UVSP’s Ventures into Sustainable Recreation Campaign is a month-long initiative focused on getting students to try out new forms of outdoor recreation, become sustainability-conscious users of outdoor spaces and proponents of their sports and activities, learn about environmental issues, and build positive recreational habits for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Throughout the month of September (and into early October), the UVSP will be running four week-long focuses on particular recreational outdoor activities and sports, featuring events, social media posts, and interorganizational collaborations. These activities and sports are: Hiking, Cycling, Climbing, and Whitewater Paddling.
Throughout the month of September (and into early October), the UVSP will be running four week-long focuses on particular recreational outdoor activities and sports, featuring events, social media posts, and interorganizational collaborations. These activities and sports are: Hiking, Cycling, Climbing, and Whitewater Paddling.
Who is this campaign for?
The short answer is... everyone! This campaign has been created with UVic undergraduate students in mind, but graduate students are also welcome to participate in events and follow along with the campaign on social media.
With this campaign, the UVSP wants to provide an opportunity for students who are:
This campaign has been created to benefit students who may not have experience with outdoor recreation, providing a safe, accepting, and inclusive space to learn, and try new things. Our campaign celebrates diversity in recreational spaces and the outdoors, and strives to break down barriers and create safe spaces for students who belong to marginalized communities. If any students interested in participating in the campaign have any special mental or physical health requirements, or are in need of adaptive equipment to participate in the campaign, contact UVSP's Communications Officer, Katia Bannister by email (sustainability@uvic.ca) or by DM on UVSP's Instagram (@uvic_sp). The UVSP is committed to creating safe, inclusive, empowering, and accessible programming for all students.
With this campaign, the UVSP wants to provide an opportunity for students who are:
- Passionate about sustainability, environmental issues and stewardship
- Interested in being active outdoors, trying new sports and activities, and building skills through recreation
- Curious about joining recreation-loving communities
- Committed to recreating safely with proper tools and training
- Interested in pursuing outdoor recreation as a means to improve their mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing.
This campaign has been created to benefit students who may not have experience with outdoor recreation, providing a safe, accepting, and inclusive space to learn, and try new things. Our campaign celebrates diversity in recreational spaces and the outdoors, and strives to break down barriers and create safe spaces for students who belong to marginalized communities. If any students interested in participating in the campaign have any special mental or physical health requirements, or are in need of adaptive equipment to participate in the campaign, contact UVSP's Communications Officer, Katia Bannister by email (sustainability@uvic.ca) or by DM on UVSP's Instagram (@uvic_sp). The UVSP is committed to creating safe, inclusive, empowering, and accessible programming for all students.
Our goals
The UVSP's Ventures into Sustainable Recreation Campaign provides opportunities for students to engage with new recreational sports and communities, and to become sustainability-conscious and safety-oriented stewards of the places in which they recreate. We seek to:
- Empower students through outdoor recreation.
- Promote recreational sports and activities, exercise, and time spent in nature as ways to positively influence mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health.
- Support the creation of a culture of recreational stewardship and sustainable recreation.
- Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for beginners to try out new sports and activities in a positive, learning- and fun-oriented, and no-judgement setting.
- Break down barriers to participation in recreational sports and activities, particularly those in relation to marginalized communities.
- Give students a basic understanding of the tools, training, understandings, and gear required to recreate both safely and sustainably.
Events to participate in
During September and October, the UVSP will be hosting 7 events as a part of our Ventures into Sustainable Recreation Campaign. Please note that some event details may be subject to change. If any changes to events are made, participants will receive an email regarding these changes.
Event participants can expect to receive emails detailing their participation in the event(s) they've signed-up for five days prior to the event. These emails will outline event schedules, participant expectations, and travel arrangements (if applicable), and will also clarify that all participants have signed event waivers (if applicable).
Event participants can expect to receive emails detailing their participation in the event(s) they've signed-up for five days prior to the event. These emails will outline event schedules, participant expectations, and travel arrangements (if applicable), and will also clarify that all participants have signed event waivers (if applicable).
Sunrise Hike up Mount Wells (September 14)
What better way to start your day than hiking? Join the UVSP for an early morning (and hopefully sunrise) hike up Mount Wells on September 14 from 5:30am to 7:00am. Mount Wells is a 123-hectare wilderness park of second growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops with spectacular views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the City of Victoria. The hike will be steep and challenging, especially in the low light of the early morning. Please reach out to the UVSP if you have any questions about whether or not this hike will be a good fit for you. Participants will be expected to wear weather appropriate clothing, suitable footwear, bring water and sunscreen, and pack themselves a lunch. During the hike, participants will get to engage in conversations about sustainability and hiking, conservation and trail infrastructure, and much more. Event participants will meet at the Mount Wells parking lot. However, if you would like to participate in this event and do not have the means to get to Mount Wells early in the morning, the UVSP is willing to support you in making it to the park. We strive to make our events as low-barrier and accessible as possible so please reach out if you are in need of a ride or support finding bus or bike routes. Click here to sign-up for this event.
What better way to start your day than hiking? Join the UVSP for an early morning (and hopefully sunrise) hike up Mount Wells on September 14 from 5:30am to 7:00am. Mount Wells is a 123-hectare wilderness park of second growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops with spectacular views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the City of Victoria. The hike will be steep and challenging, especially in the low light of the early morning. Please reach out to the UVSP if you have any questions about whether or not this hike will be a good fit for you. Participants will be expected to wear weather appropriate clothing, suitable footwear, bring water and sunscreen, and pack themselves a lunch. During the hike, participants will get to engage in conversations about sustainability and hiking, conservation and trail infrastructure, and much more. Event participants will meet at the Mount Wells parking lot. However, if you would like to participate in this event and do not have the means to get to Mount Wells early in the morning, the UVSP is willing to support you in making it to the park. We strive to make our events as low-barrier and accessible as possible so please reach out if you are in need of a ride or support finding bus or bike routes. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Mystic Beach Day Hike (September 17)
Join the University of Victoria Sustainability Project on September 17 for a group hike on the Juan de Fuca trail — to Mystic Beach! We will meet at the doors of the Student Union Building (SUB) near the bus loop at 9:30am. From there we will carpool to the China Beach day-use parking lot where we will enter the Juan de Fuca trail and begin the 2 kilometre hike to Mystic Beach. The hike down to Mystic Beach features beautiful ancient forest and a suspension bridge. The beach itself is home to a waterfall and a rope swing, as well as fascinating rock formations. The hike itself will not be too challenging but there is a section near the beach that features a long series of stairs. During the hike, participants will get to engage in conversations about sustainability and hiking, conservation and trail infrastructure, and much more. Participants will be expected to wear weather appropriate clothing, suitable footwear, bring water and sunscreen, and pack themselves a lunch. The UVSP will provide snacks for participants. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Join the University of Victoria Sustainability Project on September 17 for a group hike on the Juan de Fuca trail — to Mystic Beach! We will meet at the doors of the Student Union Building (SUB) near the bus loop at 9:30am. From there we will carpool to the China Beach day-use parking lot where we will enter the Juan de Fuca trail and begin the 2 kilometre hike to Mystic Beach. The hike down to Mystic Beach features beautiful ancient forest and a suspension bridge. The beach itself is home to a waterfall and a rope swing, as well as fascinating rock formations. The hike itself will not be too challenging but there is a section near the beach that features a long series of stairs. During the hike, participants will get to engage in conversations about sustainability and hiking, conservation and trail infrastructure, and much more. Participants will be expected to wear weather appropriate clothing, suitable footwear, bring water and sunscreen, and pack themselves a lunch. The UVSP will provide snacks for participants. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Bike Literacy Workshop (September 21)
Got a bike and want to learn a couple tips and tricks to help you take care of it! Join the UVSP and cyclist and UVic student Ben Pierce for an ‘Intro to Bike Maintenance’ workshop on September 21 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm! This workshop will be taking place on the Quad at UVic and tools and snacks will be provided to participants. During this event, Ben will teach basic bike literacy including terminology, how to diagnose and fix common bike problems, and how to care for your bike. The goal of this event is to empower cyclists of all levels of experience through promoting bike literacy. We also want to encourage sustainability by encouraging fixing, refurbishing, and maintaining cycling equipment rather than replacing it when possible. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Got a bike and want to learn a couple tips and tricks to help you take care of it! Join the UVSP and cyclist and UVic student Ben Pierce for an ‘Intro to Bike Maintenance’ workshop on September 21 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm! This workshop will be taking place on the Quad at UVic and tools and snacks will be provided to participants. During this event, Ben will teach basic bike literacy including terminology, how to diagnose and fix common bike problems, and how to care for your bike. The goal of this event is to empower cyclists of all levels of experience through promoting bike literacy. We also want to encourage sustainability by encouraging fixing, refurbishing, and maintaining cycling equipment rather than replacing it when possible. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Galloping Goose Trail Ride (September 24)
Come ride with the UVSP! On September 24, we will be leading a cycling trip on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The goal of this trip is to have a fun ride with other students who enjoy cycling, spend time outdoors, and introduce students to the exciting cycling infrastructure that exists in the Greater Victoria area. We will also engage in conversations about cycling and sustainability while we ride. Participants will be required to bring a lunch and a water bottle from themselves in a bag that will be easy to cycle with. This event is primarily for students who already own a bicycle and bike helmet and do not use them as much as they would like to, or who want to learn more about cycling in Victoria, sustainability, and active transport. However, the UVSP does have access to a few spare bikes and helmets, and if you do not have one or either but would still like to join our ride — let us know! We would love to have you and want to make our events as low-barrier and accessible as possible. We will meet at outside the SUB at UVic at 10:00am and cycle as a group to Thetis Lake Regional Park where we will stop for lunch. From there will will bike back to UVic, heading through Esquimalt on the E&N Rail Trail before turning back onto the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and heading back towards campus. In total, our ride time will be about one and a half hours, but it will be broken up by lots of breaks. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Come ride with the UVSP! On September 24, we will be leading a cycling trip on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The goal of this trip is to have a fun ride with other students who enjoy cycling, spend time outdoors, and introduce students to the exciting cycling infrastructure that exists in the Greater Victoria area. We will also engage in conversations about cycling and sustainability while we ride. Participants will be required to bring a lunch and a water bottle from themselves in a bag that will be easy to cycle with. This event is primarily for students who already own a bicycle and bike helmet and do not use them as much as they would like to, or who want to learn more about cycling in Victoria, sustainability, and active transport. However, the UVSP does have access to a few spare bikes and helmets, and if you do not have one or either but would still like to join our ride — let us know! We would love to have you and want to make our events as low-barrier and accessible as possible. We will meet at outside the SUB at UVic at 10:00am and cycle as a group to Thetis Lake Regional Park where we will stop for lunch. From there will will bike back to UVic, heading through Esquimalt on the E&N Rail Trail before turning back onto the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and heading back towards campus. In total, our ride time will be about one and a half hours, but it will be broken up by lots of breaks. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Casual Climb at BoulderHouse Victoria (September 29)
Come climb with the UVSP! On September 29 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, the UVSP will be at Boulderhouse for a group climb! While climbing, we will be facilitating conversations related to climbing sustainably and how climbing can help to support conservation objectives. This event will require participants to wear clothes they can move in and bring water. Climbing chalk will be provided. Participants will also have to pay the regular student drop-in fee. We will meet in the parking lot outside Boulderhouse at 6:45pm and head into the climbing gym together as a group. Click here to sign-up for this event.
Come climb with the UVSP! On September 29 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, the UVSP will be at Boulderhouse for a group climb! While climbing, we will be facilitating conversations related to climbing sustainably and how climbing can help to support conservation objectives. This event will require participants to wear clothes they can move in and bring water. Climbing chalk will be provided. Participants will also have to pay the regular student drop-in fee. We will meet in the parking lot outside Boulderhouse at 6:45pm and head into the climbing gym together as a group. Click here to sign-up for this event.
UVic Whitewater Club Pool Session Drop-in (October 7)
Want to dip your toes in the world of whitewater? Come join the University of Victoria Sustainability Project at the UVic Whitewater Club’s weekly pool session on October 7th from 7:30pm-10:00pm at McKinnon Pool. Trying out paddle sports in McKinnon Pool is the way most of the UVic Whitewater Club members were first introduced to whitewater paddling. It is a low-barrier way to try out being in a whitewater craft for the first time, removing some of the added environmental stressors (i.e., moving water) that can make it hard to master paddling skills. Coming to a UVic Whitewater Club pool session will also give you a chance to meet members of the whitewater community and make connections with others who are passionate about paddling and sustainability. This drop in session will be free for students taking part in UVSP’s Sustainable Recreation Campaign, with boats, paddles and instruction being provided. All you have to bring with you in pool-appropriate swimwear, a towel, and a positive attitude. In order to begin using a canoe or kayak, participants will have to take a short swim test for safety reasons (don’t worry, if you can swim, this should be a test that’s easy for you to pass). Click here to sign-up for this event.
Want to dip your toes in the world of whitewater? Come join the University of Victoria Sustainability Project at the UVic Whitewater Club’s weekly pool session on October 7th from 7:30pm-10:00pm at McKinnon Pool. Trying out paddle sports in McKinnon Pool is the way most of the UVic Whitewater Club members were first introduced to whitewater paddling. It is a low-barrier way to try out being in a whitewater craft for the first time, removing some of the added environmental stressors (i.e., moving water) that can make it hard to master paddling skills. Coming to a UVic Whitewater Club pool session will also give you a chance to meet members of the whitewater community and make connections with others who are passionate about paddling and sustainability. This drop in session will be free for students taking part in UVSP’s Sustainable Recreation Campaign, with boats, paddles and instruction being provided. All you have to bring with you in pool-appropriate swimwear, a towel, and a positive attitude. In order to begin using a canoe or kayak, participants will have to take a short swim test for safety reasons (don’t worry, if you can swim, this should be a test that’s easy for you to pass). Click here to sign-up for this event.
Whitewater Canoe Clinic (October 8-9)
Join the University of Victoria Sustainability Project and Recreational Canoeing Association of B.C. (RCABC) Master Instructor Rick Bryan for a two-day whitewater canoe clinic to learn basic paddling skills and safety, and share conversations about the interconnections between conservation work and the recreation community, and how we can paddle sustainably throughout the watersheds that sustain us. Day one of the clinic will take place at Cardboro Bay, where participants will choose canoes, learn about safety gear and procedures, river theory, and whitewater paddle strokes, and put their learning to the test in the bay. The timing of day one will be from 10:00am to 2:00pm and we will meet at the front of the parking lot at Cardboro Bay Park. Day two of the clinic will take place on the Cowichan River (transport via carpool will be provided for participants) from 8:00am to 5:00pm. This will be an all day trip and participants will be required to bring lunch for themselves. It is also encouraged that participants bring snacks for themselves, but UVSP will also be providing some snacks. On day two, clinic participants will be able to try paddling a beginner friendly stretch of river, and learn safety skills and other skills such as eddying and ferrying. While on the river, we will take time to be aware of our surroundings and engage in conversations about conservation, sustainability, and recreation. Most importantly, the UVSP wants to empower our participants through paddling and create an opportunity for students interested in sustainability to have fun on the river! Click here to sign-up for this event.
Join the University of Victoria Sustainability Project and Recreational Canoeing Association of B.C. (RCABC) Master Instructor Rick Bryan for a two-day whitewater canoe clinic to learn basic paddling skills and safety, and share conversations about the interconnections between conservation work and the recreation community, and how we can paddle sustainably throughout the watersheds that sustain us. Day one of the clinic will take place at Cardboro Bay, where participants will choose canoes, learn about safety gear and procedures, river theory, and whitewater paddle strokes, and put their learning to the test in the bay. The timing of day one will be from 10:00am to 2:00pm and we will meet at the front of the parking lot at Cardboro Bay Park. Day two of the clinic will take place on the Cowichan River (transport via carpool will be provided for participants) from 8:00am to 5:00pm. This will be an all day trip and participants will be required to bring lunch for themselves. It is also encouraged that participants bring snacks for themselves, but UVSP will also be providing some snacks. On day two, clinic participants will be able to try paddling a beginner friendly stretch of river, and learn safety skills and other skills such as eddying and ferrying. While on the river, we will take time to be aware of our surroundings and engage in conversations about conservation, sustainability, and recreation. Most importantly, the UVSP wants to empower our participants through paddling and create an opportunity for students interested in sustainability to have fun on the river! Click here to sign-up for this event.
More information
For more information about this campaign, download UVSP's 'Ventures into Sustainable Recreation Campaign' information packet.