CAMP EXPEDITIONS

Johnstone Strait:
Located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is home to one of the largest resident Orca (killer whale) populations in the world. Each year the Orcas return to the area to feed on the abundant supply of salmon, and to rub their bellies on the smooth pebble ocean floor of Robson Bight (Michael Biggs Marine Sanctuary).

CanAdventure Education programs target this area during the best months for watching Orcas -June through October. In addition to Orcas, a variety of other marine mammals may also be seen, including Pacific white-sided Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Dall's Porpoise and Harbour Seals. The birdlife is also diverse, including bald eagles and many sea bird species. In itself, witnessing the grace and power of an Orca can change a person's life forever!

Della Falls:
The highest waterfall in Canada, Della Falls is a spectacular sight to see. Water tumbles 440m (1443 feet) down a cliff surrounded with beautiful mountain scenery. The trail to reach this wonder of nature is accessible only by boat at the head of one of Vancouver Island's large interior lakes, making Della Falls an excellent combined paddling and hiking expedition.

The local area also features an interesting mining history, extensive mountain flora and fauna, and beautiful old growth forest, offering plenty of curricular content for our campers to absorb.

Nootka Island: Nootka Island is located just north of Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island's western shores, and is rich with some of British Columbia's earliest history. The ancient Nuu-Chah-Nulth village of Yuquot, at the southwestern tip of the island has been continuously settled for over 4,300 years and is the site of first contact between Europeans and BC First Nations people. In addition to the cultural and historical value of the area, there is also a hiking trail that is quickly making Nootka Island a world-renowned back-packing destination. Hikers are led by a trail that meanders along the majestic coastline, through lush old growth forest, and along rugged high cliffs. Offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the Island, the Nootka trail remains the road-less-travelled.

Strathcona Provincial Park:
Strathcona Provincial Park, located on central Vancouver Island, is British Columbia's oldest park. Known for its snow-capped mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, crisp clear lakes, and countless rivers and streams, Strathcona Park offers a potpourri of natural landscapes and learning opportunities.

The park is also home to one of the most concentrated and diverse collections of flora and fauna on Vancouver Island. Large populations of black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk make the park home and are frequently seen. Bears, wolves, and cougars are also found in Strathcona park, as is a rich and ever-present birdlife.

The Gulf Islands: The Gulf Islands became a national park in 2003, boasting Canada’s only Mediterranean-type climate —warm and dry in the summer and mild and wet in the winter. The area offers sandy beaches, sandstone bluffs, and scenic rocky headlands as well as ecologically diverse plant- and sea-life —gnarled Garry oaks, delicate wild lilies, thick kelp beds and magnificent Orcas (killer whales). Camp groups study not only the engaging geographical and intertidal features but also the extensive human history of the area, including First Nations and European settlements.

Clayoquot Sound:
Near the top of any outdoor enthusiast's list of must-see destinations, Clayoquot Sound is world-renowned as a place of stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and uncommon natural wonder. The region's environmental importance was recognized in January 2000 when Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The area boasts temperate rainforests that are among the most unique in the world, featuring massive old-growth trees and a diversity of life that provides exceptional learning opportunities. Clayoquot Sound and Canada's Pacific Rim National Park provide a fertile teaching ground for forest ecology, marine biology, and North American and First Nations history curriculum. Campers visiting the area will enjoy the miles of sandy beaches, crashing surf, sheltered paddling, and coastal hiking that are available in the area.