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A true wilderness backpacking experience

Backpacking 202

Description
Rates & Booking
FAQ

Backpacking 202

A true wilderness backpacking experience

Program Description

The Backpacking 202 Program can be booked from September to the beginning of October and during the month of June.

This program is offered in two formats:

  • 2 days / 1 night
  • 3 days / 2 nights

This program is more advanced than the Backpacking 101 as the students have to carry all the necessary gear to the backcountry and hike longer distances with more elevation. They will need to be strategic with meal and gear planning.

Once at the campground, the students will have the opportunity to develop important wilderness camping skills with our experienced guides. Everyone will learn how to be bear aware and avoid potentially hazardous situations in bear country. Along the way we learn about the ecoregions, habitat and wildlife of the area and play a ton of games and fun activities. In the 3 day, 2 night format, the students will go on a day hike on the second day.

This program is perfect for groups who want to enjoy a true backpacking experience and test their abilities.

- Grades 9 to 12

- Mountain Travel
- Certified Guides

Itinerary

Times displayed are flexible

Location

Click here to view the location of the trailhead

Click here to view the location of the campground

teacher and volunteer expectations
  • Teachers will provide lead guide with any medical and behavioural concerns among group members
  • Teachers are expected to be present at all activities and during meal times
  • Teachers are expected to ride on the bus with the students
  • Teachers are expected to organize transportation to and from program location
  • Teachers will be required to arrange for volunteers to comply with standards
  • Transportation and costs associated with it, to and from the program location, are the Teachers responsibility.
  • Teachers are not expected to pay program fees 
  • Teachers and volunteers are also included in the program fee, as long as they do not exceed a 1:10 ratio. If more volunteers are being included they will be charged the student program fee 
  • Volunteers will be expected to comply with this list of expectations
  • Teachers will be responsible for any behavioral discipline during the trip
  • COA guides are not responsible for any additional discipline action required beyond scheduled activities
  • COA cannot be relied on to meet female and male ratios for adults vs. students
  • COA guides must be informed of any incidents or medical concerns during trip
  • COA reserves the right to cancel a scheduled activity/program due to any safety or unresolved discipline issues
  • COA reserves the right to deny student participation in an activity due to safety concerns, therefore students are expected to have the adequate gear and clothing for participation in the prevailing weather conditions
  • Programming will be discussed ahead of time
What is included in the program

Your program fee includes campground fees, all equipment for games and COA educational sessions and COA guides of a 1:10 ratio.  Guides will carry a first aid kit, 2-way radios, bear spray, backcountry communication device, maps of the area, and guide tarps.

What is not included in the program

COA does not provide food!

COA does not provide transportation!

Groups are responsible for personal gear and all meals. 

Gear List should include (REQUIRED!):

  • Warm sleeping bag
  • Inflatable sleeping pad
  • Tent for each tent group
  • Reusable bowl, plate, cup, utensils.
  • 45-70 litres backpack 
  • Waterproof Backpack Cover
  • Camp Stove and Fuel for each cooking group
  • Lighter
  • 1 Backpacking Pot Set for each cooking group
  • Biodegradable Soap
  • Water Treatment Tablets or other water treatment device
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hand Sanitizer

Students personal gear should include (REQUIRED!):

PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANY COTTON HOODIES OR PANTS.

  • Long underwear
  • Other layers of clothing
  • Wool or fleece pants
  • Underwear as needed
  • Wool or other warm synthetic socks
  • Fleece or wool jacket
  • 1 pair of synthetic hiking pants. 
  • 1-2 Synthetic T-shirts
  • Toque & mitts or gloves
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants 
  • Sturdy hiking boots waterproofed
  • Personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lenses, etc.
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat
  • Water bottle 
  • Flashlight/Headlamp

    Please do not pack bear spray, knives or fire starters. COA guides will provide them if needed.

    Rates & Availability

    • 2 Days 1 Night: $160 / Student
    • 3 Days 2 Nights: $200 / Student
    • Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free
    • Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 30
    • Program does not include transportation

    Contact our Youth Program Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about our program.

    Cancellation Policy

    • Notice of cancellation is required no later than 45 calendar days prior to the program start date. Cancellations after this deadline will result in forfeiture of a $400 cancellation fee, plus any campground fees incurred. 
    • There is a NO REFUND policy on camping fees 45 Days prior to your outing. If canceling your trip after 45 days it will result in a fee specific to each campground and length of trip. 

    Please confirm your final group size at least 14 days prior to your program date so that we can make sure enough guides are on hand for your group. The minimum number you will be charged for is the number of confirmed participants. Decreases of 10% will be permitted up to 24 hours prior to the departure date.

    Book Here

    CLICK HERE TO FILL IN OUR BOOKING FORM

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What training do your guides have to have?
    Our guides are your adventure specialists and are trained to competently and confidently make your experience a fun and safe success. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid (80 hrs) in order to respond to any situation that might crop up. Our professional outdoor leadership skills will mitigate many of the risks that are inherent to playing in the mountains. All of our guides have university degrees in outdoor leadership and ecotourism as well as accreditation with the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) or the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Guides are also certified and registered interpreters through the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA), giving you access to knowledge about topics like glaciers and geology, local floral and fauna, and regionally history to further enrich your adventure. Check out our guide profiles to learn more about our amazing staff!
    What is COA’s safety policy? How will participants be safe on a program?
    Our number one goal here at COA has been and always will be your safety. No matter which program you attend our guide team will ensure yours and your student’s safety. While there are certain risks involved in some of the activities you may choose to participate in our guides are certified advanced adventure medics, so you know you are in good hands. All COA staff have been trained with our emergency plans. All guides carry a group sized first aid kit, tarp, bear spray and high frequency radio for communication. On top of this, all lead guides carry a satellite phone if needed.
    Who supplies meals during COA programs?
    Food is to be supplied by the teacher or students. COA is not responsible for providing or cooking food for clients. COA supplies kitchen needs such as stoves,cooking and cleaning equipment.
    I don’t see any programs that suit my needs. Can I book a custom program with COA?

    Of course! We’d love to design the perfect educational program for you and your group. The sky is virtually the limit! Please contact us directly to discuss and create your custom adventure today!

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.