Activities

Immerse yourself in the enriching International Student Program, where education meets adventure. As an international student studying in the scenic Comox Valley, you are invited to engage in a plethora of organized activities and excursions throughout the school year.

Our program fosters a vibrant community of learners, connecting students from around the globe. With our monthly trips, you don’t just read about places in textbooks, you experience them firsthand. Forge new friendships, create lasting memories, and expand your horizons as you explore the diverse landscapes of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

Embrace this unique opportunity to blend academic pursuits with cultural exploration in the heart of Canada’s breathtaking wilderness. Dive into the International Student Program and embark on an unforgettable journey of learning and discovery.

Registration for all Activities is hosted through the iCent app.

Hornby Island – September 9, 2023

Whale Watching & Elk Falls Hike – September 23, 2023 (postponed)

Tofino Surfing – October 1-2, 2023

Victoria – October 20-21, 2023

Vancouver – November 17-18, 2023

Vancouver – December 15-16, 2023

Discover Downhill Skiing – January, 2024 (Date to be Determined)

NEW Vancouver – January 18-20, 2024

NEW Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding – January 25, 2024

NEW Snowshoeing in the Wilderness – February 2, 2024

Hornby IslandWhale Watching & Elk Falls HikeTofino SurfingVictoriaVancouver - Cirque du SoleilDiscover Downhill SkiingVancouver - Hockey Night in CanadaDownhill Skiing / SnowboardingWilderness Snowshoeing

September 9, 2023

Our first excursion to Hornby Island! With some of the best beaches in British Columbia, we will try kayaking, paddle boarding (weather dependent) and visiting the Big Tribune Bay Beach, most known for its soft white sand that doesn’t stick to your feet and warm ocean water. Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre includes exciting team-building activities like ropes courses, rappelling, and climbing.  We’ll enjoy a hike at Helliwell Provincial Park to experience the stunning bluffs that give a spectacular view of the Salish Sea, surrounding the Gulf Islands, and Coastal Mountain Range.

Transportation, ferry cost, and activities will be included in the fee.

September 23, 2023 (Postponed)

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Discovery Passage and surrounding Islands aboard either a Zodiac or Covered vessel for half of the day. We will explore through remote passages, active tidal zones and stunning scenery, searching for Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Porpoises, Sea Lions, and so much more marine wildlife! In the second half of the day, we will hike through the forest and listen to the sound of the powerful Elk Falls waterfall, which is thunderous. At 64 meters above the Campbell River, the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island! We will hike through the serene old-growth forest to Deer Falls, checking out the different viewing platforms along the way.

October 1-2, 2023 

Overnight Trip

Passing through Cathedral Grove, we’ll stop to wander through trails surrounded by 800-year-old Douglas Fir, Grand Firs, Western Hemlocks, and Western Red Cedar trees while keeping an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, woodpeckers, and owls.

It’s not a trip to the West Coast of Vancouver Island without trying out surfing! With 35 kilometres of Pacific Ocean beaches and spectacular exposed coast, Tofino is perfect for surfers of all skill levels. We will have our wetsuits, grab our boards, enjoy a lesson from a pro and get out into the waves!

With Ucluelet just south along the Pacific Rim Highway, we’ll hike the Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail. Through mossy rainforest, along an easy trail to the famously rugged and wind-swept coastline, we’ll enjoy the dramatic views of Barkley Sound and Amphitrite Lighthouse.

October 20-21, 2023

Overnight Trip

We will visit the Malahat SkyWalk for a Tree Walk through the beautiful arbutus forest to a spectacular gentle spiral ramp leading to a 32m sightseeing lookout offering breathtaking West Coast views. We will explore downtown Victoria, including the Parliament Buildings. From Victoria downtown to Chinatown, the oldest in Canada and the second in North America, Coach transportation, hotel accommodation, dinner and breakfast will be included in the fee.

November 17-18, 2023 & December 15-16, 2023

Overnight Trip

An excitement-packed two-day trip over to the big City of Vancouver! The ferry across the Strait of Georgia is a must-do experience while studying in the Comox Valley. There is a good chance we will see Whales! Once in Vancouver, we’ll be at Stanley Park for a walking tour and take in the FlyOver Canada show. The FlyOver Canada is a fun, thrilling, sky-high adventure aboard the original coast-to-coast Canada flight ride. We’ll spend the evening at the world-famous Canadian spectacular Cirque Du Soleil show, KOOZA! With incredible acrobatics, silk aerialists, 25-foot double highwires and unforgettable choreography, we will experience the story of a naïve clown looking for his place in the world. We will give you plenty of time to do Christmas shopping on Robson Street, famous for the fashion shops and dining. In December, Vancouver shows off its holiday spirit with dazzling Christmas lights in Downtown Vancouver. Of course, Vancouver downtown is the “Vancouver Luxury Zone,” containing the most upscale stores in the city.

January, 2024 (Date to be Determined)

Welcome to the sport of Downhill Skiing! This activity is designed for those who have never skied before. This all-inclusive package includes an Easy Acres lift ticket, all the rental equipment (ski/board, boots, poles, and helmet) needed and a 1.45-hour beginner lesson with a certified Instructor.

January 18-20, 2024

Overnight Trip

We are adding a third trip to Vancouver in January with a flare to the schedule. Priority will be given to students who could not register for the Vancouver trips in November and December.

Our first activity would be an outdoor skate pond in the Lower Mainland. Great for a fun group adventure – so it is time to lace up those skates for a spin in the fresh air. We will embrace the City of Vancouver in all its beauty while also attending a Hockey Game to watch the Vancouver Canucks vs Arizona Coyotes. We will give you plenty of time to shop at Pacific Centre Mall and on Robson Street, which is famous for its fashion shops and dining. Of course, downtown Vancouver is the “Vancouver Luxury Zone,” containing the most upscale stores in the City and tons of eateries along Robson Street. We can take in the FlyOver Canada Show and have photo opportunities at Jack Poole Plaza, the Olympic Caudron and Canada Place. We will have lunch together while enjoying the city view and have dinner at Gastown.

The total for this trip will be $400.00. Coach transportation, Ferry, Hotel accommodation for two nights stay, continental buffet breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner, and the Canucks ticket will all be included in the fee.

Registration will start on Friday, December 8, from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM for those who have not been to Vancouver. The full itinerary will follow after registration.  

Welcome to the sport of Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding! This lesson is designed for those who have never skied or snowboarded before. For $50.00 per person. This all-inclusive package includes an Easy Acres lift ticket, all the rental equipment (ski/board, boots, poles, and helmet) needed and a 1.5-hour beginner lesson with a certified Instructor. The aim is to be up the mountain by 10:00 AM,  process everyone through rentals, and the lesson will start at 11:00 AM.

Registration starts on December 22nd at 9:00 PM, and there are only 23 spots on the bus. Transportation and lessons will be included in the fee.

This is a great activity for us to get out and explore your local mountain. On this fun adventure, your experienced guide will encourage you to reconnect with nature, explore the alpine environment, learn about the surroundings of Mt. Washington and get a taste of the backcountry.  Snowshoe rentals and an après snowshoe hot chocolate are included. No experience is necessary.

This activity is free, please sign up on iCent, and there are only 23 spots available.  We will meet at Tim Hortons (789 Ryan Rd, Courtenay) by Rickie’s Restaurant at 9:15 AM. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Registration starts on January 12, 2024, at 9:00 PM.

To apply to the Comox Valley’s International Student Program, click the button below

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