TREK School

Trek School Trips

Orientation - Qu'Appelle Valley

During the first three days of our semester, we run an orientation trip to the Qu'Appelle Valley. The purpose of the trip is to introduce the students to Trek School, explain our educational approaches, and start working on the academic subjects in the context of the Qu'Appelle Valley.

Winter Shakedown Trip

The purpose of the winter shakedown trip is to practice our winter camping skills in preparation for a longer winter camping trip. We put our academic work on hold and spend one night overnight in Echo Valley Provincial Park.

Winter Trip

Our winter trip usually happens toward the end of March to capitalize on better weather. We usually visit a location in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Moose Mountain, or Cypress Hills. While there we continue to work on our outdoor skills but also study ecological and geographical material about the area.

Saskairie Backpacking Trip

In the early spring we take a three day backpacking trip to Saskairie and Moose Mountain Provincial Park. Usually by this time, the weather has improved and we are able to do more project work. We focus on projects involving wildlife collection and identification and the unique glacial history of the area.

History of the North-West Rebellion

Also in early spring, we take a two day trip into the parklands of Saskatchewan to trace the history of the North West Rebellion. Although the focus of this trip is mostly historical, we still take time to work on some Biology and Geography. Because we travel through some less heavily populated areas of the province, we often see a great deal of wildlife.

Grasslands Trip

In May we visit one of the most unique locations in Saskatchewan, Grasslands National Park. It is one of the last remaining large tracts of unbroken prairie in Canada, and we study its unique ecology, geography and human history. We spend 3 days in Grasslands backpacking through the area and are usually greeted by a wide variety of unique wildlife and prairie wildflowers.

Cypress Hills Trip

Toward the end of May or start of June we pay a visit to Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Not only is this area beautiful, but it has unique geology and ecology. These traits combine to make the Cypress Hills trip both fun and academically rewarding.

Churchill River Canoe Trip

In our final trip of the semester, we visit the Otter Rapids area of the Churchill River. This trip takes us out of our more familiar prairie habitats and into the unique ecology of the boreal forest. Not only does this trip provide us with unique academic material, including some fascinating human history, but it gives us the chance to apply our canoe skills, which we have been practicing for much of the spring. It is a great way to end the semester and celebrate the learning and experiences that we have shared as a class.