Travel Offerings 2026/2027:

Trip #1: ICELAND - Glaciers & geysers - May Long Weekend

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the dramatic landscapes and ancient legends of Iceland! This once-in-a-lifetime adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you’ll explore vibrant boutiques, stand atop the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church, and dive into the gripping history of the Viking sagas. From the city, we head to the legendary South Shore to witness nature’s raw power, walking behind the misty veil of Seljalandsfoss and wander the hauntingly beautiful black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. The journey continues into the frozen wonders of Skaftafell to view the vast Vatnajökull Ice Cap before reaching the luminous icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. You will also experience the wonders of the Golden Circle, standing between tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, witnessing the explosive Strokkur geyser, and marveling at the golden spray of Gullfoss waterfall. After a tasty stop for farm-to-table gelato, you will cap off the adventure with a rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich, geothermal waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon. From thundering waterfalls to shimmering glaciers and volcanic wonders, every moment of this trip is packed with discovery and awe. Join us and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Trip Lead - Ms. Webber

Email - tiffany.webber@smus.ca

TRIP # 2: A Multi-Continental Music odyssey- Cape of Good Hope to West End Lights

Spring Break

This Spring Break, the SMUS Music Program invites our musicians to embark on a bold, multi-continental journey bridging jazz and classical German traditions, the soulful rhythms of South Africa, and the iconic stages of London. This experience is a masterclass in global citizenship, artistic resilience, and the universal power of performance.

Part I: Jazz and Classical Roots & Peer Exchange (Hanover, Germany) Our journey begins with an immersive three-day stop in Hanover, Germany. Students will experience authentic cultural immersion through homestays with local German music students, building deep peer-to-peer connections. During the day, our ensemble will complete intensive masterclasses and collaborative workshops at the renowned Hanover Music Institute, refining technique alongside expert faculty and rehearsing joint repertoire with their hosts.

Part II: The Soul of the Rainbow Nation (South Africa) From Germany, the tour flies to the cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town. Our Band, Strings, and Choir will engage in side-by-side residencies with local independent schools and participate in transformative workshops with the Delft Big Band—a project using music to rewrite the future for youth in the Cape Flats. From the world-class choral heights of Stellenbosch to the rugged coastal beauty of Knysna along the Garden Route, students will witness firsthand how music serves as a tool for social change.

Part III: The Precision of the West End (London & Cambridge) The adventure culminates in London, where the energy shifts to the polished precision of the West End. Students will immerse themselves in the UK's rich orchestral history, experience world-class professional theatre, and take a full-day tour of Cambridge—including Trinity College, King’s College Chapel, Market Square, and a traditional punting experience along the River Cam.

Trip lead - Mr. Farish

Email - ian.farish@smus.ca

Trip #3: Europe - From Vimy To Juno: History of Canada in world wars - Spring Break

Prepare to walk the hallowed grounds where history transitioned from the pages of a textbook into the soil beneath your boots, as you set foot on the iconic European battlefields where Canadian soldiers forged a heroic reputation that forever changed our nation's identity. This journey is a visceral trek through the echoes of the Great War and the liberation of Europe, taking you from the soaring, somber limestone pylons of the Vimy Memorial—a site that captures both the triumph of the "creeping barrage" and the staggering cost of victory—to the windswept shores of Normandy. At the Juno Beach Centre, the experience shifts from observation to immersion; through exclusive activities designed specifically for our group, you will stand where the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division stormed the Atlantic Wall, engaging in unique programming that brings the grit, courage, and personal stories of the 1944 landings to life. By exploring the preserved trenches and the silent rows of headstones across these historic regions, you won’t just study the World Wars—you will feel the gravity of the sacrifice and the immense pride of a young country stepping onto the world stage.

Trip Lead - Mr. Lynch
Email - david.lynch@smus.ca

TRIP # 4: MOROCCO - A CROSSROADS OF CULTURE -Spring Break

Embark on an unforgettable March 2027 adventure through the vibrant culture of Morocco—a journey where history, adventure, and unforgettable experiences come together. Students will discover the rich connections between these neighbouring cultures as they explore the bustling souks and medinas of Marrakesh, learn local culinary traditions through cooking classes, hike in the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, and experience the magic of the Sahara with a camel trek and overnight stay in the desert. This trip promises an extraordinary blend of cultural discovery, outdoor adventure, and lifelong memories.

Trip Leads - Mr. Bates, Ms. Butler, Mr. Hlannon

Email - steve.bates@smus.ca