This Years Trip
Nootka Trail Hike
The Nootka Trail is a scenic coastal hiking route on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, that winds through old-growth temperate rainforest and along dramatic rocky shorelines. Hikers encounter diverse ecosystems, tidal zones, creek crossings, and opportunities to observe wildlife. A day hike on the Nootka Trail allows youth leadership groups to experience the region's backcountry beauty while developing their outdoor competencies in a challenging but rewarding wilderness setting.
In a Rush or Have Questions Before You Register for our year end trip?
Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please click on the following button to take you to the contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.
Pricing
Our pricing is variable and tailored to each trip's scope and requirements. On average, you can expect costs to fall between 800 and 1,500, depending on the specific activities and logistics involved. For example, hiking trips typically fall toward the lower end of this range, as they require minimal equipment and setup. In contrast, trips that involve more specialized equipment—such as kayaking expeditions—tend to be at the upper end, due to the additional costs associated with gear rental, maintenance, safety equipment, and specialized instruction.
Past Trips
We've explored some incredible places together, from hidden coastal gems to towering cliffside views, each journey leaving us with unforgettable memories and stories to share.
west coast trail
The West Coast Trail, stretching along the rugged southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, offered spectacular day-hiking opportunities with stunning views of the Pacific coastline and surrounding temperate rainforest. On a crisp morning, we started from one of the accessible trailheads and descended through dense old-growth forest, where towering Sitka spruces and western red cedars created a cool, shaded canopy. As we progress along the undulating terrain, the forest gradually opened to reveal panoramic vistas across the open Pacific Ocean, with sea stacks rising dramatically from the churning waters below. The rocky beaches and tide pools provided perfect rest spots to pause and take in the expansive coastal views, while the varied terrain—from forest floor to windswept headlands to sandy coves—kept the hike engaging.
Sea Kayaking
We paddled our kayaks through the pristine waters of Desolation Sound, exploring dramatic coastlines and hidden coves. From the moment we launched, we investigated the abundant sea life that called these waters home, spotting seals lounging on rocks, bald eagles soaring overhead, and schools of fish darting beneath our hulls. The calm bays near the Strait of Juan de Fuca offered perfect paddling conditions as we navigated along the rugged shoreline, each turn revealing new geological formations and marine wonders. We caught glimpses of sea otters in the kelp forests and, always on the hunt for fortunate moments where orcas may be moving through the deeper channels. The combination of stunning coastal scenery and encounters with Pacific Northwest wildlife made our sea kayaking adventure unforgettable.
Sayward Forest Canoe Adventure
We paddled our canoe through the tranquil lakes, weaving through narrow waterways and gliding across open expanses of mirror-smooth water. Starting sheltered confines, we navigated tight channels bordered by overhanging cedars and Douglas firs. The narrow passages required careful maneuvering, but they rewarded us with intimate glimpses of the forest ecosystem—nesting birds, deer drinking at the shoreline, and dragonflies skimming the water's edge. As we emerged into the larger lakes, the landscape opened up dramatically, revealing expansive vistas framed by distant mountains and tree-lined shores. Paddling across these open waters, we felt a sense of freedom and solitude, our canoe cutting silently through the pristine wilderness. Whether navigating the winding passages or crossing the broad stretches of calm water, our day on these lakes offered the perfect escape into nature, combining the intimate exploration of hidden waterways with the peaceful serenity of open-water paddling.
The Experience
Above all, our outdoor year end wilderness trip is more fun than you can imagine! Youth get to experience so many different types of challenges in an amazing outdoor environment! Our adventures include, lakes, streams, fields, forests, fire pits, cooking shelters, huge views and many other natural wonders! Hikers love roaming the trails and waterways, guided by our expert staff. Participants get many opportunities to lead as well as take instructions. Participants learn about nature, camping skills, leadership and more. The best part - they don’t even realize it!
Leadership and Personal Growth
Modern youth do not get very many opportunities to learn life skills including how to lead others, manage conflict and think for themselves.
While every participant gets a taste of leadership, older campers (typically 14-16 year olds) get a rare, highly valuable leadership experience! While they participate in all the same, fun wilderness adventures as the older kids, the main focus of the program is to give them valuable leadership experience. During the trip they are paired with younger age groups to practice being a leader. It is an increndible opportunity to feel empowered helping younger children and to see what being an adult is all about.
General Safety
At Western Educational Adventures, safety is our top priority. We want every camper to not only have an exceptional experience but also to return home safe and sound. Our highly qualified team of outdoor professionals are all certified in advanced first aid and have extensive experience in risk management and outdoor leadership. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are in the hands of some of the most skilled and safety-conscious instructors in Victoria, BC and beyond.
Food and Food Allergies
We believe that a good experience starts with good nutrition. Proper diet and eating habits are lacking in today’s society - a result of readily available fast foods, processed foods and a lack of nutritional education. We strive to provide quality, simple, wholesome meals with limited processed ingredients – in addition to the occasional smores and limited other tasty treats. This is part of why we include our participants in all meal planning, purchasing and cooking.
We are also very experienced in dealing with dietary restrictions and serious food allergies. Great care is taken to avoid serious participant food allergens whenever possible. Where this is not possible, we take great care to avoid cross contamination of ingredients.
Western Educational Adventures!
In a Rush or Have Questions Before You Sign Up?
Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please complete the following contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.