Vancouver, named after a British explorer in 1792, was a key factor in expanding Canadian trade internationally, and has continued to be Canada’s main link to Asia. Here we experience the fusion of cultures that give you access to some of the finest food on the planet. The art and food scene, mixed with luxury window-shopping keep us busy in the evenings. During the day we bike in Stanley Park, and participate in scavenger hunts in Yaletown, Granville Island, and Gastown. You will also have a chance to explore the University of British Columbia’s campus and spend a relaxing afternoon on Jericho Beach. Just outside the city, we connect with the outdoors with a day of kayaking and hiking at Deep Cove near Mount Seymour. Our academic studies ramp up with discussions about what you hope to experience and learn from our adventures, while teachers help prepare you for major assignments. On our final night, our crew will perform podcasts showcasing your creative pieces while enjoying an outstanding meal at one of the many fine restaurants in Vancouver.

Headed to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, we depart Vancouver on a ferry and change gears while preparing for our first camping adventure. Residing in Long Beach, our campsites are nestled among old-growth rainforests connected to coastal trails that reveal a cornucopia of biodiversity and hidden inlet beaches. Here we will introduce you to the basics of camp setup, canoeing, and outdoor cooking. Teams are formed and our crew will gain strength. Being mentored by some of the best guides and teachers in Canada is an extraordinary opportunity to step up your game and engage in life at a higher level. Close to our campsite is Tofino, the Surf Capital of Canada. After we gear up with surfboards and wetsuits, our local expert instructors provide two afternoons of lessons to introduce us to the west coast waves. As a reprieve from our daily activities, we continue to expand our culinary skills and learn how to cook fish tacos, vegetarian curries, and fresh local salmon dishes. One evening we’ll kayak in the world-famous Clayoquot Sound waters to watch an unforgettable sunset. Meanwhile, our English program will focus on the legends and stories of the First Nations in preparation for an evening podcast.

On our journey to Victoria, we stop to hike in Cathedral Grove, where the First Nation’s people have preserved giant Douglas firs for thousands of years. Here, we examine the stories behind these Big Trees’ healing and spiritual powers and discuss this endangered ecosystems’ future. As we arrive at the old Victoria Harbour, our first adventure will be to recharge in our new residence and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront. This city is renowned for its eclectic and outstanding culinary choices––after five days of camping, we’ll be ready for a feast. As we delve into our academic readings, we utilize the surrounding cafes, parks, and beaches for workshops and personal tutorial sessions. We also have time to explore the University of Victoria campus and enjoy the harbourfront music scene. This city is teeming with adventure hikes, bike paths, and serene kayak paddles, which is well-suited for this leg of our West Coast adventure.

Summer will be in its full glory as we head out on our south island hike of the Juan de Fuca Marine trail. The 47 km hike will be divided into three days, where we reside at campsites of Mystic, Bear, Chin, and Sombrio Beaches. This trail is a renowned pilgrimage for many outdoor enthusiasts, and an ideal route to test our skills. You will learn how to travel lean, so that we can test our grit, yet have enough energy to set up camp and enjoy a campfire podcast performance on the beach. Sleep comes easy as the cool nights, warm campfires, and the expectations of another day of grand exploration nurture the soul.
Fly to Calgary Airport on Day 18

At the crack of dawn, we break camp and begin our journey to Calgary. After settling into our apartments, we dust ourselves off and dress up for a night out at a fine restaurant to regale each other with insights from our recent experiences. For a few days, we will enjoy the comforts and sites of Alberta’s largest city and its surroundings. In our free time we’ll explore all that downtown Calgary has to offer.

Our next location will get your heart pumping, and your soul soaring. We will spend three nights camping in Yoho National Park. As we settle into our basecamp, it will get busy as we set up tents and campfires, and prep for a good ol’ fashioned cookout! Each day we examine the diversity of the forests, rock formations, and wildlife as we ascend the Rockies and form new bonds with our crew. A foundational part of this program and the English course is completing a daily self-authoring program. There is no better way to craft your writing skills than writing about a topic you know the best—YOU!. Over the years, MEI’s personal morning notes have become a profound takeaway for all students. Here you will find the time and space to develop your voice and the words to express your past, present and future story. When you’re out in the wild, it never stops, but planning and focusing your energies every day will become a fluid dance once you get into the rhythm. With a big appetite, we’ll enjoy our first gourmet camp-style meal and a relaxing afternoon before an English podcast presentation under the stars.

At sunrise, we break camp and begin our journey to Canada’s first national park and one of the world’s premier destinations. Staying in Lake O’Hara, This hidden gem, with its unparalleled views, is home to exquisite hanging valleys, jewel-blue lakes and breathtaking vistas. We connect to the surroundings and take epic day hikes in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and serene evening paddles in scenic lakes that shine brilliant blue. Canoe trips in the backcountry help us settle into nature’s rhythm, and in this close-knit environment, we’ll share creative ideas that have emerged from our travels to Western Canada. After an evening of stories by the campfire, and one last podcast, we will wake at the crack of dawn to make our way to the Calgary International Airport and head for home.
Departure from Calgary Airport on Day 28

Online Post-trip Sessions
Upon your return, you will have time to complete additional research and your Final Culminating Assessment. This time allows you to reflect on and integrate your travel experiences into the course material. The MEI staff have found this evaluation style enjoyable and the most authentic way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and academic skills. After your assessment, you will complete your course exams online. Once your marks have been reviewed, MEI Academy will send your transcript to your home school to add to your academic records.