When you sign up for an adventure with Outward Bound Canada, your day will be anything but typical! You’re not just heading into the wilderness — you’re stepping into a transformative experience where challenge, discovery, teamwork, and personal growth unfold every day. Whether you’re paddling canoes through Ontario’s backcountry, hiking in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, or sea kayaking along the West Coast of BC, each course follows a daily rhythm that helps participants grow physically, emotionally, and as leaders.
Morning: Waking Up with Purpose
7:00 AM
Imagine waking up and unzipping your tent to see the sunrise and hear nothing but the chirping of birds. As participants emerge from beneath their tents and tarps, the morning begins with calm moments and quiet reflection—perhaps a face washed in cool lake water or a cup of tea savoured with a mountain view. Soon, though, the stillness gives way to the hustle and bustle of camp as everyone gathers to prepare a communal breakfast and eagerly shares their thoughts about the day ahead.
Each morning, participants take on a rotating camp role for the day. These roles include:
- Leader of the Day – guides the group and supports communication
- Cooks – prepare meals for the group
- Camp Clean-Up Crew – wash dishes, manage garbage, and keep the site tidy, following Leave No Trace principles
- Gear Manager – organizes and maintains group equipment
- Journal Keeper – captures the day’s events and helps lead the evening reflection
These roles inspire a renewed sense of purpose each morning, weaving responsibility, teamwork, and leadership into the fabric of the journey.
9:00 AM
After breakfast, the group gathers to review the plan for the day. They discuss the route, weather conditions, safety considerations, and set intentions for the journey ahead.
9:30 AM
Once the campsite is packed up, the group sets out for the day. Depending on the course, this could involve paddling across remote lakes in Ontario, hiking alpine trails in the Rockies, or navigating coastal waters in a sea kayak off the West Coast of BC. As they travel, participants practice teamwork and build outdoor skills while exploring incredible natural settings.
Midday: Adventure and Skill Building
12:00 PM
By midday, it’s time for a well-earned break. The group stops for lunch, rests tired muscles, and recharges with food and hydration while taking in the breathtaking wilderness surroundings.
12:45 PM
Afternoons might include more travel time or focus on developing technical skills. One day could include a hands-on lesson in compass navigation, while another might introduce team-building challenges, route planning, or backcountry cooking techniques.
3:00 PM
Usually by mid-afternoon, the group arrives at their next campsite. Everyone works together to set up camp, pitch shelters, collect firewood, and settle into their new surroundings.
4:30 PM
Once camp is established, instructors may lead a short “campcraft” session to teach practical wilderness skills like setting up tarps, operating camp stoves, purifying water, or packing a backpack for optimal weight distribution.
Evening: Reflection and Connection
6:00 PM
Dinner preparation starts around 6:00 PM, and the group gathers to cook and eat together. These shared meals are often a highlight of the day, filled with laughter, storytelling, and a sense of accomplishment.
7:00 PM
After dinner, the group transitions into evening reflection — a core part of the Outward Bound experience. Whether it’s journaling quietly by the fire, participating in a gratitude circle, or engaging in a leadership or communication activity, this time is set aside for personal insight and group connection.
8:00 PM
As the sun sets and stars come out, the final part of the evening is left open for games, stories, or simply soaking in the stillness of the natural world.
9:30 PM
Quiet time begins around 9:30 PM, with participants crawling into their sleeping bags, ready to rest and do it all again tomorrow!
Every day on an Outward Bound Canada course is a unique blend of physical challenge, skill-building, and reflection set against the backdrop of some of Canada’s most stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re paddling, hiking, or kayaking, you’re not just exploring the wilderness, you’re discovering your strengths, building confidence, and learning how to thrive in any environment.
