Field Trips

Field Trips

We’ve put together some local field trips and trainings that we think will be of interest while you spend time in Banff and the surrounding area.

  • The field trips take place either before or after the conference workshops
  • Some require extra cost or travel to attend – you will be responsible for your own travel
  • We recommend you attend both of The Outdoor Council of Canada’s offerings (not mandatory to take both portions). If you attend both and complete some follow up online assignments you can obtain the Outdoor Council of Canada’s ‘Field Leader’ Certification.

The Outdoor Council of Canada’s Field Leader HIking Certification (Part 1)

  • Date/Time: Thursday May 4th (9 – 11.30am)
  • Cost: Free (Regular Value: $200)
  • Participants: 20 Participants
  • Location: Banff Centre, short time inside but will require participants to walk for the remainder of the field trip.
  • On Location: Yes – no driving required

This Field Trip will give participants with the opportunity to get to know the Outdoor Council of Canada – who we are and what we do.

In addition, you will become familiar with our outdoor leadership certification program’s six certification courses (Hiking, Paddling, Overnight, Winter, Equine, Instructor) and two training modules (Maps, Compass) that provide a comprehensive training program in the foundations of outdoor leadership.

Participants will also get to sample some of our activities, case studies and other program materials that make up our curriculum.

* Those who participate in the Part 1 and 2 Field Sessions at the conference AND complete some follow-up online assignments will receive the FL Hiking Certification.

If you wish to attend both parts of this field trip, you will need to register separately for each part of this field trip.

The Outdoor Council of Canada’s Field Leader Hiking Certification (Part 2)

  • Date/Time: Saturday May 6th – (2 – 5.30pm)
  • Cost: Free (Regular: $200)
  • Maximum Participants: 20
  • Location: Trailhead Tunnel Mountain (Top).
  • Type: Walking Field Trip

This outdoor field experience will take participants on a journey to become familiar with the Outdoor Council of Canada’s philosophy of participant-centred leadership and intentional programming and explore what is needed to take groups outdoors to offer purposeful, meaningful and enjoyable experiences outside.

A number of engaging activities will be facilitated along the trail to focus on the following topics: risk assessment, group management, situational awareness, unexpected situations, and reflection.

* Those who participate in both of the OCC Field Sessions (Part 1 and 2) at this conference AND complete some online assignments will receive the the OCC Field Leader Hiking certification.

If you wish to attend both parts of this field trip, you will need to register separately for each part of this field trip.

Forest Bathing

  • Date/Time: Thursday May 4th (9 – 11.30am)
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum Participants: 25
  • Location: Professional Development Building at Banff Centre
  • Type: Walking Field Trip

Forest bathing is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It allows you to connect with nature in a way that is relaxing, respectful and rejuvenating.

The walk helps you feel relaxed and at ease while gaining mental and physical health benefits. Research has found that exposure to nature can reduce cortisol levels, boost your immune system, balance blood pressure and can help in reset your nervous system.

Research has also found that exposure to nature decreased depression and rumination, acting as a type of “reset button” for the brain.

Cool, Clean & Connected: Bringing Life back to Cascade Creek

  • Date/Time: Thursday May 4th (9 – 11.30am)
  • Cost: Free
  • Maximum Participants: 25
  • Location: Cascade Ponds Day-Use Area in Banff National Park
  • Type: Bus or Drive required, then on foot

Get your hands wet as Park Interpreters share the story of Cascade Creek. Learn about what makes great trout habitat, identify aquatic insects from the creek, and how you can ‘leave no trace’ at Cascade Ponds. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and be prepared to be on your feet for the full field trip.

Adaptive Skiing

  • Date/Time: Saturday May 6th – (1 – 5pm)
  • Cost: $50 per person. Lift ticket and equipment not included (this can be rented/purchased from Sunshine Village)
  • Maximum Participants: 40
  • Location: Sunshine Village Ski Resort.
  • Type: Bus or Drive required (possibility of transportation support here) – All abilities welcome

Be part of life changing memories assisting guests to enjoy the freedom of sliding on the snow.

You will learn how to help adaptive guests with mobility challenges or neurodivergence use a sit ski or other skiing aids and explore the mountain as independently as possible.

You will be partnered with adaptive guests and RMA instructors or trained volunteers. Guests will vary in age and abilities. Guests may be living with neurodivergence or physical challenges.

The RMA guests attending will be determined by your group size and ability.

This program is open and accessible for all abilities and participants can be fully supported with staff and assistance to participate.

Heritage Homes Tour

  • Date/Time: Saturday May 6th – (2 – 5.30pm)
  • Cost: $15/person (this includes museum admission and cost of the tour)
  • Participants: 32 Participants
  • Location: Whyte Museum – Front Desk
  • Type: Bus or drive required to museum, on foot after.

This 25-minute guided tour visits two historic homes full of artifacts and art on museum property – the home of museum founders Peter and Catharine Whyte, and of notable locals Philip and Pearl (Brewster) Moore. Learn their stories and influences on this community, and get a true sense of life in the Canadian Rockies.

The Whyte Museum strives to re-build the cultural trade route and enrich engagement with Indigenous communities by enhancing the Indigenous perspectives within the museum’s programs and exhibitions and by responding to the key actions which  museums, archives and educators have to implement through the TRC’s Calls to Action. The focus is to continue genuine relationship building between Indigenous groups that have historic ties to the museum and Banff through active listening, dialogue and inclusion.

Goals:

  • provide brave and safe spaces for relationship building that break down barriers to bring Indigenous and settler cultures together through a spirit of cooperation and commitment

  • continue to work with new and existing partners to increase capacity and reflect the on-going creative dialogue shared by Indigenous and settler cultures

  • serve as a leader, community resource, and forum that reflects the rich historical presence and ongoing contribution of Indigenous communities in the Bow Valley region

  • encourage all participants to reflect on our collective history and explore how making and sharing creativity sparks powerful conversations and builds relationships

 

Only available Field Trips are displayed in the registration form below:

If your preferred field trip is not shown in the drop down you can add yourself to the waitlist in the form below this one.

Only fill out the waitlist form if this form does not show your chosen field trip in the drop down list.

2023 Conference Field Trip Registration

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Is your Field Trip choice full? Add yourself to the waitlist for your choice here:

2023 Conference Field Trip WAITLIST

Add yourself to the waitlist here and we will contact you if a space becomes available.

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