Fieldtrip and Family Trip Ideas
This webpage was designed to help Vancouver Island Teachers and Educators locate outdoor or nature based fieldtrips ideas in their communities. Many of these places and events are also accessible for families looking activities that will bring them closer to nature. You will notice that not all of our fieldtrips are outdoors. This is because of how we have defined experiences with Nature.
For all regions:
Why not take your kids or your class for a hike, a walk or just go hang out at one of the many beautiful parks, beaches or recreation sites on our island? We have thousands of them! Look at our activity page for ideas of what to do while you are there…
BC Parks: This is a link to BC provincial parks. Click on your area to find parks near you.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html
Recreational sites: Similar to BC parks are BC recreational sites and trails. Follow the links to your area.
http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-location-coastal-region.aspx
Fish Hatcheries: Here is a list of all hatcheries on the island. Many of them can accommodate students and family groups and offer educational seminars on fish spawning or other river wise education:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/publications/pdfs/wherewhen_to_see_e.PDF
Victoria and Region (including Gulf Islands)
Captial Regional District Park List:
https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/crd-regional-parks/park-maps
Wow Victoria! You have a lot of amazing activities to choose from. You need not look any farther than this amazing website to find loads of activities in your area, along with resources and other neat stuff. Lucky you!
If none of these peak your fancy check out:
The Bug Zoo http://www.victoriabugzoo.ca/group-visits/
Beacon Hill Children’s Farm: http://beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca/
Gayle Farms: http://www.galeyfarms.net/default.aspx?PageID=1019
Haliburton Farms: http://haliburtonfarm.org/wp/guided-farm-tours
Duncan and area
Bird of Prey center. Check out the programs they have available. http://www.pnwraptors.com/
Nanaimo and area
Bowen Park. Quoting a teacher friend of mine: “Bowen park in Nanaimo has a beautiful salmon stream walk with interpretive signs set up throughout. It is a city gem. They've built a fantastic outdoor classroom there as well” http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/56-Bowen-Park
North Island Wildlife Recovery Association in Errington http://www.niwra.org/
Bamfield Marine Science Centre. Currently offering hands-on programs for intermediates and up. http://www.bms.bc.ca/pubed/k12/index.html
Nanaimo Recycling Center. Will bring recycling education to your classroom. Check out their programs at: http://recycling.bc.ca/education/
Rathtrevor Beach Nature House. Has day programs for schools. Highly recommended!
Comox Valley and area
Strathcona Park Lodge. North of Campbell River, they have day and overnight programs: http://strathconaparklodge.com/
Miracle Beach Nature House. Amazing day programs for classes. Highly recommended:
Costal Black Winery. Pumpkin Patch. http://www.coastalblack.ca/
Mt Washington has a large range of outdoor programs for all ages: http://www.mountwashington.ca/
Shamrock Farm has a Pumpkin Patch and farm tours: http://shamrockfarm.ca/
Seaview Game Farm has a petting zoo and farm tours: http://www.seaviewgamefarm.com/farm_tours.php
Wild Sprit Nature Awareness. Contact Bruce for information regarding his outdoor programs in the Courtenay area or check out his website. http://www.members.shaw.ca/wildspirit/
Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Center can be booked for overnight trips or programs either guided or self-catered. Check with center for more details: http://tribunebayoutdoored.ca/
In his book Nature Principle, Robert Louv states:
Human beings exist in nature anywhere where they experience meaningful kinship with other species. By this description, a natural environment may be found in wilderness or a city; while not required to be pristine, this nature is influenced by a modicum of wildness….. We know this nature when we see it. (Pg 52)
For this reason we have also included indoor fieldtrips such as the aquarium and bug’s world, as well as farming and food security fieldtrips such as Beacon Hill petting zoo and local farm tours.
Please send us information on other programs or activities so that we can keep updating our site!