Ocean By Day & Night

This program is only offered at Newcastle Island Provincial Park and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.  Click here to register online or contact us directly.

Program Schedule

3:00pm - 4:30pm: 16 Million Fish and a Whole Lot More: The shores around Vancouver Island contain many different species of fish in many different types of habitats. This program will look at the significance of eelgrass beds in relation to many species of fish and other creatures. We will discuss fish sampling techniques including using a beach seine to try and catch some of the 30 common species of fish and other animals which live in the eelgrass.

4:30pm - 6:00pm: Squid Dissection: Looks at the special adaptations of the sharks, skates and rays or the squids and octopuses of the area, discussing local species and the role they play in the ecosystem. Join us for an inside look at one of our local harks and see how they differ from bony fish. Shark conservation is emphasized.

7:30pm - 9:00pm Mammals on Islands: This hands-on program uses skulls and study skins to give your students a chance to get a close look at some adaptations of our local mammals. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity to understand how island population dynamics work and the problems caused by introduced species. Topics include terrestrial and marine mammals of B.C., endangered species, and conservation.

10:00pm (or so depending on darkness) - 10:30pm Group A: 1/2 of group Night Light Show (at Rathtrevor Beach this is replaced by an evening slideshow in the Nature House  on ocean creatures of the dark)

10:30pm - 11:00pm Group B: 1/2 of group Night Light Show (at the wharf): This program is done at night around the wharf to provide an "In Depth" look at the abundant sea life of Vancouver Island. High powered lights are used in the ocean at night to attract such diverse ocean creatures as river otters, swimming crab larvae, sharks, squid, many kinds of fish, and other bizarre creatures. We discuss important issues such as the state of biological diversity in B.C., endangered species and resource management. (See above for Rathtrevor Beach adaptation)

11:00 Campfire or Bedtime!

Some Rules:
-Please leave the campsite as clean as it was when you arrived.
-Please keep tents on the designated tent pads and limit your firewood use
-Do not pick up materials in our park to take back to your classroom or for the students to take back home.

WHAT TO BRING
-aqua socks or rubber boots
-warm clothing and rain gear
-nametags (on adults too)
-flashlights
-swimsuit and towel

Overnight Program
-pyjamas/sleeping bag
-sleeping pad, foamie, insulite
-toothbrush and toothpaste
-personal gear
-any medications you need

Pricing Information
(minimum group charge of 25 participants, GST not included)

Ocean By Day & Night Program Registration

**Note: online program registration is a program request, not a final program booking. Please wait until we contact you before you finalize your plans.  You will be contacted within 1-2 business days following submission to confirm the date and time of your program.