Dr. Peter Mortifee’s journey with Outward Bound Canada began in 1978 when he was 18 and took part in a one-month expedition in Keremeos, British Columbia. “It was an incredibly powerful experience that altered the trajectory of my life and shaped who I became as a young adult”, he recalls.
That first expedition was just the beginning. Over the years, Peter has returned for several more Outward Bound experiences, including expeditions in Bhutan and Iceland, as well as a nine-day wilderness journey paddling the Nahanni River in Canada. “Each expedition has been meaningful, but the Nahanni really stands out as a true wilderness adventure,” he says, describing the final rapids as an unforgettable test of courage and presence.
THE OUTWARD BOUND MOMENT
Peter explains that these experiences often create what he calls an “Outward Bound moment,” a point where you reach what feels like your limit, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally, and you’re faced with a choice: stop or find something deeper within yourself and keep going. These moments look different for everyone. They might be a quiet internal struggle to carry on, the tipping point before a rush of chaos and adrenaline, or something in between.
“For example,” Peter recalls, “my wife experienced her own Outward Bound moment while we were hiking in Iceland. We were on steep terrain, visibility was poor, it was cold, and she was carrying a heavy pack. At one point, she dropped to one knee and I knew instantly that this was an Outward Bound moment for her. She had reached what felt like her limit and was about to go beyond where she previously thought she could go.”
CARRIED BY THE CURRENT
Peter vividly recalls one of his own Outward Bound moments navigating the rapids of the Nahanni River, the sheer power of the water, waves crashing over the canoe, the intensity of it all.
What made his moment unique was that the river carried him into it, pulling the canoe faster and faster toward the raging rapids below. “There was no option to turn back. As we approached the final and biggest rapids, we were committed. No paddling to shore or slowing down. You just have to move forward.”
Looking back, he says, “I’m deeply grateful I experienced it. It was a defining example of an Outward Bound moment: a situation where you can’t step away, and you discover what you’re capable of by expanding and moving through the challenge rather than retreating from it.”
LIFE LESSONS BEYOND THE WILDERNESS
Experiences like this give young people a powerful reference point for the rest of their lives. An Outward Bound moment becomes a proxy for the many challenges they will face, including times of discomfort, uncertainty, or struggle that are simply part of being human.
“When a young person pushes through something difficult and discovers they’re capable of more than they thought, that experience stays with them,” Peter explains. “It becomes a body-felt memory they can draw on later. It builds trust in themselves, confidence in their ability to cope, and a sense of resilience they navigate life’s many, inevitable challenges.”
These moments are an incredible gift, helping young people develop the inner strength and self-reliance they can draw on when facing challenging conversations, relationships, or situations.
WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE, COMMUNITIES RISE
The benefits of the Outward Bound moment extend beyond the individual. Opportunities like this matter because individual well-being directly affects the well-being of our communities. When young people learn resilience, healthy ways of handling conflict, and a deeper connection to the natural world, skills that Outward Bound helps nurture, they carry those qualities into their relationships, families, and communities.
“A healthy society is the sum of healthy individuals,” Peter emphasizes. “When people are well within themselves, grounded, confident, and connected, they make better choices, treat others with care, and contribute positively to the world. That kind of well-being leads to ‘well-doing,’ and this is how we build stronger, safer communities and a society that values and protects the natural environment.”
FROM IMPACT TO ACTION
Peter’s belief in Outward Bound’s transformative power inspired him to become a donor through his family’s foundation, the Somerset Foundation, which advances the well-being of people, places, and the planet. “I’ve personally experienced how transformative Outward Bound can be, and it’s appropriate to give back to help create the same opportunities for others.”
He hopes his contributions help young people discover their strengths, push beyond perceived limits, and build courage. “Ideally, these experiences give them the kind of confidence and self-awareness they can carry with them into the world, enabling them to live fully and contribute positively to their communities.”
THE HEART OF OUTWARD BOUND
In Peter’s words, Outward Bound is ultimately about “self-discovery, personal growth, and expanding your limits through courageous adventures in the natural world.” His experiences, from the rugged terrain of Iceland to the rapids of the Nahanni, show the transformative power of stepping beyond comfort zones, building resilience, and discovering our potential.
Today, Outward Bound Canada continues to offer transformative outdoor experiences across the country while raising critical funds to help remove financial barriers for youth. Through our programs, young people discover their potential and build essential life skills, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, and environmental awareness. As a registered national charity operating since 1969, we envision a Canada where every young person has access to high-quality, impactful outdoor education that empowers them to thrive.
If you’d like to support this work, please consider making a donation today.
