This Years Trip
Strathcona
Strathcona Provincial Park offers some of Vancouver Island's most spectacular snowshoeing opportunities, with pristine winter landscapes and stunning mountain vistas. The park's diverse trail network provides options for all skill levels, from gentle forest walks to more challenging alpine terrain that rewards you with panoramic views of snow-covered peaks. WEA's leadership program brings participants to Strathcona to develop essential winter hiking and snowshoeing skills in a real-world alpine environment. Whether you're a beginner building foundational techniques or an experienced winter traveler seeking to master advanced skills, our leadership program provides the hands-on learning and mentorship to help you safely navigate Strathcona's winter wilderness.
Vancouver Island Backcountry Snowshoeing
| AGE | GENDER | PROGRAM LENGTH |
|---|---|---|
| 10 - 15 | Inclusive | Day Trip |
| PROGRAM COST | DATES | |
| ~$160 + GST | Dec 19th 2026 8:00am (can vary) - 7:00pm | |
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The WE Adventures Advantage
WE Adventures Team Members
WE Adventures Provides
When, Where & What
In the morning, parents will drop-off at Westhills YMCA (Langford, BC) at the below times. The youth will be transported by Landon to the snowshoe area in WEA's vehicle. Upon return, Landon will text or email all parents that the group is leaving the hike grounds and is x minutes away as per the PM column of the table below.
| LOCATION | DEPARTURE (Leaves at) | ARRIVAL (Returns at) | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westhills YMCA | 8:00am (can vary) | 7:00pm | Exact end time will be texted 30 min prior. |
The Experience
This snowshoe hiking experience will take place in Strathcona Park, providing participants with an authentic alpine environment to learn and grow. The mountainous landscape offers the ideal backdrop for hands-on skill development and personal growth, allowing youth to disconnect from everyday distractions and fully engage with both their peers and the winter wilderness.
Participants will develop a comprehensive range of basic winter hiking skills essential for mountain adventures. These include snowshoe fitting and technique, winter layering and clothing management, map reading and winter route navigation, avalanche awareness and safety protocols, group decision-making in cold conditions, and other fundamental alpine competencies. Each skill builds confidence and self-reliance while reinforcing the importance of preparation and safety in winter mountain settings.
The returning youth will be planning and preparing for this hike, taking on leadership roles that extend beyond participation. This responsibility allows experienced hikers to mentor newer members, deepen their own expertise, and develop organizational and planning skills. This approach fosters a culture of peer leadership and ensures that younger participants benefit from the knowledge and experience of those who have attended previous events.
What to bring
Download Packing ListIt is essential that participants bring all the items on the packing list the returning youth will be making to ensure a safe and positive experience. If any gear is missing from any participant, the trip may be cancelled. If the participant does not have any of this gear, please let WEA know prior to the trip. The packing list can be found in the trip folder (once the youth planning have completed it). Remember to bring all trip paperwork. Please note that the list may be changed in the days prior depending on weather and snow conditions.
Weather & Terrain
Participants should prepare for cold, variable winter conditions typical of Strathcona Park's alpine environment. Expect temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C, with wind chill making conditions feel significantly colder at higher elevations. Snowfall is possible, and visibility may be limited by clouds or snow, so proper layering, waterproof outerwear, and sun protection are essential. Clear days offer stunning mountain views, but weather can change rapidly, making it crucial for the group to monitor conditions and be prepared to adjust plans as needed for safety.
What will my child learn?
A snowshoeing trip in an alpine environment offers participants valuable lessons in winter wilderness skills and personal resilience. Beyond the technical competencies of winter hiking, youth develop critical thinking abilities through real-time decision-making in changing conditions, build physical endurance in challenging terrain, and gain confidence in navigating unfamiliar landscapes.
- Snowshoe technique
- Winter layering
- Navigation skills
- Avalanche awareness
- Emergency response
- Building confidence
- Team communication
- Decision-making
- Peer mentoring
- Safety planning
Safety
Western Educational Adventures takes safety seriously. While we’re committed to providing exceptional experiences, our highest priority is ensuring every participant returns home safe and sound. We believe that feeling safe is essential to learning, growth, and fully engaging in the experience. Our staff are certified in wilderness first aid and bring years of experience managing risk in outdoor environments. You won’t find a more qualified or prepared team.
Food and Food Allergies
We believe that a good experience starts with good nutrition. We strive to provide quality, simple, wholesome meals with limited processed ingredients – in addition to the occasional smores and other tasty treats. This is part of why we include our participants in all meal planning, purchasing and cooking.