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With 55-acres of beautiful green space in the middle of Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden represents a safe and interactive learning experience for school and community groups looking for local field trip opportunities!

Guided programs are available to students in grades K through 12. 45 minute programs are bookable year round and 90 minute programs are bookable October, November, April, May, and June. Take a look at the selections listed below to find the perfect option for your class! 

90-Minute Programs (available October, November, April, May, and June)

A Sense of Nature (K-Gr.2)        

Ecosystem Explorers (3-Gr.6)

Fantastic Flowers (Gr.1-Gr.4)

Pond Peering (Gr.1-Gr.4) May and June only

Seed Secrets (K-Gr.4) October and November only

45-Minute Programs (available year round)

Glimpse of the Garden (K-Gr.7)

Natural Heritage Walk (Gr.8-Gr.10)

Strategizing Sustainability (Gr.8-Gr.12)

Self-Directed Program 

Self-Directed programs are available year round. 

Pollinator Days (late May annually)

Please choose from 1 of 3 available dates. Pollinator Days runs from 10am-2pm. Classes from preschool to grade 6 are encouraged to attend one of the three event days.

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Our experiences grow skills in Problem Solving, Cultural and Global Citizenship, Critical Thinking, Personal Growth and Well-being, Collaboration, Creativity, and Innovation.

Available topics include Wild Wellness (K-12), Animal Detectives (K-3), Community Science (Gr. 3-9), Water Rangers (Gr. 4-5), Why Grasslands? (Gr. 4-9), Climate Game Changers (Gr. 4-12), Fabulous Forests (Gr. 6), and Grizzly Bears Forever (Gr. 7-12).

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With these self-guided resources, teachers will have the tools to teach students about the harmful impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, and what actions we can take in their own lives and communities to reduce ocean pollution. Through innovative activities and discussion, students will reflect on the use of plastic pollution in their own lives and will be encouraged to take actionable steps to protect oceans.

Ocean Trash Talk is best suited for Grades K-12, with lessons adapted to different age groups, and connects to Core and Curricular competencies in science, social studies and physical and health education. These resources are available for download nation- wide and can be used in schools, youth/ community groups, or other educational settings.

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Created in partnership with SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology), this course will inspire youth to love and protect our environment, to engage with STEM education, and will expose students to a diversity of female role models.

Specifically designed for high school students, this course engages students on a variety of topics in ocean conservation including overfishing, marine protected areas, climate action and ocean pollution, through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the final module, the course will highlight several women-identifying marine scientists who are doing revolutionary research in this field.

Life Below Water is best suited to students Grades 8-12, and connects to Core and Curricular competencies in science, social studies, career education, and physical and health education. This course can be self-led by independent students or guided by an educator, and can be used in schools, community/ youth groups, or other educational settings.

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Winter is time for reflection on gardens and this event invites you to reflect on your local biodiversity. Do you have a diverse collection of plants in your neighbourhood? Have you noticed different kinds of insects? What about birds and mammals? Biodiverse gardens provide habitat for many animals. The variety of plants helps a garden be resilient to weather events and temperature fluctuations. As our city grows larger and yards become smaller, it is increasingly important for urban gardens, even patio and balcony gardens, to provide a variety of habit for the animals in our urban ecosystem. To help us consider options for growing biodiversity in our gardens, this year’s Think Spring! topics include moths, birds, urban biodiversity, and alternative lawn plants.

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Discover classroom-ready, curriculum-aligned resources tailored to your needs and experience level. Our resources support geographic literacy and cross-curricular learning across science, environmental science, social studies and more, using maps and data to explore real-world issues such as climate change, biodiversity, urban development, and community planning, while introducing students to relevant career pathways.

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The Energy Revealed program offers a flexible range of activities for junior and senior learners, with lessons that can be completed in as little as one hour, up to 1 week. Shorter lessons include classroom energy audits and tracking energy use, while activities like building and testing solar ovens, or generating energy through physical activities may span 3-5 days or up to a week. This flexible timing allows educators to choose lessons that best fit their schedule while still offering meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

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Indigenous people have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. This program explores the connection between Indigenous people and salmon on the Fraser River. Students get hands-on experience with fishing technology, learn about wind-drying salmon, and discover that salmon is in the hearts of Indigenous people living along the Fraser River today.

Grade: 4-7                           Length: 1.5 hours                Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

Watch and discuss a film, featuring two Indigenous Elders telling stories about how Salmon came to the Fraser River, and their connections to the Fraser River.

Explore authentic and replica tools to learn about Indigenous fishing techniques, and create a group presentation.

Learn about wind-drying salmon through the replica drying rack, and practice sharpening a kwetsetel (Indigenous slate knife).

Full Description

Did you know there’s a 6-meter-long, 100-year-old fish living in the Fraser River? Learn all about the endangered white sturgeon through interactive activities, with both Indigenous and Western science perspectives. Students will listen to a First Nation’s story about sturgeon, construct theories from available research, and communicate their learning through art.

Cost: $50           Grades: 4-8           Length: 1 hour           Maximum group size: 30 students

To participate in this program, you will need:

A stable internet connection.

The ability to join the video conference with the FRDC educator.

Curricular connections:

This program incorporates the First Peoples Principles of Learning, specifically that learning is relational; recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge; is embedded in story; and requires recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. This program supports science competencies through analyzing data and constructing theories, and applying First people’s perspectives. This program supports the ELA Big Idea that stories help us make connections with others and the world. And this program supports the Arts Education competency of expressing feelings, ideas, stories, observations, and experiences through the arts.

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Host a case study competition with your class and learn more about sea level rise in Atlantic Canada

The Sea Level Rise Case Study will guide students through the background, research, and presentation of a plan to adapt to sea level rise.

This resource includes a student workbook and teaching guide. The case study is designed by scientists and education staff from Ducks Unlimited Canada and includes questions to assist students in their research as well as resources to support their learning.

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With 100% of proceeds going back into outdoor learning non-profit initiatives, The Outdoor Learning School & Store is a charitable social enterprise grown in the homelands of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa, and flourishing across Turtle Island (North America).

Our awesome team works hard to provide a refined list of excellent resources, equipment, tools & training. We offer this in partnership with over 70 non-profit organizations from across North America.

Outdoor learning is being increasingly adopted to enhance student learning, and to support the physical, emotional and mental health of teachers and students. We’re pleased to help support this, along with other key social and environmental issues such as the climate crisis, the rapid loss of biodiversity, nature-deficit disorder, and the obesity epidemic.

Read about our Ethical Policies and Practices.

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Through our inclusive experiences, Alberta professionals can explore regional ecological issues, develop an ethic of environmentalism, and gain the hands-on tools to protect our province's wild spaces and species.

Available topics include We All Belong in Nature, Community Science, Wild Wellness, Why Grasslands?, Climate Game Changers, Grizzly Bears Forever, Heart of a Park, and Watershed Ed.

Full Description

Location
Strathcona Community Gardens (759 Malkin St) and Renfrew Ravine (3998 Renfrew St)

Program Detail & Focus

Program dates & focus areas are posted on our website seasonally. There are Spring, Summer, and Fall intakes. Most programs run for 10 sessions

Eligibility
Youth ages 14-18 who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, living with a disability, or from other equity-denied communities.

Supports
You will receive up to $20/day honorarium based on attendance and youth must attend a minimum of 4 program days to receive an honorarium. Lunch and bus tickets are provided. We also have some outdoor clothing available to borrow, including rain jackets and boots.

Full Description

Farm to School BC brings healthy, local, and sustainable food into schools across British Columbia and provides students with hands-on learning opportunities that develop food literacy, all while strengthening the local food system and enhancing school and community connectedness. The F2SBC team includes Regional Coordinators to provide localized support across all 60 school districts in BC, including independent and First Nations schools, divided into 5 geographic areas. Specific program activities include:

•Annual Farm to School BC grants program that opens each October

•Webinars covering a variety of food literacy topics throughout the school year

•Educator resources, lesson plans, toolkits, and activity ideas for in and outside the classroom in any season

•School Garden Mentorship resource library with recorded webinars and resource lists taking you through building or enhancing a school garden program month-by-month

•Pro-D and Regional Gathering events and opportunities

•Connections to local food producers, organizations, districts, and businesses to assist with individual educator and school inquiries

Farm to School BC is a program of the Public Health Association of BC and is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Full Description

The Eco 360 program offers a flexible learning experience, featuring a variety of hands-on activities ranging from 1-3 hours. This program provides opportunities to expand learning through topics including types of plastics, waste in the environment, understanding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in relation to a circular economy and so much more! Educators and learners can select activities that align with their needs, making it a very adaptable program.

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Grade 2 - Exploring Liquids

Grade 4 - Waste and Our World

Grade 5 - Wetland Ecosystems

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In this experiential course, Grade 10-12 students will learn through site visits, hiking tours and guest speakers about everything that connects them to the environment. The 3-credit course is part of the Career and Technology Studies area of the Alberta curriculum. Students will learn about topics from human-wildlife coexistence, vegetation identification and waste water treatment to energy production, Îyethka traditional knowledge, Indigenous practices to care for the land and the Nakoda language. We also welcome you to explore the Activity Guide.

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Journey 2050 encourages students to explore environmental, social and economic sustainability while managing virtual farms in 3 different countries. Students spend the day learning about different topics in sustainability through a virtual farming simulation game, scavenger hunts, discussions on careers in agriculture, and more!

This one-day program takes place in the Nutrien Western Event Centre on Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta. In-school guest speaker sessions are offered for Calgary and surrounding area.

Full Description

Wildsight Invermere is a local branch of Wildsight regional, a not for profit organisation working on conservation efforts around the Kootenays in British Columbia. We undertake a range of programs from our Junior Ambassador outdoor education and stewardship program coming in 2026, to our annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival that has been running for 12 years. We facilitate community outreach opportunities to engage community members in current conservation monitoring, lake clean up events, home retrofit fairs, get outside kids programs, as well as our new Bike Valet program running all summer at the Invermere Farmers Market. Wildsight Invermere offer a range of volunteer opportunities and education workshops for kids of all ages, parents, First Nations peoples, young professionals, adults of any age and demographics and backgrounds, and retirees. Everyone is welcome at Wildsight Invermere, together, our mission is to inspire community action and lead the way in ensuring the integrity and ecological values of our surrounding wetlands, forests, grasslands and mountains through our programs, campaigns, and grassroots initiatives.

Full Description

Students follow each step of the scientific method to conduct a water quality investigation. During this 1.5 hour workshop students observe and become curious about the Fraser River, do background research, construct hypotheses, test their hypotheses by doing experiments, analyze their data, draw a conclusion, and report their results.

Grades: 6-9                          Length: 1.5 hours                   Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

Take a sample of the Fraser River and make observations.

Conduct background research, using the exhibits as sources, and share with the other groups.

Construct a hypothesis about salmon survivability in the Fraser based on turbidity and pH levels.

Follow scientific protocol and test the turbidity and the pH level of the Fraser River sample.

Compare results to the hypothesis.