful to them in the future. 

It is important to note that the solo is not a survival exercise: you will have all the proper gear, food, water and other necessary items with you. It is simply time for self-exploration, rest and reflection.

Outward Bound Canada provides all the technical gear you need! This includes canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets/PFDs, tents, first aid equipment, sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils, stoves, helmets, ropes, harnesses and tarps. OBC will also provide the appropriate trip packs for each course. Participants only need to bring their personal clothing and shoes as well as a headlamp! You can pack everything in luggage suitable for traveling. We will provide you with a clothing list detailing the items you should pack. We expect participants to do their best and bring their own clothes, as it is always more comfortable to wear your own.

If you have any questions or get stuck, we can help you find tricky items or offer you an alternative. We have a stock of supplies that participants can borrow if they can’t get their own. At the Duffle Shuffle, the instructors ensure that all participants are well equipped for the trip before they set off.

Our Cancellation Policy takes into account the fact that most of the costs for your expedition will be incurred before you arrive at your program. Please let us know as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend the program. Please refer to our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

All our programs are built on a curriculum that teaches students social-emotional learning, environmental leadership, and personal resilience. We encourage educators or group leaders to share with us your desired outcomes as we build your OBC expedition. Other examples are below.

Self-Care in the Wild: During a Group expedition, participants learn the basics of wilderness survival, such as clothing layering systems (staying warm and dry) and how to stay nourished and hydrated. They also learn and practice how to manage energy and comfort levels, and how to advocate for themselves if or when things get tough.

Community and Interpersonal Skills: Together with the group, participants learn and practice how to take care of their own needs and those of others. Participants have the opportunity to develop their leadership and communication skills; recognize and process emotions; and learn conflict resolution strategies. Overall, they strive to strengthen their independence and self-reliance.

In every Outward Bound program, participants learn by doing. They’re challenged as individuals and become effective team members. We allow participants to try new things in an inclusive and supportive environment. Participants are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do, but we’ll give them small steps to take to make progress toward new rewards and experiences – regardless of where they’re starting from.  

Your instructors will inform and inspire your group; as the course progresses, the responsibility for tasks shifts from the instructors to the participants (called “Transference”). This is when the technical and decision-making skills of the group develops, grows, and ultimately is owned by participants. Instructors also facilitate the gap between the skills learned on course, and situations at home and in the school community where these skills can be applied.

Outward Bound Canada supplies all of the technical gear you need! This includes canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets/PFDs, tents, first-aid equipment, sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils, stoves, helmets, ropes, harnesses and tarps. OBC also provides the tripping packs appropriate for each course. Participants are only responsible for bringing their own personal clothing and footwear and a headlamp! 

You can pack everything in luggage that is suitable for traveling. We will provide you with a Clothing List, which outlines the items you should pack.  We expect participants to do their best with bringing their own clothing, as it is always more comfortable to wear your own.  If you have questions or get stuck, we can help you find tricky items or come up with an alternative. We have an inventory of supplies that participants can borrow if they do not have the ability to acquire some things on their own. During Duffle Shuffle, the instructors will ensure all participants are well equipped for the trip before heading out.

Here are some key steps you can take to prepare your students for an impactful OBC experience:

1. Understand the program: Familiarize yourself with Outward Bound’s philosophy and methodology. This will help you explain the program effectively to your students and manage their expectations.
2. Open communication: Have an honest and open conversation with your students about the program. Share our website and videos to give them a visual understanding of what they’ll encounter. Address their concerns openly and listen to their questions.
3. Ease anxieties: Acknowledge that some students might feel nervous about the challenges they’ll face. Reassure them that our experienced instructors are there to support and guide them throughout the journey.
4. We’re here to help! Remember, our Program Managers and Admissions team are always happy to assist you with presentations, paperwork, and any questions you or your students may have.
5. Pre-Outward Bound activities: Consider spending time outdoors with your class before the program. This can help them feel more comfortable in a natural environment and build anticipation for their OBC adventure.
6. Academic alignment: If possible, connect your classroom learning to the skills and values your students will gain during their Outward Bound experience. This will create a sense of continuity and enhance their learning outcomes.
7. Early paperwork submission: Encourage students to submit all necessary paperwork, such as their confidential medical history form, well in advance. This helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures a smooth registration process.
8. Inclusion: While we strive for inclusivity, it’s important to understand that certain physical limitations may require specific accommodations. We recommend contacting us beforehand to discuss individual needs.

By following these steps, you can create a positive and informed environment for your students, setting them up for a successful and transformative Outward Bound Canada experience.

Outward Bound Canada offers participants a powerful and challenging experience where success is directly linked to their motivation and commitment to the course.

We expect all students to participate voluntarily, to be willing to do their best and try new activities, to work as part of a group, and to follow instructions. Participants who put themselves or others at risk through misconduct or unsafe practices may be asked to leave the course.

Students should note that possession and/or use of non-prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and non-prescription cannabis products or illegal substances during the course is prohibited and will result in early departure from the course without refund. Participants may also be asked to leave the course if they misuse prescribed medication.

Exclusive and intimate relationships between participants (regardless of age) are not permitted due to the emotional and social impact on individuals and the group, as well as our commitment to creating a supportive learning community.

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at Outward Bound Canada. Harassment is any behaviour that threatens, humiliates, intimidates or hurts another person. This includes harassment based on gender, age, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

These policies will be explained to all students at the beginning of their course.

OBC’s highly trained professional instructors ensure that all activities adhere to the strict guidelines we have developed over more than 50 years of working in the wilderness and that relevant provincial regulations are followed. We mitigate risk wherever possible. To ensure that everyone can participate and assess risks and opportunities, we conduct a briefing before each activity.

Our methods and practices are regularly monitored and reviewed by a committee made up of senior Outward Bound staff from schools across North America, as well as independent experts.
In summary, while there is always some level of risk, you are in great hands with OBC. Check out our Risk Management page for more information

Physical challenge is one of the many tools that help school and group participants discover their personal potential. The course activities can be physically demanding for the whole day or at least part of the day; the level of difficulty varies depending on the course and location (e.g. urban front-country vs wilderness backcountry).

Most school and group programs are developed in collaboration with teachers and group leaders. This ensures that the program is physically accessible to all group members, while individual challenges are addressed through tailored modifications within the program itself.

Please encourage each student to complete their Confidential Medical History form in detail and answer all questions honestly so that we can be well prepared to welcome them.

If a student is unsure about their ability to participate in an Outward Bound Canada course, please contact us. We strive to manage risks for all participants through these planning processes.

Outward Bound instructors are skilled, dedicated, and caring outdoor educators. They have extensive wilderness experience and come from a variety of backgrounds: education, business, camps and other outdoor education networks, or from one of over 40 Outward Bound schools around the world.

In addition to formal qualifications in Wilderness First Aid, our instructors are constantly updating their skills through independent training, personal expeditions, and staff development opportunities provided by Outward Bound Canada. They can’t wait to meet you!

The course fee includes all the technical equipment for your course (tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, gear) as well as three meals a day and snacks. The cost also includes the salary for the knowledgeable and experienced instructors and support staff who will teach and guide you during the course. These people play an important role at OBC and their skills and knowledge are very valuable. OBC’s additional fees also include applicable taxes.

Our Cancellation Policy takes into account the fact that most of the costs for your expedition will be incurred before you arrive at your program. Please let us know as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend the program. 

Please refer to our Cancellation & Refund Policy for youth courses, cancellation policy for school/group participants, and cancellation policy for participants on funded programs.

OBC is a national charity that has been operating in Canada since 1969. Our purpose is to empower youth through experiential adventures in nature. We envision a Canada where all youth have access to high quality, high impact outdoor education experiences that help them realize their potential.

However, we also recognize that access to the natural world is not equal. To ensure broad and equitable access to these transformative experiences, we offer a variety of financial assistance options. When available, OBC provides funding for schools and groups that meet our criteria. Please contact groups@outwardboundcanada.ca to inquire about funding availability.

We take a conservative approach to wildfire risk. The well-being of our participants is foremost in our planning. We will move a group to an alternate area if the risk is deemed too high. If a course is in a fire or smoke risk location, we will inform the parents/guardians of the course participants directly. If no suitable alternative area is available, we may cancel or reschedule the program. 

On our Risk Management page, you will find more information about what we monitor on a daily basis to mitigate the risk of wildfires and wildfire smoke on our courses.

We monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) throughout the duration of the program. Since 2023, our instructors have been carrying portable devices to measure air quality in areas at risk from wildfires and smoke. If the AQHI is forecast to be at 10 or more (very high risk) for three consecutive days, we will consider canceling or rescheduling the program.

We recommend potential participants with pre-existing lung conditions (e.g. asthma, cardiovascular conditions, or lung damage from COVID-19) to speak to their doctor about attending the course.

Each group traveling in the backcountry has two means of communication: a satellite phone and an In Reach device (2-way satellite texting and tracking device).

These devices allow us to track the exact location of each program and communicate important updates to them. The instructors check in with our in-town support staff at least twice a day using these systems.

Incidents of extreme heat are forecast to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. In this changing environment, it is necessary to adapt our practices to protect our students and staff.

The human body temperature range is 36°C to 38°C. It is important to keep the body within this range, to prevent heat illness. OBC considers the availability of drinking water, access to cool water bodies and shady areas in its planning phase, assuming hot weather. All courses carry a thermometer.

OBC considers <24°C (Shaded Air Temperature) to be regular weather in which regular activity can occur; at 25°C to 34°C (Shaded Air Temperature) this is considered hot weather and activities are adjusted; and at 35°C + (Shaded Air Temperature), we consider this to be extreme heat, upon which we stop activities and focus on stabilizing group.

OBC instructors receive training on heat-related illness as part of wilderness first aid training.