Winter 2019

December 12, 2019

As this year draws to a close we're amazed by the growing number of courses and events being hosted in our small but mighty region. We're blessed to have so many talented people who want to share their skills and knowledge with others. The role of the West Coast N.E.S.T. is to showcase the people, places, and transformative learning experiences that make our region such an amazing place to be. Come learn with us for life, for work, and just because. Begin your learning journey on Canada's West Coast. We can't wait to see you in 2020!

Ceramics & Letterpress Art Retreat

This February, the NEST is hosting a two-day Art Retreat. Participants will have an opportunity to work with ceramic tiles and learn the centuries-old art of letterpress printing. With Ucluelet as our backdrop, we'll explore alternative ways of artistically capturing a place while experiencing the wild beauty of the west coast.

Spring into the Biosphere

Shake off those winter blues and get ready to celebrate the arrival of spring in the Biosphere. Mark your calendars: March 16 - 28, 2020. We'll be hosting lots of fun-filled educational events to help you brush up on your eco-knowledge about Clayoquot Sound. More details coming soon.

West Coast Knitting Retreat

Our second annual West Coast Knitting Retreat went off without a "stitch" (pun intended). Participants had fun learning new and exciting knitting techniques while being hosted at the impressive Black Rock Resort. This sold-out event showcased a variety of workshops led by local and visiting instructors. Read up on this fibrous event in our Stories to hear what past participants had to say.

North Island College Marine Courses

Become an experienced mariner. Learn about boat safety, hazards, emergency response, survival, and more with North Island College. NIC provides industry and Transport Canada-approved training to for both new and experienced mariners.

Seaweed Fest

Seaweed is a tasty, abundant, and super nutritious sea vegetable! Learn how to forage, prepare, and dine on this delicious west coast delicacy. Registration information coming soon. Save the date: April 26 - 28, 2020.

Whale Festival Returns

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival plays host to an awesome line-up of guest and resident speakers and offers learning opportunities for all ages. The festival provides people with a greater understanding of grey whales, other marine mammals, and the ocean and rainforest ecosystems and much much more. Join us March 20 - 28, 2020.

Sustainable and Ethical Marine Harvest

Find out what we learned from this condensed 3-hour course on sustainable harvesting choices and the life histories of the many organisms we love to eat. Nom! Nom!