Raincoast Institute Courses

“Offer high-quality continuing education courses that inspire adults and young adults to connect with natural ecosystems.”

We partner with local and visiting educators and researchers to offer in depth weekend field courses for adults covering a range of topics specific to the ecology of the region. Rooted in the Nuu-chah-nulth philosophy of Hishuk-ish-tsawalk (everything is connected/everything is one), our courses provide opportunities to study natural ecosystems from a holistic perspective, and to engage with specific ecological components through hands-on, outdoor-based learning.

Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Clayoquot Sound provides a unique opportunity to experience the interconnections between human communities, the rich marine ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean, and some of the largest tracts of old-growth coastal temperate rainforest in the world.

2024 Course Listings

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Marine Mammals of the West Coast

March 22, 23 & 24

BC’s west coast waters are home to a great diversity of marine mammals – 31 different species have been documented here! This weekend course will introduce participants to the cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), and sea otters of BC. Topics to be covered include the life history, ecology and behaviour of the better known species, as well as the history of their exploitation and current conservation status, and more! This weekend coincides with the peak of the spring grey whale migration, so there will be very good chances of viewing them plus other marine mammals during the two boat excursions into Barkley Sound.

Birds of the West Coast

May 3, 4 & 5

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.

Seaweeds of the West Coast

June 7, 8 & 9

This weekend field course will introduce participants to the world of west coast seaweeds. Topics to be covered include an introduction to seaweeds (What are they? What is their role in coastal ecology?), 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!

Mushrooms of the West Coast

Octoer 11, 12 & 13

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!