Raincoast Institute Courses
“Offer high-quality continuing education courses that inspire adults and young adults to connect with natural ecosystems.”
2025 Course Options
Seaweeds of the West Coast
June 13 – 15
This weekend field course, based out of the Ucluelet Community Centre, will introduce participants to the world of west coast seaweeds. Topics to be covered in this year’s course include an introduction to seaweeds (What are they? What is their role in coastal ecology? How are they used in B.C. aquaculture? How are seaweeds impacted by climate change?) Learn of the biodiversity of west coast seaweeds, essentials of collecting and identifying seaweeds, seaweed foraging, the relationship between seaweeds and people, pressing and preserving seaweeds, cyanotype and more!
Marine Invertebrates of the West Coast
July 11-13. We are just finalizing the schedule, tickets will open soon.
This weekend field course, with a mixed setting of the Ucluelet Aquarium and the west coast of the Ucluelet peninsula, will introduce participants to the diversity and ecology of Pacific Northwest invertebrates. Topics to be covered in this year’s course include an introduction to invertebrates (What are they? What is their role in coastal ecology?), invertebrate biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest, morphology and adaptations of common phyla, and the interconnection between art and science.
Mushrooms of the West Coast
October 10-12 (tickets will be released by April 1)
In this weekend field course, participants will learn about the wonderful world of West Coast Mushrooms. Topics to be covered include an introduction to fungi (what are they, and what is their role in our forests?), essentials of collecting and identifying fungi in the field, edible, medicinal and poisonous fungi, cooking with wild mushrooms, and more!
2026 Course Options
Dates TBA
Birds of the West Coast
We regret to announce that the Birds of the West Coast has to take a year off. We are have had scheduling issues that are are yet to be resolved. Our apologies but look for this course back for 2026!
The west coast of Vancouver Island features some of the best birding opportunities in North America. Lying directly along the Pacific Flyway, this region hosts huge numbers of migrating birds of all kinds each spring and fall. In the winter, the diversity and abundance of non-breeding birds remains high thanks to wide range of habitats and a mild climate. Tofino & Ucluelet in particular are well-known birding hot-spots.
Photo Galleries
Check out some photos taken during our past Raincoast Institute courses:
Course Updates
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If you have any questions about our courses, our events, or just us in general – we’re here to help!
