Secondary School Programs
Booking Information
Program Seasons
We have limited availability left for our fall guided programs which run from September 16 to November 22, 2024. Spring guided programs run from March 3 to 14 and March 31 to June 20, 2025. Guided programs run Monday to Friday mornings and begin at 10 am. Select programs are also available at 12:30 pm.
If you’re interested in programs outside of our normal school program season, check out our self-guided or virtual field trips!
Booking a School Program
Fill out the form below! Our staff will confirm your booking if space is available, or contact you for more information if needed. Once confirmed, our cancellation policy will apply (details below). You can also book a field-trip over the phone during the week at 604-990-3755 or by email at [email protected].
In order to allow as many schools as possible to come on a field-trip with us, schools can book a maximum of 3 field-trips per season.
School Program Fees
Our program fees vary according to group size and the duration of the program. GST applies to groups with students age 15 and up. Our 2024 fees are:
Grade 8 to 12
- Up to 12 students – $120.00
- 13 to 30 students – $223.50
- $3.00 – per student for virtual programs and self-guided programs (Forest Quest)
- $2.00 – per student to visit the Ecology Centre and watch a nature video
Minimum cost of $60.00 for virtual programs with less than 20 students. Minimum cost of $30.00 for self-guided programs with less than 10 students.
Note that we only run one class field trip at a time (maximum 30 students). For schools wanting to bring more than one class, please consider our self-guided programs.
Cancellation Policy
Guided field trips that are cancelled with more than 3 weeks notice will be charged a $50 fee. Guided field trips that are cancelled with less than 3 weeks notice will be charged the full program fee.
Any self-guided or virtual program cancellations will be charged a $25 administration fee.
Program Options
Available March to June and September to November.
Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Grades 8 to 12. Maximum of 30 students.
View our Curriculum Connections.
Investigating Stream Life
Water quality affects us all, especially those animals that make water their home. Through invertebrate sampling and simple chemical tests, students will gain insight into the water quality of small creeks in Lynn Canyon Park. Students will learn how certain invertebrate species are connected to good water quality and will analyse their finding to calculate a water quality index. This look into a local creek will impress upon students just how many living organisms rely on healthy aquatic ecosystems. This program works well for classes studying animal biology, human-environment interactions, and aquatic ecosystems.
Rainforest Biodiversity Study
The coastal temperate rainforest is a rare and diverse ecosystem. Your class will compare two different rainforest sites, and explore the biodiversity of this ecosystem firsthand! This program allows students to become familiar with native trees and plants by measuring their diversity along transects in the forest. Students will help design a hypothesis for the study, collect field data, and then participate in a brief analysis of what they have found. They’ll experience a glimpse into the practical side of field biology that will help them understand the complex relationships that exist in forest habitats and the science of measuring them. This program works well for classes studying plant biology, geography, or temperate rainforest ecology.
These group programs are for a maximum of 30 students plus adults.
Cost: $3.00 per student
Phone: 604-990-3755 to book a time
Forest Quest
Grades 8 to 10 – maximum 30 students plus adults 1.5 hour self-guided rainforest tour – $3.00 per student
Take your students on an educational adventure that combines a treasure hunt and ecology knowledge! Led by clues and a forest map, your students will decode the mysteries of temperate rainforest plants and animals, searching for the secret of life in the rainforest. You’ll also have a chance to view forest life up close with our amazing projector!
Monday to Friday from 10 am to 11 am or 1 pm to 2 pm.
Cost: $3.00 per student.
Take Flight
Grade 8 to 12
Hop, dive, and flutter your way to this on-line workshop about birds! In this program, you’ll learn about the evolution and adaptations of birds. We’ll discover the feeding and nesting habits of local birds and the remarkable ways that different birds find niches in the temperate rainforest ecosystem.
The World Under Our Feet
Grade 8 to 12
Soil is much more than rocks and old leaves – it’s a vibrant ecosystem. Since people walk on top of the soil, we often don’t consider what’s underneath. Your students will explore how soil is made, the layers of the soil, and the animals, plants, and fungi that both rely on and help create a healthy ecosystem.
BC Biodiversity
Grade 8 to 12
What is biodiversity, and why is it important? In this on-line field trip, your students will learn about genetic, species, and habitat diversity. We will explore British Columbia’s diverse ecosystems from deserts to rainforests and learn how local plants and animals are well-adapted to our temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Park Use Permits
Park Use Permits are required for all groups running programs or events in District of North Vancouver Parks. Please visit the North Vancouver Recreation Commission (NVRC) website and fill out the application under the ‘Temporary park use permit for business and non-profit organizations’ tab here. NVRC will use that information to create a permit for you. If you book a program or visit to the Ecology Centre, you do not need to apply for a Park Use Permit.
Additional Options
Trail and Habitat Restoration
Volunteer in our District of North Vancouver parks to remove invasive plants, plant native species, and restore park areas. Please go to the District of North Vancouver Volunteer in a Park page for more information.
Room Rental
Looking for an indoor space for your visit to Lynn Canyon Park? We rent out the upper room in the Lynn Canyon Cafe. This room can hold 40 people classroom/theatre style or 25 people around tables. Please go to our Room Rental page for more information and fill out the inquiry form if you are interested in booking.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
How to Prepare for the Field Trip
Review the information sent to you by e-mail. View a map of the field trip area here.
Plan to arrive in the park at least 15 minutes before your program begins for a snack and washroom break. There is no snack break during the program.
It’s often wet in the mountains, even if it’s not raining elsewhere in Metro Vancouver. Make sure that students and adult assistants are dressed for the weather. Please ask your students and assistants to come wearing layers, with waterproof boots and a waterproof jacket. Rain pants are also highly recommended!
Remind students and adults that the forest is a great place to unwind… and unplug. Please leave electronic devices at home. If you’d like to take photographs, keep your camera or phone in a zippered pocket during the rest of the field trip to make sure that it is safe and dry.
When you arrive at the Ecology Centre, check in at the front desk. As your students explore the Centre, our program staff will speak with you about the program and the learning needs of your group.
If you are planning on eating lunch after the program, please note there are undercover picnic tables located between the upper and lower parking lots. The undercover picnic tables can be booked in advance through the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission (NVRC).
Getting to the Park
Lynn Canyon Park is easy to access.
- Public transit. Take the #227 community shuttle* to Peters Road at Duval Road or the #228 bus to Burrill Avenue and Lynn Valley Road. *The community shuttle cannot hold an entire class.
- Private bus. All buses entering the park are required to purchase a bus permit. We give out complimentary bus permits to group coming to the Ecology Centre.
- Car. If you’re visiting with parent drivers, the closest parking to the Ecology Centre is the upper paved parking lot. Pay parking is in effect seasonally from March 1 to October 31. Parking is $3 per hour, for a maximum of 4 hours. The parking meter only accepts credit cards. District residents are eligible to purchase a $10 (+GST) seasonal DNV Park Parking Pass that will enable them to park in the lot without paying the hourly rate. More information is available here.