World Bound Youth: Canada

Welcome to the great Canadian outback!

Canada is more than hockey, maple syrup, and Ryan Reynolds. What really defines Canada is its stunning, sweeping landscapes and the dynamic character of the people who call it home. Join World Bound Canada and embark upon a 21-day journey that extends across Canada’s most iconic and untouched wilderness, from the lush, endless rainforests of British Columbia's West Coast to the expansive, untamed valleys and tundras of the Yukon.

We begin this adventure surrounded by the glass towers of Vancouver before heading to the stunning Sunshine Coast, where we’ll build our canoe skills while exploring misty forests and paddling next to seals, and maybe even whales. Then, we head north to Whitehorse as we begin an epic 400km canoe trip down the Teslin and Yukon Rivers that will bring us into contact with the ruins of the Gold Rush, ancient and flourishing Northern Indigenous cultures, and wildlife like bears, moose, beavers, and more.

Are you ready?

Experiences you won’t want to miss:

• Follow the wake of history during a 400km canoe journey down the Yukon and Teslin Rivers

• Paddleboard on mountain lakes in British Columbia’s Coast Mountain range

• Safely encounter wildlife you’ve only seen on TV, like orca whales, moose, seals, bears, and so much more

• Become a wilderness survivalist by learning critical outdoor skills like camp set-up, outdoor cooking, plant and animal identification, and Leave-No-Trace principles

• Connect with ancient Indigenous cultures such as the coastal Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl, as well as the Yukon’s Northern Indigenous communities

• Experience endless day and find out why the Yukon is called ‘the Land of the Midnight Sun’

• See first-hand the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, river erosion, and the mysterious ‘drunken forests’

• Immerse yourselves in Canadian arts and culture in both Vancouver and Whistler

Itinerary and Trip Details
Packing List

DATES
July 1–21, 2024 and July 23–Aug 12, 2024

AGES
13–18 (co-ed)
Interested in this experience but 18+? Check out our Young Adult Yukon expedition.

LOCATIONS
BC Locations: Vancouver, Whistler, Sechelt
Yukon Locations: Whitehorse, Carmacks, and Yukon and Teslin Rivers

PRICES (CAD)
Regular: $5,899.00 + GST
Deposit: $300.00 CAD + GST
Contact us about a ‘campership’

FREE 1-year Duke of Edinburgh’s Award membership package ($600 value) through Vancouver Outdoor School included with all World Bound trips.

Includes:
– 24/7 instruction/support and pre-course check-in
– Meals
– Accommodation (tent and hostel)
– Canoes, PFDs, and canoe skill training
– Ground transportation
– Return flight (Vancouver – Whitehorse)
– World Bound Curriculum workshops
– World Bound Certificate of Completion and t-shirt
– Post-course follow-up

Does not include: Transportation costs outside of above, Vancouver Airport pick-up and drop-off outside of the preferred arrival and departure times, medical insurance, and anything not mentioned above.

More info: office@firesideadventures.ca

Whistler

Tucked inside the Coast Mountains, Whistler is an iconic haven for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush forests, pristine lakes, and jagged peaks, it offers year-round outdoor adventures. Explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, and immerse yourself in the serenity of its alpine landscapes.

Sechelt Inlet

Practice Adventurous Journey
Sechelt Inlet, nestled along BC’s Sunshine Coast, is a pristine marine sanctuary celebrated for its unspoiled coastal beauty. This tranquil inlet boasts serene waters, old-growth rainforests, and a thriving marine ecosystem. Kayak through secluded coves, hike along forested shores, and witness the wonders of its untouched water wonderland.

Teslin and Yukon Rivers

Two of the most majestic and historic watercourses in Canada, the Teslin and Yukon Rivers wind through remote and truly untamed wilderness. Along its meandering path, you'll encounter sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of the most ancient pieces of this land’s history.

Vancouver

A city unlike any other, Vancouver is a glass-towered metropolis framed by nature's splendour. It is a city of diverse cultures and experiences, offering the best of urban life and outdoor pursuits. With its stunning parks, endless food options, and thriving arts scene, Vancouver is a unique urban hub in harmony with the great outdoors.

Climate Activist Specialization: The Climate Creative

Many of humanity’s most impactful social movements were driven by the creative energy of activist artists. The unique focus of World Bound Youth: Canada is an expressive arts project that connects each youth’s identity to their communities, nature, and climate change. For the climate activist, the most compelling source of inspiration is the natural world itself. Both British Columbia and the Yukon are legendary for a natural beauty that has made them cultural and artistic hotspots, inspiring countless masterpieces. From the complex storytelling of the First Nations and the folk songs of the gold miners, to Jack London’s Call of the Wild and the vibrant paintings of Ted Harrison, the Yukon in particular has been the site of many incredible works of art.

Over the course of our journey, each participant will synthesize their experiences by creating an individual expressive arts project, which our staff will support through helping youths plan their project, overcome challenges, and navigate the highly personal act of reflection and creation. These projects can take any form, but participants should take the time to choose a preferred medium and bring the necessary supplies. The purpose of this expressive art project is to deepen our relationships with ourselves, our families and communities, and our world.

Pillar 1: Integrating Climate Change Principles and Perspectives

• Two-eyed Seeing: Combine Western science and Indigenous climate science to create a holistic understanding of climate change

• Local/Regional: Compare southern British Columbian and northern Yukon experiences of climate change

• Rural-urban: Learn what both urban and rural communities are doing to adapt to climat

Pillar 2: Exploring Real-world Environments

• Mountain and forest environments: Whistler and the Coast Mountains

• Ocean and coastal environments: The Sunshine Coast 

• River environments: The Yukon and Teslin Rivers

• Urban environments: Vancouver and Whitehorse

Pillar 3: Volunteering and Connecting within Communities

• Connect with the coastal Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl at the Lil’wat Cultural Centre

• Meet local activists, artisans, and entrepreneurs in Vancouver and Whitehorse

• Help preserve nature through litter clean-up and Leave-No-Trace practices

Pillar 4: Strengthening Life, Social, and Leadership Skills

• Wilderness survival skills (ie. camp set-up, fire-building, plant and animal identification, navigation)

• Leave-No-Trace principles

• Outdoor leadership and teamwork skills through canoeing, camp maintenance, and outdoor meal preparation

• Canoe paddle and safety skills

• Expressive arts development

• Social-emotional learning and reflection through journalling and an intensive 24-hour solo experience

Pillar 5: Sustaining Climate Action through Solution-focused Approaches

• Membership in the World Bound Youth: Climate Ambassador community

• Year-round participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (which supports climate action)

• Membership in the Vancouver Outdoor School Youth Network

• Internships as a climate ambassador and mentor in local sustainable businesses and future expeditions

Check out what our 2023 World Bound youth have to say!