Backcountry Experience
Step into Galiano’s wilderness and unveil the mysteries of rare Douglas-fir ecosystems as you master the basics of hiking, camping and outdoor survival. With three program length options, “Backcountry Experience” is perfect for nature-newbies and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike! Guides & Scouts look no further – this program is full of activities that will help fulfil badge requirements.
Front Country Campground at the Millard Learning Centre Learning how to pack a bag Compass Navigation Orienteering Hiking the Vanilla Leaf Trail
Program Overview
Program Length
Single Day OR
Overnight – 2 days, 1 night
Overnight – 2 days, 2 nights
Overnight – 3 days, 2 nights
Overnight – 3 days, 3 nights
Availability
Year round
Location(s)
- Mid-Island Protected Areas Network
- Millard Learning Centre
Recommended Grades
Grades 4-12
Curriculum Links
- The role of environmental awareness and stewardship in outdoor recreation and conservation
- First Peoples traditional practices and ecological knowledge related to activities in the local environment
- Preparation for outdoor activities – Food, water, shelter
- Strategies for adapting and responding to changing environmental conditions and emergencies
- Group management, conflict resolution and leadership in outdoors settings
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- 3 – Good Health & Wellbeing
- 14 – Life Below Water
- 15 – Life on Land
Program Highlights
Backpacking Journey
Hike across stunning ridges, along the mysterious Beaver swamp and relax on Pebble Beach in a 8km backpacking journey through Galiano’s Mid-Island Protected Areas network. This active hike is a friendly challenge for those looking to introduce their students to backpacking and mountaineering.
Navigation & Orienteering
How do you put “Red Fred in the Shed”? Learn tips and tricks for compass navigation. Put your new navigation skills to the test in an orienteering challenge where you must find native medicinal and edible plants that will help you survive the Galiano’s wilderness.
Knots & Tarp Shelters
Under the hole and through the loop – learn simple survival knots to build an A-frame or lean-to tarp shelter that will keep you warm and dry on the “wet” coast.
Wilderness Safety & First Aid
What first aid materials should you carry with you at all times in the backcountry? When and how should you extract a hurt hiker? How do you help someone with hypothermia? Learn the ABC’s of wilderness first aid by play-acting backcountry emergency scenarios. Maximize the safety of your backcountry campsite by identifying common forest hazards, like “Danger Trees”. Master slinging a food cache in a tree and compete to see who can do it the fastest.
Backcountry Cooking (Overnight Only)
Learn the dynamics of team-based food preparation in the outdoors and how to cook with compact, fuel-based cookstoves.
BONUS: GCA Camping Gear rentals included in all Overnight Backcountry Experience Programs
Prices
Costs per group for day and overnight programs
FAQs
How to get here, what to bring, how to prepare
Bursaries
We can offer financial help to groups in need
Register
Are you ready to book your program?
[My favourite part of the program was…] The hiking! I’ve never hiked so much in my whole life. It was nice to walk the whole day.”
– Maya, Age 18
I learned how to set up tarps, tents, stoves, hiking bags, and learned about different species.
– Anonymous, Age 13
I liked the no civilization environment. I could spend time in nature with almost no distraction. This let me take in the learning well.
– Anonymous, Age 15
I learned about new plants and trees as well as new terms for trees. I also learned that it is wise to close up your tent at night.
– Anonymous, Age 18
Here are a few of our recent Outdoor Skills and Adventure themed field trips:
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