Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
41040 Gold River Highway V9W5C5 Campbell River, BC, Canada

As the year comes to an end our mind naturally wanders back to remember those moments that stood out! So happy to share Kaiden Bosch’s favorite COLT moment of FALL 2020 -Thanks Kai! "I have so many favourite COLT moments but one that stands out for me a lot was my birthday on the River. Although it was still a day full of learning it was virtually indistinguishable in my mind between a bunch of friends white-water kayaking down a river for the day. It was fun to be able to ju...st goof around in the river with those Happy Birthday glasses on and though there was ample Instruction, I didn't feel any pressure to do anything beyond try my best. I guess that was my favourite part about COLT, how often in the program you forget it’s even a program, it just feels like a bunch of good friends having a blast in nature." What are your favorite 2020 moments? #doCOLT #myspl #bestbirthdayever #favoritemoments #connectrespecteippleeffect Photo: Kaiden Bosch

As we pack away 2020 we're reminded once again that our best memories are made from shared experiences. Here are a few we're offering for 2021. https://strathconaparklodge.com/stay/experiences/

COLT Instructor Laurel Archer shares some winter paddling safety tips.

During a time of year where we would normally be connecting and spending time with loved ones, we are instead looking to nature for little light and warmth. https://strathconaparklodge.com/looking-to-trees-for-wisdo/

Get outside and stay safe on the rivers! COLT white water instructor instructor Dan Mously shared with us his top 3 tips to stay safe when winter paddling: 1) ...It's time to change your outfit. The air and water temperature now have a much larger role to play. Swimming and scouting are inherently more dangerous with frigid water and sometimes iced over river shores. A dry suit, thermals, neoprene cap, pogies and good footwear are "in" for good reason. Dress prepared for the worst case and hopefully it won't happen. 2) You'll need to add some more toys to your emergency kit. The days are shorter and obviously colder so pack a few more supplies that are necessary in a pinch but nice to use regardless. A headlamp is key as our days are getting shorter but also don't forget the nice things like a toque, gloves, spare layer, and thermos of coffee/tea. This can make all the difference if your river lap becomes an adventure or at least can be enjoyed while waiting for your shuttle. 3) Communication and check-ins are key. This one is a little more out-of-the-box but worth noting. The paddling season is different now so communicate your needs and take it slow. Feeling really cold or a bit nervous about scouting/portaging on slippery terrain is legitimate and let other's know. There is more risk involved this season so keep it in mind. It's better to ask for a helping hand than bite your lip and potentially injure yourself. Vancouver Island is a great place in Canada for consistent winter paddling and hosts an awesome community of knowledgeable paddlers. Ask questions, be open, and setup the perfect gear drying system so you can keep getting out for more laps! #docolt #myspl #winterpaddling #whitewaterpaddling Photo: Seb Tashiro

Don’t you love winter light? While now is not the time to travel, tuck this away for when it’s safe again. Kane Wyatt

Weather contrast - same hike last week . Notice the changes small or larger as you get outside in your neighborhood Christine Clarke #myspl #getoutsideanyway #discovercampbellriver

Has anyone made rose hip jelly? Perfect picking after a frost. With the province wide stay home advisory in place its a good time to take in the seasonal changes in your neighbourhood. #getoutside #rosehip #myspl #forage #strathconaparklodge

Great group of COLT students. We’re proud of all that they learned together and the connections made. Ripple effect of these outdoor leaders headed your way...

Glorious weather for the last two weeks of the #spl3for3 Challenge! Hike/Bike/Paddle for bragging rights and a chance to win a free Cottage stay. www.Strathconaparklodge.com/spl3-for-3-challenge/ #myspl #strathconaparklodge #getoutside

Looking forward to seeing you again when it's safe to travel. We will be adhering to the Government of BC's guidelines asking BCers to avoid all non essential travel and stay in their own communities.

Happy Birthday to the legendary Tony Shaw. We are so fortunate to have had you teach so many the joy and skills of handling a canoe.

Dreaming of that feeling of strenuous hikes to remote places with great friends. @Naomi.fuglem #myspl #doCOLT #strathconapark

We are very excited to work with Aquabatics Calgary to offer a whitewater week in our area! The 7 day course will offer class 2-4 paddling for folks who want to take advantage of our island rain and comfortable accommodation! Check out the link for more information. https://aqoutdoors.com/apps/courses/course/VIT

The weather and wildlife are still drawing us out to explore. Theres no place like the North Island. #myspl #seakayaking #strathconaparklodge #northvancouverisland #seakayakguides

Weve got a new blog post! Check out what makes September so great.

Well said. Its wonderful to see so many locals enjoying our beautiful park. The terrain is rugged so preparation and planning is essential.

Why yes, that is a rare sighting of a ptarmigan. Oh, and Mt Septimus too. The best fall hiking, wildlife viewing and climbing days are still to come @clarke7of9... #myspl #strathconaparklodge #ptarmigan #mountseptimus

Some important info from our friends at Strathcona Provincial Park if youre planning some shoulder season camping

Every one of our waterfront cottages is steps from the beach and has a private fire pit just for you and your crew. Evening beach fire anyone? #letsgosomewhere #explorebclocal #myspl #beautifuldestinations : @lauduffs... See more

Morning paddles are an amazing way to start the day at the lodge. A great way to enjoy the lake in all its glassy, calm and quiet glory #breathe #mindfulness #letgo #pnwonderland #myspl #paddlinglife #offthegrid #beautifuldestinations

Beautiful sunset at the boat bay : @slegs17 #thatpnwlife #explorevancouverisland #optoutside #letsgosomewhere #ilovebc

With more and more folks spending time outside, Leave No Trace ethics are becoming more important than ever. Check out our recent write up on the blog. Do you have a favourite Leave No Trace tip or trick? Share it with us in the comments! #myspl #leavenotrace #outdooreducation https://strathconaparklodge.com/treading-lightly-leave-no-/

Thanks to Lisa Romalis for the recent testimonial: For the past two decades I have been chaperoning seventh grade students on their one-week adventure to Strathcona Park Lodge.... The Lodge has felt like my home away from home for over twenty years. Finally, after many years of organizing the trips and accompanying students, my family vacationed here for a week. The staff were just as incredible with our family as they were with the students. Thank you for guiding us, educat...ing us, and humoring us! Living off the grid for a week is something we ALL needed. The added bonus was that we made wonderful memories this past week - Lisa Romalis, August 7, 2020 #myspl #transformation #connections #optoutside #familytime #outdooradventures #explorebc

Somewhere over the #myspl #beautifuldestinations #letsgosomewhere #explorevancouverisland #explorebclocal #spreadjoy

Best place for happy hour! Our restaurant is open from 4-8pm daily throughout the summer season. Wether youre staying with us or passing through- be sure to join us for dinner or drinks and appetizers on the deck. Reservations are recommended: ... 250 286 3122 #eatlocal #letsgosomewhere #vancouverisland #myspl #beautifuldestinations #discovercampbellriver

Outdoor Education is the heart of what we do! Here is our new batch of Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training (COLT) semester students stoked to be out on their first trip of the season. Our site has been the base camp for the COLT program since 1977 #docolt #outdoooreducation #guideslife #outdoorclassroom #getoutside #unplugged

Breakfast table views from cottage 5 Coffee, swim, nap, repeat! ... #stayandwander #myspl #explorevancouverisland #letsgosomewhere #explorebclocal #myspl See more

New on the blog! Why we are the ultimate destination for chosen families or "framilies" to come spend time together. It's been a tough year for many, full of unexpected change and cancelled events. Read on to learn why it's the perfect time to make things up! Invent your own new traditions and rituals with your friends, and come enjoy a "framily" vacation at the lodge. https://strathconaparklodge.com/the-power-of-rituals-new-t/ ps: The photo of this group hug was taken in "The Before Times"

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1769487939969 It's been wonderful to see the recovery of sea otters in coastal waters around us, and we're proud of former SPL instructor @ErinFoster's contributions to research to support this. Sea Otters are rehabilitating the natural habitat of the BC coast.

No big deal, but cottage 3 woke up like this Morning lake dip anyone? ... #stayandwander #letsgosomewhere #vancouverisland #beautifuldestinations #explorebclocal #mypnw #vanisle #wanderlust See more

Staff members @lauduffs and @madramsay crushing a day trip to Mt. Myra yesterday! The peaks of @strathconapark are right in our backyard and the lodge is the perfect base camp for alpine adventures. Hike all day and come home to your waterfront cottage, a dip in the lake, and a locally sourced dinner prepared by our talented chefs ... #mystrathcona #letsgosomewhere #vancouverisland #beautifuldestinations #explorebclocal #hikemoreworryless See more

That view though Cottage 8 is our most modern cottage. Along with the open concept full kitchen and dining room, this two bedroom getaway also features little luxuries like a soaker tub and covered deck complete with al fresco dining area #myspl #letsgosomewhere #glamping #explorebclocal #vancouverisland #beautifuldestinations

Want to go camping in Strathcona Provincial Park this summer but having trouble booking a site? Weve got you covered with the ultimate life hack for getting a campsite in summer 2020. Rent a boat from us and use the marine sites instead! They are plentiful, beautiful, and an easy paddle from the lodge. See the blog for the full article and step by step instructions on hacking the park this summer and scoring a sweet site! https://strathconaparklodge.com/hack-the-park-a-guide-to-a/

The best place to clear your mind :) Rent one of our waterfront cottages and wake up right here #myspl #vanisle #tourismbc #discovercampbellriver #explorevancouverisland #digitaldetox

Hungry? Thirsty? Come see us for dinner and drinks from 4-8pm all summer. The beautiful weather is here and the deck with our signature view is the place to be! Staying with us or at a campground nearby? We do our best to welcome walk ins and also recommend reservations. See you soon! ... #discovercampbellriver #myspl #explorevancouverisland #supportlocal #vanisle #tourismbc #pnweats #ediblevanisle

Quality instruction personalized for each student is the name of our game! We're looking so forward to welcoming a shiny new batch of COLT semester students on August 1! #docolt #getoutside #outdooreducation #whitewaterkayaking #goldriver #myspl

Swimming in our lake is a favourite activity for our guests. Jump into the clear blue water, swim out to the dock, or float on your back, tune in, and take in the beautiful mountain views. ... #myspl #explorevancouverisland #discovercampbellriver #stayandwander #getoutside #natureseekers #lakelife :@miko__photo See more

Looking for somewhere to drink your coffee this summer? Weve got you covered. #myspl #discovercampbellriver #unplug #explorevancouverisland #hellobc #stayandwander #mypnw... See more

Relaxing days at the lodge. Disconnect to reconnect : the talented @miko__photo

Sun or cloud, our valley view from the restaurant is the best one around #hellobc #explorevancouverisland #myspl #datenightideas #discovercampbellriver... See more

Were excited to celebrate that our restaurant is now up and running in its new and improved 2020 covid friendly version! We are delighted to be offering a beautiful a la carte menu and the Whale Room space has been completely reimagined to accommodate social distancing. The restaurant is open for dinner service from 4-8pm until August 29th. Reservations are highly recommended. #hellobc #explorevancouverisland #eatlocal #mypnw #disovercampbellriver #stayandwander #myspl #shoplocal #eatlocal

Looking for trail information? Strathcona Provincial Parks Senior Ranger prepares a biweekly trip report. Its always a great idea to check conditions before heading into the park- things are always changing!

Chasing rainbows Beautiful morning at the lodge today #myspl #explorevancouverisland #hellobc #stayandwander #mypnw

Well said @discovercampbellriver Strathcona Park is within the traditional territory of the Mowachaht and Muchalaht people of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation and is the largest/oldest park on Vancouver Island. ... As we gather with friends, family and virtually to see in another year travelled around the sun, let's remember to gather, and have a collective moment where we acknowledge the people of this land. Today we see those that are trying to lift one another up, and we thank you for that #indigenouslivesmatter See more

Unplug and tune in :) our 160 acres of private hiking trails neighbouring Strathcona Provincial Park are a nature lovers paradise. Enough land for a lifetime of exploration #explorevancouverisland #explorebclocal #nature #unplug #forestbathing ... :@miko__photo See more

Were gearing up for our summer guest season and looking forward to welcoming our fellow BC residents for their stays at the lodge! Our kitchen is opening up for dinner service and delicious take out picnics Boat rentals and private guiding are available... Complimentary evening activities for guests are starting up too! We hope to see you soon! : @miko__photo #explorevancouverisland #myspl #beautifuldestinations #discovercampbellriver See more

The Candy Cane or Sugar Stick! Wandering the trails by Lupin falls you might stumble upon this crazy looking plant with its characteristic red and white stripes. This is commonly known as a Candy Cane or Sugar Stick. Unlike other plants in the subfamily Monotropoideae, the flowers on the Candy Cane are turned upward instead of down. What makes Candy Canes and their relatives even more interesting is that they belong to a group of plants and organisms known as Saprophyte...s. This means they get all their energy from dead and decaying organic matter, and cant perform photosynthesis. Since they dont perform photosynthesis, Candy Canes are shade tolerant and can be found in open canopy Douglas-fir forest on water-shedding sites. Now you know :) next time someone says whats that thing? Youll have something to say! Impress your friends with nerdy nature facts! #nerdynaturethings #explorevancouverisland #myspl #outdooreducation : Emma Hay See more