Learning from Place: Connecting Curriculum, Community & Environment - October 2026

Join us for an immersive, hands-on professional learning retreat in Tofino and Ucluelet, the traditional territories of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation). This retreat will bring educators together for an immersive experience grounded in place-based learning. The retreat will combine field experiences, hands-on learning, discussion, reflection, and practical classroom application, drawing on the knowledge of the people who live, work, teach, and steward these lands and water. Sessions will connect local experiences to curriculum and competencies so that educators can return to their schools with ideas, resources, relationships, and approaches they can adapt to their own classrooms and communities.

Learning goals:

• Explore ways to connect local environments, community expertise, Indigenous and local knowledge, science, and culture with classroom learning.
• Build confidence in designing learning experiences that move beyond the classroom and connect students with real places, people, and questions.
• Develop practical ideas and resources that can be adapted to classrooms and different grade levels.
• Explore ready-to-use curricular resources that can support place-based learning.
• Connect with educators and practitioners who are interested in meaningful, place-based learning.
• Reflect on how learning can support stewardship, sustainability, curiosity, and stronger connections to place.
• Leave with ideas, tools, and inspiration to try something new in your own classroom.

Schedule: 

Thursday, October 22nd evening – 6:00 - 8:30pm Registration at Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (Join us for an optional check-in at the CBT office, 316 Main Street, Tofino) 

Friday, October 23rd Welcome & workshops @ Long Beach Lodge (1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino), field experiences & networking dinner

Saturday, October 24th morning – Workshops & field experiences & wrap-up (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve & Ucluelet locations)

Saturday afternoon is yours to spend further exploring the region. 

Venues:

Activities will take place throughout the region, at sites such as Clayoquot Biosphere Trust offce, Č ̓aḥayis (Cox Bay), Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and more!

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation. Tofino Resort and Marina is offering 15% discount for retreat participants!

Accessibility:

Activities for this event include sitting, listening, reading, moving between locations, walking on docks, climbing on/off an open boat, and walking outdoors on uneven surfaces. Please let us know ahead of time if you require accommodations to enable your participation and learning during these activities, and we will do our best to assist you.

Health and Safety:

West Coast NEST is committed to hosting a safe, equitable, and inclusive event. Discriminatory behaviours and harassment or any other emotional or physical harm will not be tolerated and anyone displaying such behaviour will be asked to leave the event. Participants will be responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements. No refunds will be issued if a participant does not comply.