Outdoor Education and Adventure
Vancouver Island Mountain Centre has been offering outstanding Outdoor Adventure programs since 2011. Our Outdoor Adventure Programs consist of a series of focus areas where groups can choose based on their educational and developmental goals. All programs foster students Core Competencies while focusing on fitness and healthy living, personal empowerment through skill development and knowledge acquisition plus an understanding, appreciation and respect for our fragile environment. B.C.’s School curriculum plays a star role in all programs with a strong focus on Physical and Health Education. Rates are per person and subject to taxes.
Winter Group Activity Guide
Download the Winter 2021 Group Activity Guide [2 MB]
Youth PAWS
The Youth Program for Alpine Winter Skills is an educational outdoor experience that gives instruction in a variety of outdoor winter skills and activities. While snowshoeing in the old-growth forest of Strathcona Park, students will participate in exciting and engaging activities designed to foster independence, personal growth, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. A strong emphasis on leadership and teamwork is maintained while our qualified program leaders ensure a safe and fun environment while facilitating learning and skill development.
Discover Biathlon
Have you ever wanted to try biathlon but have been intimidated by that pesky skiing part? If your answer is yes or you just want to try something different this program is for you. This focus combines the exhilaration of learning to fire a rifle, in a controlled and supervised setting, with exploring our breathtaking sub-alpine on snowshoes. Our certified instructors will make sure your group has an experience you will never forget. (Ages 10+)
15 or more people
$45 (Winter)
$40 (Summer)
Snow Cave Building OR Shelter Building
Become more familiar with snow and winter conditions. Instructors will discuss and demonstrate snow shelter techniques, site selection, snow quality in different areas and help students to choose an ideal location to build their own shelter. This is a great team building session or a chance for students to tackle a task on their own. What a sense of accomplishment to dig out your own shelter with the idea of eating lunch or enjoying a break in it!
15 - 30 people
$25
Over 30 people
$20
Evening Snowshoe
Join our experienced guides for a cool and crisp evening snowshoe, enjoy the stars, the moon and the peacefulness of winter at night. This experience can be tailored to all fitness levels and ability. A fantastic affordable experience for all ages.
15 - 30 people
$20
Over 30 people
$15
Wilderness Survival Skills Challenge
Through a series of challenges the group will work together as both a team and individuals to develop competency in variety of wilderness skills. In Wilderness Survival Skills 1, students will learn skills such as writing a trip plan, what to pack for a wilderness trip, how to set up an emergency shelter, basic first aid scenarios and simplified map reading. In Wilderness Survival Skills 2 students will expand upon the skills developed in level 1 delving deeper into risk assessment and management, compass work, as well as beacon use and search techniques.
15 - 30 people
$25 (Winter) - $20 (Summer)
Over 30 people
$20 (Winter) - $15 (Summer)
Scavenger Hunt
This program is designed with all ages and physical abilities in mind. This is another great add on to your day of programming or a fun stand alone experience. Teams will have 1 hour to discover the area and what it has to offer. Work as a team to complete this challenging and fun discovery of our exciting surroundings.
15 - 30 people
$20 (Winter)
$15 (Summer)
Over 30 people
$15 (Winter)
$10 (Summer)
Mt. Washington Summit Challenge
15 - 30 people
$15
Over 30 people
$10
Lake Helen McKenzie Hike and Swim
15 - 30 people
$20
Over 30 people
$15
Disc Golf Challenge
15 - 30 people
$17.50
Over 30 people
$15
Watershed Knowledge Hike
15 - 30 people
$15
Over 30 people
$10
Evening Hike
Enjoy a hike in Strathcona Provincial Park and surrounding area. This 2 hour hike is designed to engage youth in beginner leadership skills. Focus is on group management, consideration and safe travel. Each participant will get a chance to ‘lead’ the group. Another important aspect to enjoying the wilderness is beginning to learn more about it, instructors will discuss local wildlife, fauna, edible plants and the general area. Students will get a chance to give a 2 minute nature nugget during this program.
15 - 30 people
$15
Over 30 people
$12.50
Bat Sonar Night Hike
Rates TBD
Campfire (Propane)
$75/night