The Teen Forest Canoe Route Summer Camp is offered by Western Educational Adventures (WEA) in partnership with the Western Educational Adventure Society (WEAS). When most people picture the West Coast—Vancouver Island, Campbell River, and beyond—they rarely think of canoeing across a pristine chain of freshwater lakes. However, the Sayward Forest Canoe Circuit offers a breathtaking, lesser-known wilderness experience your teen will never forget! Campers paddle across lakes large and small, navigate easy, low-risk rivers, and challenge themselves with portages while developing outdoor confidence and teamwork skills.
Like all WEA programs, participants gain both hard and soft skills—learning canoe rescues, paddling techniques, portaging, camping, and outdoor cooking alongside leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities that last a lifetime. Sign up for our Teen Summer Canoeing Camp today and give your teen the ultimate outdoor adventure on Vancouver Island!
This program is designed for energetic, physically fit youth who are ready to challenge themselves (within reason). For more information about physical fitness requirements, CLICK HERE.
The WEA Expedition Summer Camp Advantage – Click here
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates & Rates | Session dates, age eligibility, pricing, and registration details for each canoe journey. |
| Pick-Up & Drop-Off | Transportation meeting locations, departure and return details for Victoria and surrounding areas. |
| WEA Advantage | Staff qualifications, expedition leader certifications, and our outdoor education philosophy. |
| Pre-Trip Training & Preparation | Pre-departure meetings, gear checks, fitness preparation, and paddling readiness expectations. |
| What to Bring | Complete expedition packing list, including required personal gear, clothing, and equipment notes. |
| Fitness Requirements | How fit do you need to be, and how can you tell if you’re ready? |
| The Sayward Forest Canoe Trip Experience | What campers can expect during the journey — from daily paddling and wilderness camping to teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skill development. |
| Trip Location & Itinerary | Overview of the Sayward Forest Canoe Route, trip logistics, campsite locations, and a sample multi-day expedition itinerary. |
| Skills Learned | Campers develop practical outdoor skills such as paddling, navigation, camp cooking, and safety—along with teamwork, leadership, and confidence in nature. |
| Safety, Food & Wilderness Protocols | Emergency procedures, wilderness food handling, cooking systems, and safety practices used on trip. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers about logistics, experience level, food, gear, supervision, and overall program expectations. |
| Registration | How to register, payment process, and links to cancellation and refund policies. |
| Contact Us – Canoe Journey | How to reach the WEA team for questions before or after registration. |
| AGE | GENDER | PROGRAM LENGTH | TRIP LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 13-16 | Inclusive | 8 days | 7 days |
| PRICE | |||
| $1,375 - $2,032 + GST | |||
| PROGRAM DATES | AVAILABILITY | ||
| June 28 - July 5, 2026 | Space Available | ||
| SHARE | |||
Availability updated Nov 5 2025. Live availability can be found on our registration software.
| SHARE | ONLINE REGISTRATION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| REGISTER NOW |
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.
While we may stage our Wilderness youth sea kayaking camp at another location, we typically start and end our teen wilderness canoeing camp at Camp Kingswood, 611 Linnet Lane, Saanich, BC V9E 2B1. WEA's Victoria-based overnight canoeing expedition program runs from 15:15 on Sunday to 18:15 on Friday. Campers spend their first day getting to know each other and preparing for the canoe trip. On day 2, the kids will be transported from Victoria to the Campbell River area to start their canoe trip preparations. Families living up island may be able to pick-up their youth along the way on the final day of the program. Transportation from the city, ferries and airport is available. These transportation services must be arranged in advance.
| START/END | LOCATION | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Camp Kingswood, 611 Linnet Lane, Saanich, BC V9E 2B1 | 15:15 |
| End | Camp Kingswood, 611 Linnet Lane, Saanich, BC V9E 2B1 | 18:15 |
**Ferry and airport pick-up/drop-off for campers available for those that live out of town**
Typically we require families to pick-up and drop-off their kids directly at our staging location (above). If you need transportation for your camper to and from camp from the city, ferries or airport or are wishing to pick you camper up on the final day of the program up-island, please CONTACT US.
We believe that youth programming should be safe, fun and staffed by the best people in the industry.
As we operate our programs outside and often in wilderness environments, it is essential that all families pack all items on our packing list. Failing to do so may compromise your childs safety and experience. Base items can be rented or loaned depending on your financial situation. Other items can be purchsed from WEA, for more information click the rental gear & add-on button below.
CANOE PACKING LIST RENTAL GEAR & ADD-ONS
This program is intended for kids with lots of energy who are physically fit and able to push themselves (within reason). Click the button for more info on physical fitness for this camp
PHYSICAL FITNESS"My 14 year old son had a great time at summer camp. It was a multi-age camp which is a bit unusual, but provides a unique experience for kids to learn and be a leader outside of their usual school age cohort. I like that the camp is fairly low-key and provides time for reflection and personal growth. I imagine this may be a less competitive atmosphere than some of the larger camps. The programming was good and varied. A great bonus from the camp was my son willingly offered to take out the garbage and recycling when he arrived home. He has continued to offer to do chores and contribute more to the household routines! Thanks Landon!"
- Karla Benson
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.
Every lake on the 11-lake Sayward Canoe Route is unique. The Campbell River backcountry campsites feature giant cedar plank picnic tables. Paddlers navigate small, shallow rivers, scramble over beaver dams, and travel through forested terrain with sweeping views of the Strathcona Park mountains. Kids and teens learn about nature, camping, leadership, and more—without even realizing it!
The first two or three days of the program is all about preparing for the trip. How do we pack our backpacks and canoes? What gear do we need? Who is carrying what? What do you do if you capsize?
Modern youth do not get very many opportunities to learn life skills such as how to lead others, manage conflict and think for themselves. Western Education Adventure’s Victoria BC canoeing summer camp focuses specifically on these skills.
During the Vancouver Island Canoeing trip, teens are often split into pairs. Daily, a pair is selected to be responsible for leading the entire group, acting as the trip leaders. In the evening, the pair debriefs their experience, talking about what they learned and how it can be applied in the future. In short, participants learn what it means to be an adult!
Youth learn many of the skills required to run a successful backcountry paddling trip. Everything from making a meal plan to planning a route to cleaning up after it's all done. Kids come away from this experience with a serious backcountry skill set.
• Leadership • Decision Making • Conflict Management • Group Management • Route Panning • Navigation • Canoeing and Portaging • Canoe and Water Safety • Canoe Rescues • Camping Practices • Food packing • Cooking • Fire building • Knife and Stove Safety • Backcountry Equipment Maintenance
Western Educational Adventures takes safety seriously. Not only do we want our participants to have an exceptional time, but just as importantly, we want them to return home safe and sound. All of Western Educational Adventures staff are certified in high level first aid and have years of experience managing risk in the outdoors. You won’t find a more qualified staff team anywhere else!
"Landon took our family on a sea kayak paddle starting out of Victoria. This was our first time sea kayaking but we felt confident in Landon keeping our trip safe and enjoyable. In little time we were safely paddling and navigating the water. It was a great day!"
-Alex Damjanovic
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.
"Landon guided an overnight trip for our family on the Juan de Fuca trail. Healthy eating is important to us. Landon helped our kids build an outdoor oven and they were soon baking an amazing dinner. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that you can look after yourself in the outdoors."
-Carole Damnjanovic
The Canoe Journey is designed for youth ages 13–16 who are ready for a multi-day wilderness canoe expedition. Participants should be fit and comfortable camping outdoors, working as part of a team, and spending extended days in the backcountry.
Yes! Campers traveling from mainland BC or elsewhere are welcome to join. Families typically arrange transportation to and from Victoria, and WEA staff can help plan ferry connections and pick-up/drop-off logistics on either side of the trip.
When possible, we can accommodate early arrivals or late departures in coordination with other programs. Please contact us in advance so we can help make travel as smooth as possible.
At this time, all campers — including those from up island — must check in and depart from the designated Victoria-area meeting location. Transportation to and from the expedition site near Campbell River is provided as part of the program.
Because staff and gear are loaded together and the group travels as a unit, up-island drop-offs or pick-ups aren’t possible. Families coming from Nanaimo, Comox, or other northern communities should plan to meet the group in Victoria at the official departure point.
If you’re traveling from outside the region, see the question above about off-island travel options or contact our office for arrival/departure planning.
No prior canoe-tripping experience is required. Campers receive instruction in paddling techniques, packing, camp setup, and outdoor safety before and during the trip. Participants should be comfortable in and around water and open to learning new skills in a group setting.
The Sayward Forest Canoe Route involves multiple days of paddling and portaging. Participants should have a moderate fitness level and be prepared for 4–6 hours of activity per day. While not an extreme expedition, campers should be ready for variable weather, carrying gear and canoes, and sharing team responsibilities.
This expedition follows the Sayward Forest Canoe Route near Campbell River on Vancouver Island. The route links lakes, rivers, and portages — an ideal introduction to wilderness canoe tripping in BC.
WEA provides all canoes, paddles, PFDs, group camping gear, and cooking equipment. Campers must bring their own personal gear such as clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, footwear, and toiletries.
Having the right gear is essential for comfort and safety. Weather on Vancouver Island can change quickly, and campers spend the entire week outdoors — including in rain, wind, and cool temperatures. Proper warm layers, waterproof items, and durable footwear are critical.
Please review the full What to Bring list and check your gear ahead of time. Missing or unsuitable items can compromise safety and may result in rental fees or participation limits.
Yes. WEA offers gear rentals for essential items including backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and warm sweaters. Some additional items may also be available depending on inventory and trip needs — please contact us to confirm.
All rental gear is cleaned, maintained, and inspected before each use. Rentals can be reserved during registration or added later by contacting our office. Quantities are limited; please book early.
Most items on our packing list can be found at local outdoor or general retailers such as MEC (Mountain Equipment Company), Canadian Tire, and thrift stores like Value Village for affordable second-hand gear.
We also have partnerships with Robinson’s Outdoor Store and Mountain Warehouse — both offer discounts to WEA families when you show your WEA invoice or registration receipt at checkout.
Borrowing gear from friends or relatives is welcome as long as it’s in good condition, fits properly, and suits variable coastal weather. If you’re unsure about an item, contact our office for recommendations or to discuss rental options.
Meals are hearty, nutritious, and designed for wilderness travel. Campers help plan, pack, and cook with leaders — a key part of the expedition experience. Typical menus include pasta, rice bowls, burritos, pancakes, and campfire treats. We accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice.
All WEA trip leaders are trained in First Aid, CPR-C, and wilderness risk management. Staff carry first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and emergency protocols to ensure camper safety throughout the trip. Supervision ratios are low, and leaders maintain contact with base operations.
Yes — friends may register for the same session and request to be grouped together. We do our best to accommodate these requests when space and program logistics allow.
While attending with friends can be fun, we encourage campers to join independently when possible. Coming on their own helps participants build confidence, independence, inclusivity, and new friendships — all key parts of the expedition experience.
The program runs rain or shine. Campers learn to stay dry and comfortable using proper rain gear, tarps, and teamwork. In cases of extreme weather (e.g., high winds or unsafe travel), leaders may modify the route or camp in sheltered locations until conditions improve.
Please review our current General Terms & Conditions (PDF) for details about cancellations, refunds, and program changes. Policies may vary by season and program type.
If you have any questions about the Canoe Journey Summer Camp, call 250-888-1622 or visit the Contact Us section to reach our team directly.
If you want to sign up, the process is simple. Here’s what you do:
Fill in your email and create a password
Input your information. This is a one time step, your info will be there for the rest of the summer!
Input your child (or children's information), select the program(s) you wish to register for.
**All personal information provided will not be shared with third parties unless it is relevant to the participants well being or quality of experience**
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.
Sayward Forest Canoe Expedition
It might be a little bit fun...
The sunsets are ok, I guess.
A room with a view
No, your other left!!
We all get a little Loonie sometimes.
Look at me go!
Can't you see I just love portaging?
Stroke, stroke, stroke, the view doesn't matter, keep paddling!
I am taking a picture, but you can keep paddling!
The best trip of my life is drawing to a close
Those dam beavers!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
What a beautiful green canoe!
Are we there yet??
And that's a wrap!
