BAMFIELD MARINE SCIENCE TRIP INFORMATION

DATES: Sept 21-25, 2026

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) is a research facility located in Barkley Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in the village of Bamfield. Recognized as among the very best research and training facilities in the world, BMSC provides world-class facilities to a community of research biologists, ecologists and oceanographers.  In addition to supporting diverse coastal and marine research, BMSC also offers in-residence programs in marine biology and general science to schools.  In order to supplement the Environmental Science 12 curriculum, we have arranged to participate in an education program offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.    

The Bamfield program would include the following activities:

  • Field observations of intertidal areas of open rocky shores and sandy beaches

  • Laboratory examination of field collections and preserved specimens  

  • Forest based field work

  • Oceanographic measurements and plankton collection at the mouth and head of Grappler Inlet

  • Depending upon availability and the number of students participating, other activities and / or workshops may be included.  

TRIP PRE-REQUISITES:

  • Students must be registered in the Environmental Science 12 course

  • Students should have a current tetanus immunization (good for 10 years)

TRIP LOCATION: The trip takes place within the traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, a self-governing, modern treaty Nation whose lands are located in the Barkley Sound region on the west coast of Vancouver Island, at the entrance to Alberni Inlet.  

MEALS/FOOD: Students are strongly encouraged to bring snacks and meal money for the bus trip to and from the research facility.  While at BMSC, meals are provided by the cafeteria. 

TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to Bamfield via the West Coast Express Transport. On the return trip students will travel via the Lady Rose Marine to Port Alberni and then bus back to Victoria.

TRIP-SPECIFIC HAZARDS:
Coastal/Shoreline research and ocean travel activities: During the trip, students will be walking on the coastline in both rocky and sandy conditions. This will include studying tide pools and students will be walking through ankle-depth water. However, due to the exposed coastline and potential water hazards nearby, it is an expectation that students will be wearing life jackets and sensible footwear at all times while in the field, both on the water and while travelling overland. The group will also travel on the ocean in herring skiffs and on the marine research vessel, Alta.  These marine vehicles are piloted by trained and certified BMSC staff and the students are expected to obey all instructions provided by the BMSC staff and SMUS teachers/chaperones. 

Wilderness and Wildlife: Bamfield is a remote marine station nestled in old growth forests on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. This habitat is home to a diverse range of forest and marine creatures including bears, cougars and a range smaller forest creatures as well as large and small marine creatures (whales, seals, sea lions, otters, mink…). Students will travel in groups, on well-established routes and will be provided with instruction on animal safety.

Remote location with limited medical facilities: Bamfield is a remote community. While there are staff at BMSC and within the community with advanced medical training, the location and weather can delay medical transport.

Transportation to and from Bamfield on logging roads: A significant section (~ 2 hours) of the trip to and from Bamfield will be in a bus driving on a logging road. Logging roads are generally unpaved gravel/dirt roads with no formal lane marking. Logging roads can be dusty, bumpy and slow. Passing is limited and there are few barriers. Cell coverage in the area is limited. The Bamfield Main road upgrades completed in 2023 include a skid-resistant chip-sealed road surface, instalments of steel guardrails, improved drainage through new and improved culverts and other safety enhancements. Our group will be traveling with West Coast Express Transport. Their bus, which is equipped with lap-type seat belts, provides regular transport on this route. The group is scheduled to travel the logging road portion of the drive during daylight hours. The group will also carry a satellite communication device (inreach, Zoleo or Satellite phone).

PRE-TRIP MEETINGS: The students will be briefed in classes prior to the trip.

ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc. Activity itinerary at BMSC is dependent upon many factors including weather, high/low tides and use of facilities by other school groups. 

Sept 21

  • Meet at Crothall at 6:00 am

  • Depart for Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

  • Arrival at ~ 11:30 am. 

  • Activities at BMSC

Sept 21-25

  • Activities at BMSC

Sept 25

  • Return to SMUS Crothall at ~8:30 pm. 

ACCOMMODATION: Students will be staying in dormitories with private shower and toilet facilities.

GROUP EQUIPMENT: BMSC will provide activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include PFDs, scientific equipment, boats…The teacher/chaperone will also have emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Students should bring the following items.

  • Waterproof jacket and pants. It can rain a lot!  

  • Waterproof hat and/or toque  

  • Rubber boots (these are a must for low tides)  

  • Warm clothes - wool sweaters, fleece clothing, long johns, wool socks etc.  

  • Gloves - wool, dishwashing gloves (should you wish) for sorting through the material from the dredges  

  • Headlamp with spare batteries

  • Sleeping bag and pillow  

  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, personal hygiene supplies etc.)  

  • Towel and face cloth (these are not provided by BMSC)  

  • Small backpack/daypack - as waterproof as possible 

  • Pencils, pen, notebook  

  • Camera  

  • Money or bank card to buy dinner to and from Bamfield (meal money will be provided for boarders) 

  • Binoculars - not necessary but great to have!  

  • Plastic bag(s)/zip lcoks - to store camera, binoculars, spare clothes, and wet clothes and towels

  • Snacks - granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix

  • Water bottle

  • Motion sickness medication/treatment: For students who are easily affected by motion sickness (vehicle travel and boat travel)

STAFFING: SMUS teachers will accompany the group to BMSC. In addition, staff from BMSC will support various educational programs for the group.

INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 1:10

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense. 

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information

EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.