Cross country skiers in a line at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Enjoy the great outdoors! Our team at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre is excited to offer several seasonal outdoor pursuit opportunities.

During the warmer months, you'll find a selection of outdoor programs for nature exploration and forest play, and adults can enjoy crafts, exercise and themed date nights. When the temperature starts to dip, our programs shift to a focus on cross-country skiing programs for novice learners all the way up to experts. You'll also find snowshoe tours, group outdoor skills programs and winter walks on the world-class trail system at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.

Outdoor pursuits programs


NEW:  Browse the winter outdoor pursuits program guide (1.5 MB)

Have a course code from the printed registration guide? Search RecOnline by code, type or keyword.


 

Featured programs

Couple drinking tea by lodge outdoors with cross country skis nearby.

SWC Après-Ski (18Y+)

Indulge in the ultimate après-ski date evening! You and your partner can learn to ski and enjoy post-ski delights, from toasty fireside snuggles to delightful après-ski mocktails and snacks. Ski rentals included.

*Tickets are sold per couple.


February 21

Cost: $105.00

A group of cross-country skiers in a sunny winter in the forest.

Stride and Glide Nordic Weekend

Whether you are a beginner skier, masters racer, or just want to improve your skill, this cross country ski camp will provide a weekend of fun, skill development, and confidence. You will be matched with a group of similar skiers and build on your skills.

*Lunch is included both days.


Feb 22 to 23, 2025

Cost: $180.00

Participants in the Wild Critters program playing in the snow at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Wild Critters (4Y-9Y)

Explore the forest, get messy and play at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre!

 

Join our supervised, unstructured play program that runs year round.


Jan 5 to Feb 23

Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m.


Cost: $77.00

Couple drinking tea by lodge outdoors with cross country skis nearby.

SWC Après-Ski (18Y+)

Indulge in the ultimate après-ski date evening! You and your partner can learn to ski and enjoy post-ski delights, from toasty fireside snuggles to delightful après-ski mocktails and snacks. Ski rentals included.

*Tickets are sold per couple.


February 21

Cost: $105.00

A group of cross-country skiers in a sunny winter in the forest.

Stride and Glide Nordic Weekend

Whether you are a beginner skier, masters racer, or just want to improve your skill, this cross country ski camp will provide a weekend of fun, skill development, and confidence. You will be matched with a group of similar skiers and build on your skills.

*Lunch is included both days.


Feb 22 to 23, 2025

Cost: $180.00

Participants in the Wild Critters program playing in the snow at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Wild Critters (4Y-9Y)

Explore the forest, get messy and play at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre!

 

Join our supervised, unstructured play program that runs year round.


Jan 5 to Feb 23

Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m.


Cost: $77.00


School field trips and group programs

The Strathcona Wilderness Centre welcomes schools, community groups and homeschool groups to experience a wide variety of year-round outdoor and environmental education programs.

Education programs are curriculum-based for Kindergarten to grade 12 schools, and can be adapted based individual group needs.

View the Outdoor Programs, School and Group Guide.

Please contact the Strathcona Wilderness Centre at 780-922-3939 or swcinfo@strathcona.ca and our customer service representatives will assist you with booking.


Know before you go

There are a few things you should know before arriving at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre for your program.

Procedures and guidelines: outdoor pursuits

  • Your program fee includes all equipment / educational materials required for the activities you book. SWC instructors are certified with Wilderness First Aid and will carry a first aid kit, along with communication equipment.

  • Communication

    A few days before the date of the program, you will be contacted via email by a wilderness centre staff member who will confirm the details of your program. Please let them know if there have been any changes to your program, particularly times or group number changes (for group bookings).

    Supervision

    It is expected that the teacher/group supervisor will maintain responsibility for the discipline and control of their group, and that they participate fully in all aspects of the program.

  • What to wear: we recommend dressing in layers in colder weather. Remember - plan for the worst, hope for the best!

    Summer / Spring / Fall Winter
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, bug spray Mitts or gloves, neck warmer / ski mask, toque, snow pants, snow jacket, thermal or wool socks and an extra set of socks for the ride home.
    Rain or wind pants and a jacket Winter boots with a sturdy sole are ideal
    Running shoes or rubber boots (close-toed) Please avoid jeans and other heavy cotton clothes, as these absorb water and are very cold when wet.
    During programs participants may be playing in the trees - to avoid unnecessary scratches, long sleeves and pants are suggested.  

    Teachers and Group supervisors are responsible for ensuring that participants are dressed appropriately and prepared to be outside.

  • Please note that the Wilderness Centre’s policy is to run programs until the temperatures dip below -20ËšC (including wind chill). If your policy is different, please notify us 48 hours in advance. We have access to washroom facilities and a warm staging area throughout the program.

Frequently asked questions: outdoor pursuits

Questions?
780-922-3939
swcinfo@strathcona.ca

Related topics

Last updated: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Page ID: 50033