Land Based Programs

Mt. Benson Hike

The Mt. Benson hike offers students a great trek up one of Nanaimo’s classic must do hikes. The trail is steep but once we reach the top participants are rewarded with breath taking views of the Strait of Georgia and the snow covered mountains of the Coast Range. We normally eat lunch on the summit and take a different route down for our return trip to the trailhead. This is a wonderful way to spend a day, and is suitable for beginner hikers, we go slow!

Rock Climbing

This activity is a great stress reliever! On this trip students will learn new knots, climbing, and belaying techniques from our skilled instructors. This program is fun, rewarding, and you will work some muscles that you probably didn’t know you had. We use a variety of locations around the Nanaimo area and depending on the group and the weather we may spend the day at the Nanaimo River Crag, Lantzville Foothills, or other local rock crags. This program offers great views, good exercise and you don’t need any previous climbing experience as there are climbing routes suitable for all participants. .

Mt. Arrowsmith Hiking

The Mt. Arrowsmith trip offers students a great day of adventure as we spend our time scrambling around on the trails and steep rock faces of the mountain. We drive up the mountain to a high elevation trailhead and start from there, and complete a kind of round trip hiking experience so participants hike up and down different trails. This trip has some of the best views on the island and is always a popular activity with students. No experience necessary and this trip is suitable for beginner hikers who have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Juan de Fuca Trail Provincial Park Hike(day trip & overnight)

This trip is a guided exploration through Juan De Fuca Trail Provincial Park and follows the rugged coast line from Port Renfrew to China Beach. On this hike students experience waterfalls, sandy beaches, a suspension bridge, coastal wildlife, and the privilege of hiking through old growth forests. The day hike and overnight programs use the same section of trail and the difference between the two trips is the extra day of hiking and camping based out of Sombrio Beach on the overnight camping trip. Either trip is an awesome experience, and these trips are suitable for beginner hikers.

Caving(Horne Lake Provincial Park)

Spend the day exploring the underground world in famous Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. Participants in this program have the opportunity to spend time in 3 or 4 different caves over the course of the day. All the caves are unique and very different from each other. Instructors guide you through the caves and make sure that students don’t miss any of the strange and interesting formations that exist in this special environment. No experience necessary, and be prepared for wet and muddy conditions.

Strathcona Park Day Hike

Bus to Mt. Washington ski area and hike into Strathcona Park. Easy hiking on boardwalks and well maintained trails. Come and see the mountains, spend a day in the forest.

Indoor Climbing Deals at the Romper Room

Every Wednesday is Mal-U day at the Romper Room. Purchase a day pass and climb for as long as you like from 2pm - 10pm. Remember you must have your Belay Ticket to participate or climb with someone who has their ticket. Belay certification available. Learn everything you need about belay safety in an indoor top rope setting. No experience necessary. Register with your Mal-U student card at:

Romper Room
Indoor Climbing Center
4385-B Boban Dr
Nanaimo BC V9T 5V9