Rockies Explorations.

Upcoming Rockies Explorations:

  • Reciprocity and Resources: March 14-20, 2025

Rockies Explorations are based in Canmore, Alberta, traditionally known as Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi by the Îyârhe Nakoda. Throughout the program we will travel through the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta, the traditional territories of the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations, Niitsitapi Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina and the Métis Nation (Region 3).

Join us for these 6- to 10-day field-study adventure for youth ages 17-30 through the Canadian Rockies and surrounding areas. You’ll get a bit of everything on this trip including mountain adventures in places like Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Mînî Thnî and more. Our learning focus will be on climate change, wildlife conservation, Indigenous co-management of lands, energy, forestry, personal and community wellbeing, renewables, tourism and more.

Each Exploration program differs a little bit depending on the season and what is happening in our community at the time. A key element of Howl programming is the service learning opportunities we provide. Read on to learn more about some of the possible activities that make up a Rockies Exploration.

Applications are open for Reciprocity & Resources: Resource Management and Leadership for a Changing Climate. Click here to learn more and apply.

Join the waitlist.

Sign up below to be the first to know about program dates and details for winter and spring 2025 program opportunities in the Rockies.

Program Cost:
$500-$1500

Price includes:

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Education

  • Activities

This program offers guidance, education, coaching and support 24 hours/day for the duration of the program. Whenever possible, we try to offer our programs on a sliding scale. To learn more about program costs, click here.

We understand that cost can be a major consideration for participants. We encourage youth to apply regardless of financial means as we do not wish for anyone to be deterred due to financial constraints. Financial assistance may be available.

“The Howl Experience will make your values clearer in your mind, and allow you to strengthen your path towards the future. The experiences that I had with connecting to diverse people in this program renewed my love of people, and gave me hope for the future.”

Rockies Exploration participant (2022)

Program highlights.

All of Howl’s programs explore the themes of reconciliation, citizen science, service learning and strategies for personal resilience. These are just a few of the things that you might do as part of your Exploration.

  • Some of the places that we might visit as part of a 10-day Rockies Exploration include:

    • Kananaskis Country (University of Calgary Kananaskis Research Station, Chester Lake, Mount Shark)

    • Bow Valley Provincial Park

    • Canmore

    • Banff National Park (Banff Townsite, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Cave and Basin, Saskatchewan River Crossing)

    • Stoney Nakoda Reserve

    • Grizzly bear scientists

    • Ungulate scientists

    • Glaciologists

    • Traditional Knowledge Keepers (Stoney, Cree, Metis & Secwépemc)

    • Career coaches

    • Wellness coaches

    • Climbing instructors

    • Outdoor guides

    • Kayak/canoe Instructors

    • Climate education

    • Wildlife conservation

    • Truth and Reconciliation (in National Parks specifically)

    • Indigenous co-management strategies

    • Traditional herbs and medicines

    • Mental health resiliency

    • Social entrepreneurship training

    • Career and education pathway counseling

    • Outdoor survival skills

    • Natural resource development

    • Stakeholder engagement

    • Agriculture overview

    • Horticulture and garden design

    • Financial management

    • Photography

    • Introductory outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing/kayaking, climbing, and rafting

    • Certification from Royal Roads University Resiliency by Design Lab in Land-based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction

    • Exposure to some of Canada’s most iconic locations

    • Gain an understanding of the cultural history of the areas as well as strategies to incorporate reconciliation in the management of lands

    • Individualized focus on building career and education pathways or next steps

    • Exposure to curated set of experiences for future learning, studying and earning

    • Gain tangible understanding of climate and conservation science and policy

    • Create a new network of experts and organizations plus other youth from across the country

Program details.

Participants start in Calgary, AB and tour through the Canadian Rockies and Foothills of Alberta.