An Orienteering program participant holding a compass 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 spring outdoor pursuits program guide (784.9 KB) for programs from April to June.

NEW: Browse the summer camps guide (2.6 MB) for child and youth programs from July to August.

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


 

Featured programs

Women running and talking

She Runs

Step into the world of running with our women's-only group, where you'll not only enjoy the camaraderie but also embark on a journey of learning to run. Join us and discover the joy of running with the support of a dedicated team and a community of like-minded women.


May 8 to Jun 12

6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $144.00


Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Youth enjoying a hike on a forested trail

Jr. Leadership Camp (13Y-17Y)

Leadership and the great outdoors! In this 1 week leadership camp the Jr. Outdoor Leaders will learn with hands-on experience and outdoor adventure what it takes to be a leader, and work with people! 


July 7 to July 11

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $360.00


Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Two adults paddling a canoe

Two in a Canoe (18Y+)

Gorgeous Islet Lake is the perfect setting for an evening out and learn a new skill! Be surprised and amazed by the natural beauty of the setting, then relax around a group campfire to close out the evening with some hot beverages.


June 13

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $105.00


Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Women running and talking

She Runs

Step into the world of running with our women's-only group, where you'll not only enjoy the camaraderie but also embark on a journey of learning to run. Join us and discover the joy of running with the support of a dedicated team and a community of like-minded women.


May 8 to Jun 12

6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $144.00


Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Youth enjoying a hike on a forested trail

Jr. Leadership Camp (13Y-17Y)

Leadership and the great outdoors! In this 1 week leadership camp the Jr. Outdoor Leaders will learn with hands-on experience and outdoor adventure what it takes to be a leader, and work with people! 


July 7 to July 11

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $360.00


Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Two adults paddling a canoe

Two in a Canoe (18Y+)

Gorgeous Islet Lake is the perfect setting for an evening out and learn a new skill! Be surprised and amazed by the natural beauty of the setting, then relax around a group campfire to close out the evening with some hot beverages.


June 13

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $105.00


Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre


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

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Last updated: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Page ID: 50033