"CLAYOQUOT 101"

Program begins June 1st, 2006
Dates based on availability - please contact us for more information.

This program’s intention is to introduce participants to the ecology of Clayoquot Sound and to the people who have made this place their home. In order to learn about a place and its people, it is important to have time to explore the region on your own time. Keeping this in mind, we have designed “Clayoquot 101” with plenty of time and suggestions for self-guided exploration.

DAY 1

• Arrive at Tofino Botanical Gardens and get settled in to your bunk-room at the Clayoquot Field Station.
• In the early afternoon, you are invited to participate in a guided walk around Tofino Botanical Gardens. Topics of discussion include horticultural successes and disappointments as you walk through the gardens; temperate rainforest ecology through the old-growth forest, and the culture history of the Clayoquot region at various points of cultural significance, including a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth cedar canoe.
• Approximate time: 2 hours.
• The rest of the evening is unscheduled so that you can meet new people, explore new places and use the facilities at Tofino Botanical Gardens and the Clayoquot Field Station.

DAY 2

• At low tide (time of day varies) we host an interpretive walk in the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area. Your guide will introduce you to mudflat ecology; point out bald eagles, shorebirds and waterfowl; and discuss the intricate connections between the marine and terrestrial environments that support the biodiversity of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve.
• Approximate time: 2 hours.
• The rest of the day is left open for unscheduled exploration. We suggest one of the following activities if you are interested in getting out into Clayoquot Sound:
• Explore downtown Tofino, BC, which is walking distance from Tofino Botanical Gardens
• Embark on a short guided kayak trip in Clayoquot Sound’s protected inlets. Options including bringing your own kayak, renting kayaking equipment in Tofino, or embarking on a short kayaking tour that leaves from Tofino’s harbour.
• Jump aboard one of the many whale watching / black bear watching charter boats that depart from Tofino.
• Hike and explore trails in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, sandy beaches, or the Big Tree Trail in Meares Island Tribal Park
• Take a pelagic bird watching tour for the chance to see Black-legged Kittiwakes, 8 different species of Alcids, 3 different species of Shearwaters, 2 different species of Albatross.
• In the evening you are invited to participate in our Speakers Series. This is a twice-weekly discussion presented by a visiting scholar or our resident naturalist, on a topic of his or her choice. (Please note that the Speakers Series may not be available for some Clayoquot 101 programs.)
• Approximate time: 1 hour.

DAY 3

• Prepare for you departure from Tofino at a leisurely pace: Checkout 10:30 AM. We welcome you to stay additional nights at Clayoquot Field Station. To secure your space, please arrange additional accommodation in advance.

Please see our Rates & Policies page for more information.