An amazing place to explore big issues.
On the west coast of Canada, there’s a region beyond compare. A region that offers transformative learning experiences in one of the last great rainforests on the planet.
We invite you to join us, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from Hesquiaht in the north to Ucluelet in the south, to learn with us in the ultimate classroom.
Many educators and knowledge holders host programs in science, nature, history, language, and Indigenous culture. Connect with nature and experience the benefits of hands-on outdoor learning.
Nature. Education. Sustainability. Transformation.
Experience learning for real.

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Searching for a winter read?
Explore local research and conservation work through these collaborative resources.
West Coast Stories

A week with the West Coast N.E.S.T.!
A youth intern worked with us for a week this summer and attended educational events hosted by some of our regional partners. Learn more about her experience!

Inspiring Young Interpreters
The West Coast N.E.S.T. hosted an Interpretive Skills Workshop for youth. Learn more!
Exploring Future Career Opportunities
This past spring break the West Coast N.E.S.T. hosted Youth Exploration Camps. Learn more about what participants learned during this event!
Hishuk ish tsawalk - 'everything is one'
Our planet is at a pivotal moment in time. Environmental concerns, lack of connection to the land, a search for genuine leadership and meaningful experiences. People from all cultures and communities have a need to come together and find a way to move forward into a new future.
The wide range of learning experiences on Canada’s west coast gives new insights to many of these issues. Our focus is on curiosity, learning, science, culture, inspiration, opportunity and a positive outlook that brings people together. We share our collective strengths to develop meaningful connections that in turn can develop into lasting relationships.
We call this an ecosystem of possibility.

What our learners have to say
The guest speakers for this course were amazing as well as our field trips. They really helped deepen the knowledge we have been learning throughout this whole degree including worldviews and systems thinking. The joy of being in the Clayoquot Sound biosphere, attending the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project presentation, paddling in traditional canoes on the ocean... combined for an excellent week of experiential learning.
Masters Student, Royal Roads University