West Coast
10-Day Sea Kayaking

AREA & ACTIVITIES

This course begins and ends in Comox, BC, where parents can conveniently meet with OBC staff to drop off and pick up their child from the expedition group.

The journey takes place in Clayoquot Sound, on the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park, the traditional territory of three Nuu-chah-nulth Nations: the Ahousaht, the Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht.

Sea kayaking: You will travel in either solo or tandem fibreglass sea kayaks through class 2 water as outlined by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of B.C. During the expedition, your instructors will teach you paddling strokes, self and assisted rescue techniques, plus basic nautical navigation, including understanding tides, currents and weather.

Click here for a sample itinerary.

Learning outcomes

Our expert instructors will guide you through unique challenges that require your group to work together to solve problems, reflect on your journey, and discuss how to apply your skills and what you’ve learned when you return home. The course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact in three key areas:

• Improved resilience – Improve your mental and physical health and learn how to overcome challenges to succeed.
• Better leadership and teamwork skills – Learn the skills you need to succeed in school, work and life by becoming more confident, cooperative and a respectful team member.
• Stronger connection to nature – Develop a lifelong relationship with nature.

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

This course is for students aged 14-18 and rated Level 1 for social-emotional challenge and Level 2 for physical challenge. Learn more about the levels of difficulty.

All levels of experience – or none at all – are welcome to participate.

Click here to listen to our recording of our West Coast summer information session.

Solo experience

One of the highlights of Outward Bound expeditions is participating in a solo camping experience in nature. On this course, you may have the opportunity to sleep alone for one night in a remote location, where you’ll set up shelter and take time to reflect. You’ll have all the supplies you need to sleep safely and comfortably, and your instructors will be nearby to help you if needed and check on you regularly. 

Financial assistance

We believe everyone should have access to exploring nature. We offer full scholarships to help cover the cost of course fees, and the Youth Access Fund offers financial support for those unable to finance their Outward Bound Canada experience personally. Please visit the Financial Assistance page for more information and to apply.