Exploring Vancouver Island with the VIU Outdoor Recreation Program – Study Abroad Canada

Blog & Videos, Semester Abroad Canada, Student Stories Canada, Study Abroad

Exploring Vancouver Island with the VIU Outdoor Recreation Program – Study Abroad Canada

Exploring Vancouver Island with the VIU Outdoor Recreation Program

Report by Marie B.

Whoever is willing to visit as many places on the island as possible and do a lot of outdoor activities without paying a crazy amount of money should definitely participate in the VIU Outdoor Recreation Program.

As a student at VIU, the university has perfect opportunities to explore the island and also get the gear for a whole bunch of outdoor activities that are worth trying out in Canada.

Further, the people who work at VIU Outdoor Rec are just great. They always know a lot about nature and of course about all “outdoorsy” things.

On the very first day of school, I got up at 7am to make sure I can sign up for all the activities I really wanted to get in.

Some of them are quite popular and not always offered more than once per semester, as for example canoeing or surfing.

Here is a list of activities I can highly recommend:

  • Tofino Surf Week: Surfing in Tofino cannot get any cheaper, more interesting or more fun. You only pay very little and get the ride to Tofino, a super nice place to stay, all the surfing equipment which is provided by VIU, some theory sessions and of course hours and hours of surfing and laughter together with a group of students and cool instructors.

  • Building Snow Shelters (and sleeping in them): I had no idea if I was going to be afraid or not when it comes to sleeping in a snow shelter, especially when you have to build it yourself.

It’s not scary, it’s not even cold. It’s just one of the most fun experiences. It’s nice to bring a friend you can bunk with and also: Don’t be lazy – cook yourself a proper meal that you can take on the trip. The instructors have everything you need to warm it up at night so you’ll stay warm and sleep well.

  • Hiking Trips: They offer many different hiking trips and all the places I went to were just amazing, even if it was pouring rain. The ones I loved the most were on the Juan de Fuca Trail which is in the South of Vancouver Island.

  • Canucks Road Trip: An ice hockey game in Vancouver is always a lot of fun to watch.

  • Indoor climbing: Offered weekly, super cheap and fun!

  • Ski/Snowboard Trip

  • Rafting

  • Canoe Trip on Quadra Island. Best way to experience one of the other islands

  • Snowshoeing: A fantastic experience in the mountains.

If I had the chance to do all the Outdoor Rec trips again, I would definitely do it. Of course there are always a lot of international students on the trips, but most of the time some Canadian students participate as well.