The primary goal of our Cultural Connections Activities & Day Trips is to enhance the student experience at VIU. We seek to do this by providing opportunities for students to engage with the local community and experience cultural events, while exploring nature and connecting with peers.
Being connected, active, and engaged in the local environment is healthy. It can help with the cultural adjustment process for students who are new to Canada or new to the community.
For more information contact:
CONTACT
Robin Lemmens – Activity Program Coordinator
Robin.Lemmens@viu.ca
C: 250-618-2549
Office: 250-740-2228
Free Downtown Nanaimo Walking Tour
Explore what downtown Nanaimo has to offer! Seats are limited. Please sign up in advance at Activity Sign-Up Desk. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress for the weather. The tour includes round-trip bus transportation from VIU.
Local Hikes - Elk Falls Provincial Park
Cultural Connections - Local Hikes
Join Cultural Connections as we head outdoors and explore some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring, local hiking trails throughout the Spring semester. We have selected 4 hikes that are based out of Nanaimo and 1 finale hike that takes you to Elk Falls Provincial Park, located 2 hours north of VIU. This program runs from March - April on select Fridays from 1:30PM - 4PM. The cost to join is only $2.00, with the exception of our Elk Falls adventure - costing $10.00 due to the extended duration of the hike (overall time).
Local Hikes - Neck Point
Cultural Connections - Local Hikes
Local Hikes - Jack Point
Cultural Connections - Local Hikes
Local Hikes - Cable Bay Trail
Cultural Connections - Local Hikes
Local Hikes - Linley Valley
Cultural Connections - Local Hikes
Victoria & Butchart Gardens
About Victoria and Butchart Gardens
The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is home to historic Buildings, great shopping and some of the best museums in Western Canada. Established in 1843 as a fort for the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company, you can still see many British legacies such as double decker buses, horse drawn carriages, and original Buildings. Though rich in history, Victoria is now a busy city with entertainment and a wide range of street festivals & activities.
Bear Watching in Tofino
About Bear Watching out of Tofino
The covered-panoramic view cruiser - named the Stellar Sea - was specially designed for viewing bears out in the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It is equipped with large panoramic windows that fully open, as well as a thoughtfully designed seating layout, offering great views for everyone onboard. The Stellar Sea has indoor heated seating keeping you warm for the ride to and from the bears’ habitat.
Vancouver Shopping Trip
Trip Information
Tsawwassen Mills is a destination shopping experience like none other, providing you access to stores not available on Vancouver Island, and a real shopping experience. All just a ferry ride and shuttle away! Enjoy shopping such stores as The Outlet by Harry Rosen, Michael Kors Outlet, Lululemon Outlet, Bass Pro Shops, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Pro Hockey Life, Ever New, Bowring, KIX, Saje Natural Wellness, Lucky Brand....and many, many more.
Caving & Coombs Market
Trip Information
Join us for a day of exploring central Vancouver Island and discovering the fascinating underground world of our local caves.
Heading north of Nanaimo, we will make our way to Horne Lake Caves, located within a Provincial Park. Once there, we will get instruction from the staff as well as some safety gear. It is dark in the caves, so they will provide us with helmets and headlamps. Then we head out for a guided hike where we'll learn about the unique geography of Vancouver Island and go underground!