Vancouver Island

High School Program

Discover the pristine landscapes of Vancouver Island, from its unparalleled ecosystems to its awe-inspiring coastlines. Engage with local communities dedicated to upholding Indigenous traditions and culture in this haven for nature lovers.

Biodiversity & The Environment

Spanning over 460 kilometres long, the island is known for its mild climate and abundance of biodiversity. The old growth forests and rugged coastlines, encompassed by the waves of the Pacific Ocean, make for the perfect setting to explore one of the most diverse biospheres in Canada, while also witnessing the impact of climate change. Visit Pacific Rim National Park and engage with folks at the Raincoast Education Society to learn more about the distinct biodiversity of Vancouver Island. 


About Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island offers opportunities to explore one of Canada’s most unique ecosystems and breathtaking coastlines. Visit smaller community groups working to amplify minority voices and preserve Indigenous culture. Enjoy the natural beauty of Vancouver Island from Victoria to Tofino while learning about indigenous culture and identities in an idyllic sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.

Theme alternatives

Fully customizable authentic experiences

At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.

With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.

What's included

All our trips include:

Program highlights

  • Walk the Wild Pacific Trail. Trace the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound.

     

  • Meet with the Raincoast Education Society. Nestled among the Tofino Mudflats, meet with members of the Raincoast Education Society to learn about the natural environment and cultures of the region.

     

  • Ucluelet Aquarium. Visit Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium to learn about the local marine biodiversity and their efforts to protect and conserve the ocean environment.

     

  • Saysutshun Cultural Tour. Only accessible by boat, join a Snuneymuxw guide who will introduce you to the Snuneymuxw First Nations sacred village sites, traditions, and cultural history.

How it works

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Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.

Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.

With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.

Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).

Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!

Sample Itinerary

  • Travel to Victoria.
  • Visit the Parliament Buildings and discover the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.  

  • Participate in a walking tour with Songhees First Nation. Tour Victoria’s inner harbour from a different perspective as we join a cultural guide on a 7 Signs of the Lekwungen Walking tour.

  • Travel to Ucluelet. Along the way, visit Cathedral Grove, a rare endangered remnant of an ancient Douglas fir ecosystem on Vancouver Island. In the afternoon, visit Pacific Rim National Park, protecting over 500 square kilometers of thick forest, rocky shoreline, and the ocean off of Vancouver Island.

  • Meet with the Raincoast Education Society to learn about the Tofino Mudflats, home to dozens of marine and terrestrial species, from shrimp, clams, and packs of wolves to herons, owls, and migrating shorebirds.
  • Hop aboard a traditional-style canoe. Wooden dugout canoes have been the way of getting around coastal Vancouver Island for thousands of years, making it a special way to learn about local indigenous history and rich culture. Paddle through Tla-o-qui-aht traditional territory with a Nuuchahnulth guide in the southern end of Clayoquot Sound.

  • Make a stop at Roy Henry Vickers Gallery to witness a world-renowned Canadian First Nations artist’s work.

  • Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium, to learn about their sustainability and conservation efforts. 

  • Depart for Nanaimo. Take a guided hike through Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, the highest concentration of caves in all of North America, with more than 400 square miles of cave features to explore. Or enjoy a shorter, easier hike to Little Qualicum Falls, where waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forested setting.

  • Participate in a Saysutshun Cultural Tour. Only accessible by boat, join a Snuneymuxw guide who will introduce you to the Snuneymuxw First Nations sacred village sites, traditions, and cultural history.
  • Visit the Duncan Totem Poles as you trace the footsteps on the ground as you criss-cross the town of Duncan looking at all the different totem poles. 

  • At the Malahat Skywalk, walk through a beautiful arbutus forest leading to a spectacular gentle spiral ramp that takes you up 32 metres to a sightseeing lookout offering views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, and Mount Baker.

  • Complete your journey home.

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