WEA's Youth Hiking Summer Camp, in partnership with
Western Educational Adventure Society (WEAS),
offers an unforgettable multi-day hiking experience along the breathtaking Juan de Fuca Marine Trail (JDF Trail) on Southwestern Vancouver Island—just an hour west of Victoria, B.C. The journey begins near the surfing village of Jordan River and finishes in the salmon-fishing town of Port Renfrew, B.C. Campers explore lush coastal rainforest, cross suspension bridges, and discover West Coast beaches and tidal pools teeming with marine life along the southern extension of the world-renowned West Coast Trail.
Participants learn how to plan and lead a coastal hiking expedition, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain confidence while exploring one of Canada’s most rugged and beautiful coastlines—a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
**This program is designed for energetic youth who are physically fit and ready to challenge themselves (within reason). For more details about fitness requirements, CLICK HERE.**
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates & Rates | Program dates, ages, fees, and registration info for each hiking expedition session. |
| Pick-Up & Drop-Off | Meeting points, travel details, and transportation logistics for Victoria and surrounding areas. |
| WEA Advantage | Instructor credentials, safety certifications, and the outdoor education approach that defines our programs. |
| Pre-Trip Training & Preparation | Orientation meetings, gear checks, and preparation expectations for participants and families. |
| What to Bring | Complete hiking expedition packing list — required gear, clothing, and equipment recommendations. |
| Fitness Requirements | How physically prepared campers should be and how to assess readiness for multi-day hikes. |
| The Coastal Hiking Journey Experience | Daily life on trail — hiking rhythm, team roles, wilderness camping, and leadership growth. |
| Trip Location & Itinerary | Overview of the Juan de Fuca Trail, sample itinerary, and key highlights along the route. |
| Skills Learned | Outdoor and personal development skills — navigation, campcraft, environmental awareness, and resilience. |
| Safety, Food & Wilderness Protocols | Safety procedures, food systems, environmental stewardship, and backcountry hygiene practices. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers about gear, food, safety, supervision, and what to expect on the hiking journey. |
| Registration | Sign-up instructions, payment options, and refund/cancellation policies. |
| Contact Us – Coastal Hiking Journey | How to reach the WEA team with questions or follow-ups before or after registration. |
| AGE | GENDER | PROGRAM LENGTH | TRIP LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 13 - 16 | Inclusive | 6 days | 5 days |
| PRICE | |||
| $950 - $1,350 + GST | |||
| PROGRAM DATES | AVAILABILITY | ||
| July 12 - 17, 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 Juan de Fuca trail camp at another location, we typically start and end our coastal youth hiking expeditions at Camp Jubilee, 9548 West Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V0R 2L0. WEA's Victoria-based overnight hiking summer camp program runs from 15:15 on Sunday to 15:15 on Friday. Campers spend their first day getting to know each other and preparing for the hiking trip. Depending on the group, come Monday morning, the youth hiking group will depart for either China Beach or Sombrio beach. Transportation from the city, ferries and airport is available but must be arranged in advance.
| START/END | LOCATION | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Camp Jubilee, 9548 West Coast Rd, Sooke, BC | 15:15 |
| End | Camp Jubilee, 9548 West Coast Rd, Sooke, BC | 15:15 |
**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.
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.
JDF PACKING LIST RENTAL GEAR & ADD-ONS
Hiking is physically demanding and requires participants to be able to push themselves (within reason). This program is intended for kids phycially fit children with lots of energy. For more info on physical fitness for this camp, CLICK HERE.
We believe that youth programming should be safe, fun and staffed by the best people in the industry.
"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.
Our coastal hiking expedition on the Juan de Fuca Trail is all about fun. The group hikes through a temperate west coast rainforest overlooking crashing waves and crossing numerous long secluded beaches and tidal pools teaming with marine life. It’s a very different, wild environment. The experience doesn’t stop there! Campers learn about nature, including the various forms of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna, and gain backcountry camping skills, leadership skills and more – skills they won't even know that they have mastered!!
The first day and a bit of the program is all about preparing for the trip. How do we pack bags? What gear do we need? Who is carrying what?
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail - Official BC Parks Website: Click Here
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 hiking summer camp focuses specifically on these skills.
During the Juan de Fuca hiking trip, participants are split into pairs. Daily, a pair is selected to be responsible for leading the entire group, acting as the hike 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 hiking 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 • Hiking • Tides and currents • Camping Practices • Food packing • Cooking • Fire building • Knife and Stove Safety • Backcountry 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 Coastal Hiking program is designed for youth ages 13–16 and runs for 6 days total, with 5 days on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. See Dates & Rates for full details.
We typically start and end at Camp Jubilee, 9548 West Coast Rd, Sooke, BC. Standard times are 15:15 at the start and end of program. Full info under Pick-Up & Drop-Off.
Yes. Transportation can often be arranged in advance from Victoria, the ferries, and the airport. Please contact our team to discuss options and confirm availability.
Please pack everything on the JDF Packing List (PDF). Base items can be rented/loaned depending on need—see Rental Gear & Add-Ons (PDF). More context in Trip Preparation.
Basic gear rentals (e.g., backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, or warm layers) are available for an additional fee. Quantities are limited and should be reserved early through registration or by contacting our office. Rental fees vary depending on the item and duration.
This is a physically demanding backcountry hike intended for energetic, fit participants who can push themselves within reason. Review Fitness Guidelines (PDF) and the Physical Fitness section.
No prior backpacking experience is required. Campers receive instruction in hiking techniques, backpack packing, campsite setup, and safety before and during the expedition. Participants should be physically prepared for full hiking days and ready to learn new outdoor skills.
Expect daily hiking in coastal rainforest and beaches, backcountry camping, and skill sessions. Campers rotate as daily hike leaders in pairs, then debrief each evening to develop leadership and teamwork. See The Westcoast Hiking Experience and Itinerary.
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.
Leaders hold high-level first aid and have extensive backcountry risk-management experience. Meals are simple, wholesome, and we’re experienced with dietary restrictions. See Safety and Food for details.
Our supervision ratio is approximately 1 staff for every 4–6 campers, depending on the program size. This ensures close supervision, quality instruction, and effective group management on the trail and at camp.
All leaders hold first aid, CPR, and wilderness safety certifications and are trained in emergency procedures and group care.
The Coastal Hiking Journey runs rain or shine. Participants learn how to stay dry and comfortable using rain gear, tarps, and team shelters. In cases of extreme conditions — such as high winds, heavy rain, or unsafe surf — trip leaders may adjust the route, timing, or campsite locations to ensure group safety.
All route adjustments are made by experienced staff with wilderness leadership and risk management training.
Register online via our Registration section (links to our registration software). For policies on cancellations, refunds, and changes, follow the links provided there or contact our team with questions.
Please review our General Terms & Conditions for information on cancellations, refunds, and policy updates. For clarification, contact our team.
Call 250-888-1622 or use the Contact Us section — our team will help with travel planning, packing, and any other questions.
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.
The Juan de Fuca Trail, rugged, untamed coastline
The trail head at China Beach. The fun is about to begin!
Ladders on the Juan de Fuca trail? This isn't the WCT!
I just need to "hang-out" after those ladders!
There are swinging bridges too??
It is fun to drop things from here.....
Don't stair for too long!
You staired for too long...hehe
It's almost dinner, honest!
There is no one here....this beach is Bear!
Maybe I shouldn't have decided to run for 2 hours with a fully-loaded backpack. But it was fun!
There is no point trying not to smile here!
Just taking a break, man!
Chin up, it's almost all over....
Sunset on the Juan de Fuca Trail
