VIBE - Vancouver Island Backcountry Education

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Highlights from a recent Rock Leadership Course we ran with the Vancouver Island Section of the Alpine Club of Canada. ....
05/28/2026

Highlights from a recent Rock Leadership Course we ran with the Vancouver Island Section of the Alpine Club of Canada. .vancouverisland

Over the day we worked through a wide range of outdoor climbing systems and skills including anchor building, route cleaning, rappelling in to set up top ropes from above, sport climbing skills, risk management and general crag etiquette. It was awesome to spend the day with a motivated group looking to build confidence and become more self-sufficient at the crag.

Nanaimo continues to be an incredible classroom for this kind of progression with so much accessible climbing terrain right on our doorstep.

We’re very excited to continue offering more climbing courses and skills programs for ACC members over the summer and help grow the local climbing community here on Vancouver Island.

A few highlights from this recent weekend working with the 5th Garry Oak Venturers.We spent the weekend playing with rop...
05/27/2026

A few highlights from this recent weekend working with the 5th Garry Oak Venturers.

We spent the weekend playing with ropes, building mountain skills, practicing rescue systems, and sharing plenty of laughs along the way. From rope work and anchors to problem solving in the mountains, it was awesome to see such a motivated group getting after it and embracing every part of the learning process.

These are the kinds of opportunities we really love at VIBE, connecting with local outdoor groups who share the same passion for the mountains, adventure, and learning as we do.

A huge thank you to everyone involved for bringing such great energy, curiosity, and stoke to the weekend. We’re pretty sure this won’t be the last time we bump into this amazing group somewhere out in the mountains.

Looking forward to seeing where the adventure takes you all next.

Three fantastic days out on the Elk River Trail with the Aspengrove School Duke of Edinburgh group.We couldn’t have aske...
05/26/2026

Three fantastic days out on the Elk River Trail with the Aspengrove School Duke of Edinburgh group.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and it was pretty special getting to see Mt. Colonel Foster showing itself in all its glory as it slowly shed its winter coat above the valley.

The biggest highlight though was the students themselves, a fantastic group to spend time with in the mountains. Curious, engaged, hardworking, and a real pleasure to share the trail with.

Programmes like this are a huge part of why we love what we do. Watching students build confidence, connect with the outdoors, and learn through shared experiences in places like Strathcona is always incredibly rewarding.

Already looking forward to the next adventure.

First Rock Rescue Course of the season in the books 🤙In this shot Caleb is rescuing his dad Andrew after a “leader fal...
05/04/2026

First Rock Rescue Course of the season in the books 🤙

In this shot Caleb is rescuing his dad Andrew after a “leader fall gone wrong” (don’t worry… fully staged ).

Great day out with loads of problem solving, hands-on scenarios, and building the kind of skills you hope you never need but absolutely want dialled if you do.

Good vibes all day, lots of learning, and a crew that got stuck right in

If you’re heading outside this season and want to feel more confident managing situations like this, we’ve got more courses coming up. Get in touch

2 weeks ago was the final Spearhead of the season and what a way to wrap it up First photo says it all… this is my happy...
05/01/2026

2 weeks ago was the final Spearhead of the season and what a way to wrap it up

First photo says it all… this is my happy place. Big mountains, good people, and moving through wild terrain with a pack on 🤙

6 incredible humans, 3 days out there, and just pure bliss the whole way around. Bluebird skies, perfect conditions, and that feeling you only get when everything lines up just right.

One of the crew had been weathered off this traverse 5 times before… and this time they got it DONE. Proper perseverance and a pretty special moment to be part of.

Huge thanks to everyone who made this one what it was these are the trips that stick with you.

We’ve just started opening bookings for Spearhead Traverses next winter, so if it’s been on your list, now’s the time. Get in touch and let’s make it happen

Get Into Rock Climbing This Season Looking to take your first steps into outdoor climbing? Our Intro to Rock Climbing Da...
04/28/2026

Get Into Rock Climbing This Season

Looking to take your first steps into outdoor climbing? Our Intro to Rock Climbing Days are the perfect way to build skills, confidence, and get out on real rock in a fun, supportive environment.

Course Dates:
• May 2 – Victoria
• June 20 – Nanaimo
• June 27 – Victoria
• August 15 – Nanaimo
• September 5 – Nanaimo

$212 per person
All climbing gear available to rent

We’ll cover the fundamentals, from tying in and belaying to movement on rock and outdoor safety, setting you up for a lifetime of climbing adventures.

Spots are limited, come climb with us 🤙

Women Rock!Join us for a women-centered climbing day led by ACMG guide Mikayla Pladson designed to create a supportive, ...
04/25/2026

Women Rock!

Join us for a women-centered climbing day led by ACMG guide Mikayla Pladson designed to create a supportive, welcoming space to learn and build confidence on the rock.

This course is an introduction to outdoor climbing fundamentals, covering everything you need to get started climbing outside in a fun and encouraging environment in Nanaimo BC.

Course Dates:
• May 3
• July 4
• August 2

$212 per person

Whether you’re brand new or looking to take your first steps outdoors, this is all about building skills, confidence, and community.

Come climb, learn, and connect 🤙

Spearhead Traverse x3, not all days are about going fastThere’s something pretty special about slowing things down in t...
04/24/2026

Spearhead Traverse x3, not all days are about going fast

There’s something pretty special about slowing things down in the mountains.

This lap of the Spearhead Traverse wasn’t about speed. It was about being out there, moving well, and taking it all in.

Blue skies for most of the day, good company, and for the first time ever… We had the privilege of punching the skin track for the entire loop.
There’s something about setting the track the whole way, finding the line, reading the terrain, and just settling into that rhythm.

Raphy and I had spent the winter training with the idea of going for a fast Spearhead… but this wasn’t that day. And honestly, it didn’t need to be. It was still epic in all the right ways.

This was:
– My second Spearhead in 6 days
– With the third starting the following morning

3 full loops in 9 days through one of my favourite zones.

Grateful for the fitness to move through terrain like this but more than that, just how good it felt to be out there with a solid partner , no pressure, just enjoying the mountains.

If you’re working towards big mountain goals whether that’s
climbing, ski touring, trail running, or multi-day backpacking and want some structure behind your training, that’s exactly what we do.

Through VIBE and Mountain Fitness Training, we help build the fitness, skills, and confidence to take on days like this.

Train for the big objectives. Then go out and enjoy them.

Reach out if you’re keen to get after something this season.

Build a Solid Trad Foundation Looking to get into trad climbing or strengthen your systems? Our Trad Climbing Foundation...
04/24/2026

Build a Solid Trad Foundation

Looking to get into trad climbing or strengthen your systems? Our Trad Climbing Foundations Course is all about building safe, efficient, and confident skills placing gear and constructing anchors.

Learn how to properly place protection, evaluate placements, build solid anchors, and move into the world of traditional climbing with confidence.

Course Dates:
• May 16
• July 4

$250 per person

Whether you’re new to trad or looking to refine your setup, this course sets the groundwork for bigger and more committing climbs.

Dial in your systems and start unlocking classic routes 🤙

We’ll see YOU 🫵🏽 at Backcountry Fest! Join your fellow backcountry enthusiasts for a good time on the mountain. Giveaway...
01/25/2026

We’ll see YOU 🫵🏽 at Backcountry Fest!

Join your fellow backcountry enthusiasts for a good time on the mountain.

Giveaways, competitions, music, dancing, food and of course the high vibes Mt Cain Village is known for.

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Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver, BC

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