THE PLAIDPATH
TRAILS AND TREKS CORP.
TrekEd Programs
Bringing Learning to Life
At TrekEd, our offerings provide students with exciting learning opportunities through immersive, experiential education. Each trek is designed to engage students in hands-on learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the local environment, culture, and history. Our carefully curated itineraries encourage exploration and inquiry, allowing students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.
The cost per student reflects the inclusion of a supervising educator who accompanies each tour group. This educator ensures a safe, enriching environment while facilitating meaningful discussions and activities throughout the journey.
Our Services
The VAN to VIC Trek
Setting sail from Vancouver, the ferry ride to Nanaimo offers glimpses of the rugged coastline and distant islands, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Arriving in Nanaimo, you begin your expedition on Saysutshun Island before traversing city parks and coastal forests towards Cassidy, where the scent of cedar and fir fills the air.
Continuing southward, the trail leads to Ladysmith, a charming town steeped in maritime history. Then, continuing towards Chemainus, renowned for its vibrant murals, you will experience a visual depiction of local stories and heritage.
As the journey progresses through Duncan, known as the "City of Totems”, you encounter an array of totem poles, each telling a unique story of Indigenous culture.
Following the trail through the Cowichan Valley, you traverse lush forests and the tranquil lake shore of Cowichan Lake before reaching the charming kitaslow town of Cowichan Bay. Along the way, you have an opportunity to taste the delectable local produce and artisanal goods of this vibrant farming region.
As the trail winds its way through Shawnigan Lake and Malahat, the landscape transitions to rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and inlets.
Passing through the City of Langford and arriving in Victoria, the capital city awaits with its historic architecture and bustling harbour. Looking beyond Victoria and across the Juan de Fuca Strait, Beacon Hill Park provides a fitting conclusion to this unforgettable journey.
The VAN to VIC Trek promises to be an exhilarating journey filled with breathtaking scenery, camaraderie, and lifelong memories.
What's Included:
Full-Time Concierge Support and Assistance
2 Full-Time Guides
Welcome Package of Local Souvenirs
Full-Time Carrier Van
Round-Trip Transportation on BC Ferries
Daily Luggage Portage
9 Cultural Experiences
6 Nights Hotel Accommodation / 5 Nights Camping
All Meals (B/L/D)
Daily Snacks and Refreshments
All Camping and Hiking Equipment
Exclusive Access to TrekEd Resources and Educational Materials
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver to Nanaimo (3km)
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Meet your Tour Director and transfer to Horseshoe Bay
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Take B.C. Ferries from Horseshoe Bay Terminal to Departure Bay Terminal
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Experience a kayaking tour around Saysutshun Island
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Trek into the City of Nanaimo and meet your Local Guide
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Maffeo Sutton Park
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Downtown Nanaimo
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Petroglyph Provincial Park
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Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Nanaimo to Cassidy (27km)
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Trek through the City of Nanaimo to Cassidy
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Bowen Park
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Buttertubs Marsh Park
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Colliery Dam Park
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Extension Ridge and The Abyss
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Community of Extension
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Attend a Camp Orientation with your TrekEd Team
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Cassidy to Ladysmith (13km)
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Trek through the Regional District of Nanaimo to Ladysmith
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Christie Falls
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Transfer Beach Park
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Downtown Ladysmith
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Take a Heritage Walk through Ladysmith with your TrekEd Team
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Ladysmith to Chemainus (12km)
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Trek along the Cowichan Valley Trail to Chemainus
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Stocking Creek Park and Waterfall
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Community of Saltair
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Forest bathing in Wul’aam Park
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Downtown Chemainus
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Take a tour of the Chemainus Murals with your TrekEd Team
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Camping
Day 5: Chemainus to Duncan (21km)
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Trek along the Cowichan Valley Trail towards Duncan
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Mount Tzouhalem (optional hike)
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Downtown Duncan
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Take a tour of Duncan’s Totems with your TrekEd Team
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6: Chemainus to Duncan
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Trek along the Cowichan Valley Trail towards Lake Cowichan
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Trans Canada Trail Western Terminus
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Town of Lake Cowichan
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7: Lake Cowichan to Cowichan Bay (25km)
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Trek along the Cowichan Valley Trail towards Duncan
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Transfer to Cowichan Bay
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Historic Railway Trestles
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Cowichan Bay
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8: Cowichan Bay to Shawnigan Lake (15km)
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Optional Experience: Whale watching
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Transfer to Duncan
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Trek along the Cowichan Valley Trail to Shawnigan Lake
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Kinsol Trestle
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Town of Shawnigan Lake
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O.U.R. Ecovillage
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At O.U.R. Ecovillage, experience community meals and participate in a guided tour
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Camping
Day 9: Shawnigan Lake to Malahat (17km)
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Trek along the Cowichan Valley Trail to Malahat
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Malahat Summit
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Malahat SkyWalk
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10: Malahat to Langford (19km)
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Trek along the Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Trail to Langford
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Goldstream Provincial Park
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Humpback Reservoir
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Hatley Park National Historic Site
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Fort Rodd Hill
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Camping
Day 11: Langford to Victoria (23km)
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Trek along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and through the City of Victoria
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With your TrekEd Team you will explore:
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Waterfront Park
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Fisherman’s Wharf
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Holland Point Park
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Beacon Hill Park
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Take a tour of Downtown Victoria with your TrekEd Team
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12: Victoria to Vancouver (0km)
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Experience a west coast-inspired high tea
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With your TrekEd Team you will tour:
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Parliament House
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Royal B.C. Museum
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Transfer to Vancouver via B.C. Ferries and return home
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
The Pacific Pathways Package
The Pacific Pathways Package includes three distinct day-treks across the stunning locales of Vancouver, Victoria, and Nanaimo. Each trek is thoughtfully designed to immerse students in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of British Columbia.
With engaging activities and hands-on learning experiences, Pacific Pathways promotes exploration and discovery at every turn. Join us for this enriching journey that connects students with the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Pacific region!
What's Included:
Full-Time Concierge Support and Assistance
2 Full-Time Guides
Welcome Package of Local Souvenirs
Full-Time Carrier Van
Round-Trip Transportation on BC Ferries
(Victoria/Nanaimo)
3 Day Treks on Selected Dates
Daily Snacks and Refreshments
All Hiking Equipment
Exclusive Access to TrekEd Resources and Educational Materials
Itinerary
The Pacific Pathways Package offers offers a comprehensive adventure comprising three of our signature day-treks. Each day features a separate tour focused on immersive learning and outdoor exploration. Select your three dates (within three months) and embark on the following day treks:
1. Vancouver: The City and Shoreline Trail
2. Nanaimo: The Urban Oasis Trail
3. Victoria: The Seaside Splendors Trail
Daily Itinerary:
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Morning: Each day begins with a group pickup from the designated meeting point. Participants are then transported to the trailhead for the day's trek.
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Throughout the Day: Students will engage in a series of immersive learning activities, designed to enhance their knowledge of the natural surroundings, history, and culture of the area. These activities are integrated into the day's hike, allowing for a hands-on educational experience.
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Breaks & Team Building: The group will take a midday break for lunch, followed by occasional team-building exercises that encourage collaboration and leadership skills.
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End of Day: At the end of the day’s trek, the group will return to the meeting location via transportation, reflecting on the experiences and lessons learned throughout the day.
Each day is carefully planned to provide an enriching outdoor experience, combining physical activity with valuable educational content.
Customize Your Itinerary
At The PlaidPath, we believe that every adventure should be as unique as you are. That's why we curate personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you'd like to adjust any part of your itinerary, simply fill out the form below to submit your request or inquiry. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs, with additional fees applying for certain changes. Let’s create the perfect journey together!
Want to know more? Get in touch with us below!
