Nootka Island: Coastal Hiking Expedition
PARENT INFORMATION
DATES: June 9-15, 2025
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 7-day overnight coastal hiking and camping trip is designed to build off previously-developed to back-country travel experience gained throughout the year. During this expedition the students and guides will travel to Nootka Island from Tahsis by water taxi, before hiking an approximately 50km stretch of trail along the coast. As an overnight camping trip, students will also develop their camp skills such as cooking over camp stoves, setting up tarps and tents.
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include all cooking equipment, tents, tarps and cleaning supplies. The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. This includes sleeping bags, foamies, rain coats, rain pants and clothing items such as fleece layers and puffball jackets. Yes, please try to borrow gear and clothing from friends and family first, but SMUS Outdoor Education has all gear students will require. Students will do a gear check with their guides prior to departing from Derby on Day 1. At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will allow you to access the EQUIPMENT LIST.
ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics or phones on the expedition. Students should leave phones at home and will not need any other electronic equipment with them. Guides are not responsible for any damage to devices on the trip.
For photography, if a student would like to bring a dedicated camera (digital, analogue, or disposable), they may bring that with them.
MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring a hearty bag lunch on day 1 for bus travel. A lunch will be provided for boarding students. All other meals will be provided. Students will be cooking meals in camp under supervision of the guides.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling by school bus driven by a SMUS bus driver to and from Tahsis.
DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.
June 5/6th: Pre-trip meeting & packing with guides at Derby.
Nootka Island Trip
Day 1 - June 9th
7 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne)
Gear distribution and equipment check by guides
Students should bring a hearty bag lunch and snacks. Bag lunches will be provided for boarding students.
Travel by school bus to Tahsis
Camping at Seaside RV campground
Day 2- June 10th Water Taxi to Nootka Island
Students will be divided into two hiking groups, and will be shuttled by water taxi to either the North or South ends of the Island. Each group with have two certified guides.
Day 3-6 - June 11-14th
Students travel in their hiking groups along the Nootka Island Trail.
Day 7 - June 15th
Water taxi pick up at either North or South end of the Island. Students then travel by bus for return to SMUS around 7pm at Derby. Parents will be notified of exact pick up time once the bus is travelling back to Victoria from Tahsis.
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents
ACTIVITY and CAMPING LOCATION: The Coastal Hiking Expedition will take place on Nootka Island. Camping locations will vary depending on hiking distances covered each day, access to water and suitability of wilderness campsites.
STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor guides to lead the trip. The guides participating on this trip have engaged with this group throughout the year, and will be helping students prepare during our days at Derby on June 5/6th. SMUS teacher Reagan Daly will also be with the group.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 2:10
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information
EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.