Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of things to consider when planning for an Outward Bound Canada program. Whether for you or for someone you know, we hope that the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions below will help you feel prepared and ready to register for the program and learn more about what the expedition will be like!
Lots of prospective participants and families say that watching our videos have helped them to visualize what a program might be like – Click Here to go to our Videos page to see more – and feel free to share with your family and friends.
Our Cancellation Policy reflects the fact that we incur most of the costs of your expedition before you arrive for the program. Please let us know as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend the program.Please Click Here to see our Cancellation & Refund Policy for youth and adults.Please Click Here to see our Cancellation Policy for schools/groups participants.Please Click Here to see our Cancellation Policy for participants on funded programs.
A detailed menu is planned before each program and is subject to change based on a number of factors. We can accommodate many dietary restrictions and most food allergies. Please indicate your dietary restrictions and allergies on your Confidential Medical History Form in as much detail as possible. We may request some follow up information in order to plan your menu. Participants will receive sufficient calories in the reflection of their physical activities on the course. Bringing your own food/snacks on the course is not required. Please speak to the Admissions Department to make sure you understand the dietary concerns of other participants before packing any extra snacks.
While spending time out in nature can be described as therapeutic, it is important to know Outward Bound Canada is not designed to be a therapy program. Our instructors are trained in outdoor education and expeditionary travel, and they are not mental health professionals. The Outward Bound program can be very challenging, both physically and mentally, and it is important for your success to arrive for the course with some healthy coping strategies in your toolkit for coping when those challenges arise.
You won’t need it – participants on course enjoy a vacation from technology! Your cell phone, along with your other personal belongings that you don’t need (wallet, music player, airline tickets, etc.) will be stored safely at our office nearby while you are in the wilderness. Once the course starts, you will not be able to contact anyone at home, you will be immersed in the Outward Bound experience – building connections with yourself, others, and the natural world! Please know that the instructor team has a plan for getting in touch with our office and your emergency contacts at home in the event of an emergency.
Outward Bound Instructors are skilled, dedicated, and caring outdoor educators. These well-rounded individuals have an extensive wilderness experience. They come from a variety of backgrounds: education, business, camp and other outdoor education networks, or from one of over 40 Outward Bound schools around the world. Aside from formal qualifications in Wilderness First Aid, our instructors continually update their skills through independent training, personal expeditions, and staff development opportunities provided by Outward Bound Canada. They can’t wait to meet you!
The solo experience, called “solo”, is designed to give you some time to yourself, away from the group, to relax, reflect and recharge. The solo provides a change of pace, and it varies in length depending on the duration of your course. You will have the opportunity to set up a campsite of your own, manage your own physical and mental needs and enjoy your independence. You will never be more than a whistle-blow away from your instructors who will check on you regularly. Often described as the most transformative part of the experience, the solo gives participants the chance to reflect on earlier experiences from the expedition, absorb important realizations about yourself and leave behind anything that would no longer serve you going forward. It is important to know that the solo is not a survival exercise: you will have all the proper gear, food, water and other necessities with you. It’s simply time for self-exploration, rest and reflection.
Outward Bound Canada courses take place in various landscapes across the country. As you can imagine, some are more remote than others. Participants are required to make their way to and from the course independently. You can travel to us in a variety of ways: by car, bus or aeroplane. Your Welcome Booklet includes information on specific meeting times and locations for your course – please consult with your Admissions Coordinator if you have any questions about meeting up for your program.
All participants at Outward Bound Canada are expected to be active and willing participants on their expedition. Our instructors will ensure to provide safe and supportive opportunities for participants to try new things, expand their comfort zone and learn along the way. We highly encourage you to include your child in the exploration and decision to participate in the program and to be honest in completing their forms during registration. An applicant should not feel coerced or forced to attend a program. Participants on course will be highly encouraged and supported, but ultimately will not be forced to stay on expedition if they refuse to participate. Our Admissions team is happy to work with any parents and participants to help ensure that it is the right time for them to join us on course and to answer any questions you may have in your decision to have your child participate.
Since 1969, over 200,000 people have enjoyed a wilderness expedition with Outward Bound Canada. Groups usually consist of eight to twelve participants and two instructors. Our participants come from across Canada and around the world and they bring with them a wide variety of skills and life experiences; you can expect to meet peers with a uniquely different family, school and social experiences.