FAQs
WE'D LOVE TO CONNECT.
If you have another question, please don’t hesitate to ask us by emailing info@strathconaparklodge.com or calling 1-250-286-3122.
We offer a variety of youth programs to suit the needs of your organization. Whether you want a week-long adventure, three days of skill development, or a day of fun on the lake, we can work together to create the perfect program for you. Typically, schools join us from March to the end of June and again in September through to the beginning of November. Whilst in July and August, we offer a variety of youth programs such as our Wilderness Youth Leadership Development (WYLD) camps, or cater to cultural groups, international exchange programs, scouts and guides, sports team, community groups and more. For more information, please contact our program manager at programs@strathcona.bc.ca
Bien sûr que oui! For an additional cost and depending on availability, you can come experience the lodge in French. We are well known for our quality French Immersion programs. Our bilingual instructors will enhance students’ French language skills while teaching outdoor pursuits. We endeavor to conduct all activities in French but we may use English at times to make sure safety instructions are clearly understood. Having chaperones who understand French is a tremendous asset for helping students think and speak in French.
Many of our schools come every year so contact us early for the best chances of securing dates for your program. Planning a year in advance is recommended, especially for large groups and French programs. It’s never too late to ask if we have space and we’ll do our best to accommodate last minute requests.
Yes! In July and August we offer 8-12 day Wilderness Youth Leadership Development (WYLD) expeditions for teens, ages 12-17. Campers travel into the wilderness playground that is Strathcona Provincial Park. Along the way they will canoe, hike, camp beneath the stars, learn skills to navigate the backcountry, and create lasting connections. Learn more on how to register on our WYLD page or email info@strathconaparklodge.com for more info.
Each program is different and so is the required gear! Our program manager will be in touch with the organization’s coordinator and will give them the appropriate gear list to pass on to participants. We recommend you try to borrow items, buy second hand ones, or rent some from a retailer close to your home instead of buying new. And if you still forgot to pack your toothbrush, don’t worry. You can buy one from our convenient store along with other essentials (toiletries, bug net, snacks, etc.).
No, our restaurant and out-trip coordinator will cater to your special food needs. We can accommodate celiac, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, pescatarian, and more! Once you receive your medical form, make sure to fill it out with the information relevant to your specific dietary needs and send it back to us. We will make sure there is always an option available for you. If you have any additional concerns, feel free to contact us by phone at 250-286-3122.
We want all of our participants to feel welcome and safe. We strive to be inclusive in all of our practices from every social interaction, activities to how we logistically plan your stay. More specifically we will address you with your preferred pronoun and name, our program activities are non gender based, our bathrooms are gender inclusive, our bathing spaces are private and our housing accommodations are usually assigned based on the affirmed known gender of individuals. Feel free to contact our program manager at programs@strathcona.bc.ca so we can provide you with a camp experience that feels right for you.
Although we want to provide you with a fun-filled outdoor experience, we understand that free time is also a catalyst for building relationships with the natural world and others. To make the most of it, we recommend you use our basketball court, volleyball court, foosball table, slides, and beach area. Whether you want to run around a bit more or just hang out with friends, there is always something you can do.
We recommend that you use this opportunity to make connections with each other and the natural world. There is no cellphone reception on property and we do not have internet access for youth while they are here. Telephone use is also limited to the coin operated payphone. With up to 180 students each week we are not able to pass along non urgent messages. In case of an emergency at home parents can leave a message for students by calling our main office at 250-286-3122 and asking to speak with the program director.
Although we cannot eliminate every aspect of risks from our programs, safety is our top priority. Strathcona Park Lodge is accredited by the BC Camps Association and comply with their safety standards. All of our instructors hold a current Wilderness First Aid certification of at least 40 hours and carry appropriate first aid kits. When travelling through the wilderness, we carry emergency communication devices that allows us to communicate with the lodge or emergency responders such as the Coast Guard and Search and Rescue.
Travel times by car to Strathcona Park Lodge:
Victoria – 3hrs 45 mins
Nanaimo, Departure Bay Ferry – 2 hrs 15 mins
Nanaimo, Duke Point Ferry – 2 hrs 35 mins
Courtenay – 1 hr 20 mins
Comox Airport – 1 hr 30 min
- A 25% non-refundable deposit is due within 30 days of the invoice date to confirm your reservation. SPL reserves the right to release your booking if payment has not been received within 30 days. The invoice remainder is due on arrival. A final invoice will be sent within a week after your program for any adjustments or incidental costs, due on receipt.
- Cancellations with more than 3 months' notice will forfeit the deposit. If SPL is able to fill the booking dates with another school booking, a full or partial refund (subject to a $100 administration fee) will be provided based on the size and duration of the group.
- Cancellations with less than 3 months' notice will forfeit the deposit.
- A reduction in participant or group numbers with less than 3 months' notice will forfeit the deposit for each individual participant or per specialty program.
All participants must sign a waiver and release agreement prior to taking part in an SPL experience or activity. Like most outdoor sports, the activities offered by SPL have inherent risks. They occur in natural environments and terrain can be uncontrolled, unmarked, and not inspected. Despite diligent efforts to reduce hazards, incidents can still occur. All adult SPL participants must complete and sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement (the “Waiver and Release Agreement”). The Waiver and Release Agreement should be emailed to you when you make your booking. Minor participants (children 18 and under) must have an Acknowledgment of Risks and Consent Form completed and signed by a parent or guardian. This should be emailed to you when you make your booking or forwarded to you by your child’s trip coordinator.
Thank you for guiding us, educating us, and humoring us! Living off the grid for a week is something we ALL needed. The added bonus was that we made wonderful memories this past week... I cannot say enough wonderful words about the transformation that takes place when we set foot on the property. Thank you for all you do for us
– Lisa Romalis, August 7, 2020