An amazing place to explore big issues.
*Please note that due to Covid-19, visitors are being asked to review up-to-date travel advisories before travelling to the region.*
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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West Coast Fibre Art Retreat 2023
Join us at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort for our 2023 West Coast Fibre Art Retreat!

Explore our summer events calendar!
Learn about terrestrial and marine ecology during fun interpretive and hands-on events! There are so many great learning opportunities to explore this summer.
West Coast Stories

Inspiring Young Interpreters
The West Coast N.E.S.T. hosted an Interpretive Skills Workshop for youth. Learn more!

Place-Based Learning with Tamagawa University
Check out what these students did while exploring Clayoquot Sound Region.
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