Survive + Thrive: Basic Wilderness Survival Course (YOUTH ONLY: Ages 12-18)

March 24 – 25, 2025
UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Daily
Ages 12+ | $299.95 + GST (includes premium RIDGE guide tarp)

Think you’ve got what it takes to not just survive—but thrive in the wild?

Join us for Survive + Thrive, a 2-day immersive outdoor survival course designed to prepare adventurers of all levels to handle the unexpected with confidence. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, weekend camper, or aspiring survivalist, this course offers practical, hands-on training that will challenge your body, engage your mind, and ignite your wilderness spirit.

Together, we’ll dive into the real essentials—no fluff, no gimmicks—just the knowledge and skills that matter most when the stakes are high:

The 10 Core Essentials You’ll Master:

• Survival Mindset: Staying calm, thinking clearly, and acting with purpose
• The Five Basic Needs: Signaling, personal protection, water, food, health
• Signaling for Help: Because being found is part of surviving
• Personal Protection: Clothing, knots, and building shelters that work
• Fire Craft: From spark to blaze—build, light, and sustain your fire
• Water Purification: Clean water, no matter where you are
• Foraging + Food Rationing: Eat smart and stay fueled
• Navigation: Scout terrain and master map basics
• Mental Capacity + Emotional Control: Keep your cool when it counts
• Wilderness Hygiene + Basic First Aid: Stay safe, stay healthy

Led by experienced instructors in the stunning UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, this course strikes the balance between realistic survival scenarios and supportive, skills-based instruction. You’ll walk away not just with new techniques—but with the confidence to apply them in the real world.

BONUS: Every participant receives a high-quality RIDGE guide tarp—because a great shelter starts with great gear.

Ready to go beyond the basics?

Survive the wild. Thrive in it.

Register now and secure your spot in this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

Survive + Thrive: Basic Wilderness Survival Course

March 28 – 29, 2026
UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Daily
Ages 12+ | $299.95 + GST (includes premium RIDGE guide tarp)

Think you’ve got what it takes to not just survive—but thrive in the wild?

Join us for Survive + Thrive, a 2-day immersive outdoor survival course designed to prepare adventurers of all levels to handle the unexpected with confidence. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, weekend camper, or aspiring survivalist, this course offers practical, hands-on training that will challenge your body, engage your mind, and ignite your wilderness spirit.

Together, we’ll dive into the real essentials—no fluff, no gimmicks—just the knowledge and skills that matter most when the stakes are high:

The 10 Core Essentials You’ll Master:

• Survival Mindset: Staying calm, thinking clearly, and acting with purpose
• The Five Basic Needs: Signaling, personal protection, water, food, health
• Signaling for Help: Because being found is part of surviving
• Personal Protection: Clothing, knots, and building shelters that work
• Fire Craft: From spark to blaze—build, light, and sustain your fire
• Water Purification: Clean water, no matter where you are
• Foraging + Food Rationing: Eat smart and stay fueled
• Navigation: Scout terrain and master map basics
• Mental Capacity + Emotional Control: Keep your cool when it counts
• Wilderness Hygiene + Basic First Aid: Stay safe, stay healthy

Led by experienced instructors in the stunning UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, this course strikes the balance between realistic survival scenarios and supportive, skills-based instruction. You’ll walk away not just with new techniques—but with the confidence to apply them in the real world.

BONUS: Every participant receives a high-quality RIDGE guide tarp—because a great shelter starts with great gear.

Ready to go beyond the basics?

Survive the wild. Thrive in it.

Register now and secure your spot in this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey

Virtual Preliminary Meeting: March 27th @ 7:00 PM
Practice & Qualifying Combined Journey: Pitt Lake/Alouette Lake (TBD) – April 3rd – 5th

Embark on an unforgettable journey as part of your Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award! Designed for beginners, this combined Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey introduces participants to the fundamentals of outdoor exploration and team-building in a safe and supportive environment.

Over the course of three days, participants will paddle the serene waters of Pitt or Alouette Lake, hone their canoeing skills, and learn essential outdoor techniques such as navigation, camp setup, and wilderness safety. Along the way, you’ll connect with peers, build resilience, and develop confidence as you achieve your goals in the heart of nature.

Upon registration, you’ll receive a comprehensive information package detailing everything you need to prepare, including gear lists, waivers, and access to our virtual preliminary meeting where we’ll cover all journey essentials and answer any questions you may have.

Gear Note: Participants are responsible for their own personal gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, tarps, ropes, mess kits (utensils, bowls, cups), and camp stools. Ridge Wilderness Adventures provides all cooking equipment, group gear, and food.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot early! For late registrations or questions, please contact us at info@exploreridge.com or call (604) 477-4663.

Challenge yourself, embrace the adventure, and take the first step towards earning your Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award with Ridge Wilderness Adventures!

Big Canoe Lake Water Intermediate Leader Course (Big Canoe Skipper Course)
Paddle Canada Certified

Course Dates:
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12, 2026
Location: Pitt Meadows, BC

This Big Canoe Skipper Course is designed to help participants develop intermediate skills for leading and paddling in a big canoe. Perfect for those with a basic understanding of paddling strokes, the course focuses on teaching the stern position and preparing participants to lead novice paddlers on easy (flat/lake) water.

Participants will cover essential leadership and rescue techniques, as well as strategies for managing groups of paddlers in a safe and effective manner. By the end of this course, you will have the skills needed to safely guide big canoe trips, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.

Prerequisites

• Minimum age of 16 years or demonstration of a high level of fitness and maturity
• Recommended to hold at least Standard First Aid, with up to Wilderness First Responder certification depending on planned paddling destinations/journeys
  (It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate first aid skills for their paddling environments)
  Check out our Ridge First Aid course offerings here!

Course Details

• Duration: 2 days of on-water instruction
  • April 11 & 12: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Pitt Meadows area, BC

Note: Registration closes one business day before the course begins. For last-minute registrations, contact us at info@exploreridge.com or call (604) 477-4663.

Course Content

Safety and Rescue

• How to carry a big canoe
• Recognizing environmental hazards (water, wind, waves, weather)
• When to exit the water due to hazards
• Understanding and managing hypothermia & hyperthermia
• Transport Canada regulations for safe canoeing
• Developing a float plan and managing a group
• Signals (whistle/paddle) for communicating across multiple canoes
• Basic canoe rescues
• Using communication devices

Paddling Skills

• Entering and exiting a canoe from dock or shoreline
• Paddling strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, draw, pry)
• Crew commands and leading paddlers
• Docking and shoreline maneuvers
• Straight-line paddling and turns (wide and tight)
• Pivots and reverse paddling
• Changing paddler placement for trim and balance

Leadership and Group Management

• How to lead novice paddlers and manage group dynamics
• Risk management strategies on the water
• Following Leave No Trace principles
• Understanding your limits: Paddlesmart

Knowledge

• Understanding the roles and positions of your crew
• The fundamentals of holding a paddle
• Commands for your crew

Intent: This course introduces big canoe paddling to those with basic knowledge of paddling strokes, focusing on developing the skills necessary to lead and manage novices in a big canoe on easy water (flat/lake water).

Materials:
Participants will receive a workbook, skipper talk, and manual as part of the course materials.

Completion Criteria:
Participants must successfully demonstrate all skills and actively participate in 100% of the course to earn Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader certification.

This course will equip you with the skills and confidence to lead big canoe adventures safely, effectively, and with the ability to navigate various paddling environments. Ready to take your paddling and leadership to the next level?

Big Canoe Lake Water Intermediate Leader Course (Big Canoe Skipper Course)
Paddle Canada Certified

Course Dates:
Saturday, April 14 – Sunday, April 15, 2026
Location: Pitt Meadows, BC

This Big Canoe Skipper Course is designed to help participants develop intermediate skills for leading and paddling in a big canoe. Perfect for those with a basic understanding of paddling strokes, the course focuses on teaching the stern position and preparing participants to lead novice paddlers on easy (flat/lake) water.

Participants will cover essential leadership and rescue techniques, as well as strategies for managing groups of paddlers in a safe and effective manner. By the end of this course, you will have the skills needed to safely guide big canoe trips, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.

Prerequisites

• Minimum age of 16 years or demonstration of a high level of fitness and maturity
• Recommended to hold at least Standard First Aid, with up to Wilderness First Responder certification depending on planned paddling destinations/journeys
  (It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate first aid skills for their paddling environments)
  Check out our Ridge First Aid course offerings here!

Course Details

• Duration: 2 days of on-water instruction
  • April 13 & 14: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Pitt Meadows area, BC

Note: Registration closes one business day before the course begins. For last-minute registrations, contact us at info@exploreridge.com or call (604) 477-4663.

Course Content

Safety and Rescue

• How to carry a big canoe
• Recognizing environmental hazards (water, wind, waves, weather)
• When to exit the water due to hazards
• Understanding and managing hypothermia & hyperthermia
• Transport Canada regulations for safe canoeing
• Developing a float plan and managing a group
• Signals (whistle/paddle) for communicating across multiple canoes
• Basic canoe rescues
• Using communication devices

Paddling Skills

• Entering and exiting a canoe from dock or shoreline
• Paddling strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, draw, pry)
• Crew commands and leading paddlers
• Docking and shoreline maneuvers
• Straight-line paddling and turns (wide and tight)
• Pivots and reverse paddling
• Changing paddler placement for trim and balance

Leadership and Group Management

• How to lead novice paddlers and manage group dynamics
• Risk management strategies on the water
• Following Leave No Trace principles
• Understanding your limits: Paddlesmart

Knowledge

• Understanding the roles and positions of your crew
• The fundamentals of holding a paddle
• Commands for your crew

Intent: This course introduces big canoe paddling to those with basic knowledge of paddling strokes, focusing on developing the skills necessary to lead and manage novices in a big canoe on easy water (flat/lake water).

Materials:
Participants will receive a workbook, skipper talk, and manual as part of the course materials.

Completion Criteria:
Participants must successfully demonstrate all skills and actively participate in 100% of the course to earn Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader certification.

This course will equip you with the skills and confidence to lead big canoe adventures safely, effectively, and with the ability to navigate various paddling environments. Ready to take your paddling and leadership to the next level?

Survive + Thrive: Basic Wilderness Survival Course

May 16th – 17th, 2026
Location TBD
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Daily
Ages 12+ | $349.95 + GST (includes premium RIDGE guide tarp)

Only 12 seats available!

Think you’ve got what it takes to not just survive—but thrive in the wild?

Join us for Survive + Thrive, a 2-day immersive outdoor survival course designed to prepare adventurers of all levels to handle the unexpected with confidence. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, weekend camper, or aspiring survivalist, this course offers practical, hands-on training that will challenge your body, engage your mind, and ignite your wilderness spirit.

Together, we’ll dive into the real essentials—no fluff, no gimmicks—just the knowledge and skills that matter most when the stakes are high:

The 10 Core Essentials You’ll Master:

• Survival Mindset: Staying calm, thinking clearly, and acting with purpose
• The Five Basic Needs: Signaling, personal protection, water, food, health
• Signaling for Help: Because being found is part of surviving
• Personal Protection: Clothing, knots, and building shelters that work
• Fire Craft: From spark to blaze—build, light, and sustain your fire
• Water Purification: Clean water, no matter where you are
• Foraging + Food Rationing: Eat smart and stay fueled
• Navigation: Scout terrain and master map basics
• Mental Capacity + Emotional Control: Keep your cool when it counts
• Wilderness Hygiene + Basic First Aid: Stay safe, stay healthy

Led by experienced instructors, this course strikes the balance between realistic survival scenarios and supportive, skills-based instruction. You’ll walk away not just with new techniques—but with the confidence to apply them in the real world.

BONUS: Every participant receives a high-quality RIDGE guide tarp—because a great shelter starts with great gear.

Ready to go beyond the basics?

Survive the wild. Thrive in it.

Register now and secure your spot in this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

*Price based on 2 participants as we do not accept solo registrations for the tandem offering. Spots remaining, as listed below, are per tandem canoe!

Location: Click here for location! (Close to Pitt Lake)

Duration: 9am – 4pm

Course Content:

Safety and Rescue

• Carrying a canoe
• Basic environment hazards like water, wind, waves, weather
• When to get off the water
• Being prepared for hypothermia and hyperthermia
• Personal preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medication, etc.)
• Transport Canada regulations and requirements
• Safe canoe procedures (lead/sweep and on water leadership)
• Canoe over canoe rescues
• Towing a canoe
• Throw bag practice

General Paddling Skills

• Getting in and out of a canoe at a dock or easy shoreline
• Paddling in cadence
• Rafting up

Strokes

• Forward
• Reverse
• Check (stop)
• Draw
• Pry
• J-Stroke or rudder
• Forward and Reverse sweep (stern only)
• Low brace
• Drop Skeg

Maneuvers

• Forward paddling
• Wide turns (rectangular course)
• Pivots
• Left and right turns
• Docking (basic)
• Reverse paddling

Concepts

• Momentum and initiation
• Trimming a canoe

Knowledge

• Basic canoe and paddle parts
• Paddle and canoe care
• Knots for canoe tie down (bowline and truckers hitch)
• Equipment for a half day tour
• Paddling within your ability
• PaddleSmart
• Leave No Trace principles