Canoeing at Deer Lake through the Burnaby Parks and Rec is an incredible opportunity for students. At Marlborough, several teachers trek over to the lake to participate in this program. There is an option for up to 4 lessons, building on each other in technique in canoeing, as well as knowledge of the surrounding area.

Although the program is suggested for grades 5 and up, one year, I took my grade 4/5 students and they had an amazing time. Because of the limited mobility of one of my students, we had parent drivers, but this would be an excellent opportunity for classes to walk here with enough time. And once you are there – take a look around! There are incredible opportunities for learning and exploring the forests and streams nearby. Bring a notebook, a magnifying glass, and your curiosity. 

A great resource for connecting your canoeing to the science curriculum is Chapter 3 “Power from the Land” from the new FNESC Science First Peoples Teacher Resource Guide for grades 5 to 9.