Cross-country skiing lesson with instructor and student on side by side tracks.

Programs offered

Enjoy the great outdoors! Our team at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre is excited to offer several seasonal outdoor pursuit opportunities.

Outdoor pursuits programs

NEW: Browse the winter preschool program guide (606.6 KB)

Three children shown running away from the camera towards a tree fort. All three are dressed in coats in wearing toques.

Wild Critters (3Y-6Y)

Climb over logs, tree roots and play on forest ground while learning to assess risk and form a lasting relationship with the natural world.

Year-round. View upcoming dates

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Woman shown cross-country skiing within a snowy forested setting. She's wearing a bright yellow coat, pink toque and is shown smiling.

She Skis

Join us for a women's only (and those who identify as women) cross-country ski introduction program. Ski rentals are included.

Thursdays, Jan 19 - Feb 23, 2023

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Bottom half of various skiiers of all ages are shown waiting in a lineup in the snow. All are wearing snowpants and cross-country skiis.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing offers a great alternative for active enthusiasts of every age and skill level to get out and explore winter.

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Three children shown running away from the camera towards a tree fort. All three are dressed in coats in wearing toques.

Wild Critters (3Y-6Y)

Climb over logs, tree roots and play on forest ground while learning to assess risk and form a lasting relationship with the natural world.

Year-round. View upcoming dates

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Woman shown cross-country skiing within a snowy forested setting. She's wearing a bright yellow coat, pink toque and is shown smiling.

She Skis

Join us for a women's only (and those who identify as women) cross-country ski introduction program. Ski rentals are included.

Thursdays, Jan 19 - Feb 23, 2023

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Bottom half of various skiiers of all ages are shown waiting in a lineup in the snow. All are wearing snowpants and cross-country skiis.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing offers a great alternative for active enthusiasts of every age and skill level to get out and explore winter.

Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Group programs

Please contact the Strathcona Wilderness Centre at 780-922-3939 or swcinfo@strathcona.ca and our Customer Service Representatives will assist you.

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

  • Program equipment

     Permanent link to Program equipment
    Program equipment

    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.

  • Program communication and supervision

     Permanent link to Program communication and supervision
    Program communication and supervision

    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.

  • Weather preparedness

     Permanent link to Weather preparedness
    Weather preparedness

    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.

  • Cold weather cancellations

     Permanent link to Cold weather cancellations
    Cold weather cancellations

    Please note that the Wilderness Centre’s policy is to run programs until the temperatures dip below -20˚C (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

Related topics

Recreation and culture programs

Recreation, Parks and Culture

Last updated: Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Page ID: 50033