Come As You Are: Wilderness School’s Journey Through the Broughton Archipelago
This summer, the second-year cohort of Wilderness School embarked on a truly special journey to mark their graduation – a six-day kayaking expedition through the remote and stunning Broughton Archipelago, off the coast of northern Vancouver Island. It was a trip filled with adventure, learning, laughter, and a deep sense of connection to nature and each other.
The adventure started with a drive up to Alder Bay, just north of Telegraph Cove. From there, the group was picked up by water taxi and ferried into the heart of the Broughton Archipelago – a rugged and beautiful network of islands near Port Hardy. Known for its remoteness and rich marine life, the archipelago offered the perfect backdrop for a transformative experience.
Unlike paddling trips that involve moving camp daily, the team set up a basecamp at one campsite. This allowed the group to dive deeper into skill-building and exploration without the daily logistics of taking down and setting up camp every day. The smaller group size created an intimate atmosphere, fostering strong bonds and a supportive dynamic where everyone felt free to show up as their authentic selves. As one participant put it, “I can never be this weird at school – they wouldn’t be friends with me.” That sense of freedom and acceptance was a recurring theme throughout the week.
Over the course of the trip, participants earned their Paddle Canada Level 1 certification. They learned essential kayaking skills including:
Navigating tides and currents
Mastering various paddle strokes
Performing rescues
Weather interpretation
Trip planning
The group also explored the rich intertidal zones, discovering fascinating marine life revealed by the dramatic tides. At low tide, the shoreline truly came alive, offering endless opportunities for curiosity and learning. The group was lucky enough to witness many whales on this trip, and one of the most unforgettable moments came when a humpback surfaced just meters away from the kayaks – a breathtaking reminder of the wild beauty of the region.
The weather certainly kept everyone on their toes. The group arrived and set up camp in the pouring rain, and then experienced a rollercoaster of sunshine and showers throughout the week. But they rolled with the punches, embracing the unpredictability as part of the adventure.
With no fire ban in place, the group enjoyed evenings around the campfire, cooking up delicious meals in a Dutch oven. Highlights included lasagna and Pillsbury cinnamon buns – classic comfort food that tasted even better in the wilderness.
And of course, no Wilderness School trip would be complete without Penguino, the beloved trip stuffy who’s been part of the backcountry crew for over eight years, and has seen hundreds of days in the wild.
This trip was the final chapter in a series of preparatory experiences, including a day of kayaking on a lake, and an overnight paddle to Sidney Island. By the time they reached the Broughton Archipelago, participants were ready – not just in terms of skill, but in spirit as well. They paddled long days, supported each other, and celebrated their growth.
The group dynamic, cultivated over time, allowed each student to feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are and what they had accomplished. We’re incredibly grateful to Island Savings and Peninsula Co-op for making this unforgettable experience possible and believing in the power of outdoor education. Their support helped create a space where young people could challenge themselves, connect with nature, and show up exactly as they are.
