WESTERN CANADA: Coast to Caves

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the WESTERN CANADA: Coast to Caves event from 7-12 September 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 12 August 2025 @ 1200 PST.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:
Soldier On is excited to present the Western Canada: Coast to Caves event! If you enjoy water and water related activities, this event might be for you! Come on out to the West Coast and get your fill of water-sport and water related activities before the summer comes to an end. We will be tackling Paddle Canadas level 1 sea kayaking certification, a water-sport day-trip, river fishing, cave exploration and more!   

Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Certification:  Let's take this opportunity to learn the fundamentals of safe sea kayaking from the Canadian authority on it! Soldier On is thrilled to be partnering once again with 19 Wing Paddlesport Club and local kayak legends to take on this two-and-a-half day Paddle Canada course where we will develop paddler’s comfort with a strong focus on re-entry techniques (wet and dry), stroke skills/techniques, towing, assisting with re-entry (from water) and how to plan a safe trip!   

Sailing and Sea Fun 19 Wing Paddlesport will be supporting Soldier On with a one-day water-sport day-trip! We will be putting our newly acquired paddling skills to the test and taking to the open water. Don't worry! We're packing a lunch! Get ready to try your hand at different water-sport methods! 

River Fishing We will be taking to the road and heading out to Campbell River to try our hand at an evening of fishing! The Tyee Fishing Club will be hosting us to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to float and cast--will you be the lucky individual to catch a Tyee salmon?

Cave Exploration Get ready to challenge yourself in these underground playgrounds! The Horne Lakes Caves provide a multitude of opportunities to test our fortitude with short squeezes, vertical waterfall climbs (3m), Canadas only cave slide, and gorgeous geological formations!  

*Please note that these activities are based on weather cooperation and event may have to adapt to accommodate weather.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 10.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from WESTERN CANADA (BC, AB, Northern Canada, SK, MB, Western ONT)  who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 
Please note that 7 and 12 September are travel days.

7 September:
Travel to Comox 
PM: Review kayaking wet-exit and entry 

8 September
Full day: Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Certification 

9 September
Full day: Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Certification

10 September
Water-sport day-trip 
Float Fishing 

11 September
Cave Exploration 

12 September 
Departure

*Please note that there will be some e-learning to be completed PRIOR to participating in the event. Failure to complete the e-learning by designated date may result in the forfeiting of your position on this event. 

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Travel assistance will be provided and coordinated by the Soldier On Regional Coordinator in conjunction with Soldier On Operations. The most economical means of transportation to and from events will be prioritized and discussed with members via the event OPI or delegate.

Mental & Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to tolerate 10 hours of moderate/high paced activities for 5 days in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Applicants must not be in violation of MELs

General
Applicants must be able to tolerate no less than 8 hours of outdoor activity; this event will predominately be held in different outdoor elements and applicant must be able to tolerate changing weather conditions including, but not limited to heat/sun and cold/rain. Applicants will be exposed to general summer insects and possibly wildlife. 

Applicants must retain general strength and mobility to maneuver across uneven terrain and get in and out of small personal watercrafts--wet and dry entry and off and on docks. 

Applicants must be comfortable around water (all participants will be required to wear personal floatation devices while participating in any and all water related activities). 

Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking and Water-sport Excursion
Applicant must be able to tolerate 16hrs of on-water physical activity--sessions will be broken down over a two-day period and into 4-hour segments. 
Applicant must be able to self-save swim (all participants will be required to wear life-jackets at all times while around water). Applicants must be able to tolerate falls into water and must be able to pull themselves into their water-craft from in-water and with limited assistance.

Float Fishing
Applicant must be able to step down and up from a high dock into and out of row-boat.  Applicant must retain enough strength to reel-in a wrestling fish (help is available) 

Caving
Applicant should be aware that there will be portions of this event where they may be required to complete small squeezes, belly crawls and/or climbs within the cave systems. We will be accompanied by professionals who will be able to assist through each of these challenges.  Applicants must be able to tolerate up to a 1km trail hike.  Applicants must be able to tolerate enclosed dark spaces (cave systems range from very large and open to smaller in nature).  

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.  Applicants are advised that some of the activities and meals for this event are located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they will be exposed to a day-to-day military environment.  Applicants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations, and will be required to share accommodations.