Where Gen Z develops transformative outdoor skills and leadership potential to navigate what lies ahead in 2027

This is a 406 km canoe adventure through wild beauty and self-discovery. Paddle the Teslin and Yukon Rivers through the land of Gold Rush legends, thriving Northern Indigenous cultures, and wildlife that stirs the soul. This 10-day introductory expedition training course empowers young adults (17–30) to develop their outdoor leadership skills while exploring their connection to land, climate, and community. Just like navigating life itself, every paddle stroke becomes a lesson in balance: lean into the current, trust your team, and keep moving forward.

This training course is grounded in the philosophy of outdoor-education pioneer Kurt Hahn; this course embodies his belief in education through adventure. To complement this, we have designed this experience to be perfect for those completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or pursuing careers in outdoor education, recreation, or guiding.

You’ll learn:

• Climate-change awareness and environmental stewardship

• Canoe and expedition leadership skills

• Gear selection, trip planning, and risk management

• Leave No Trace and First Peoples’ (BC) Principles of Learning

By the end of this trip, you’ll have the confidence and baseline experience to co-lead others safely into the backcountry. Maybe you’ll even earn a place on our Fireside team as an intern like so many Fireside participants before you!

We hear it again and again: Gen Z doesn’t want a touristy holiday where fun comes at the cost of local people and ecosystems. You want meaning, growth, and impact. You want something affordable, you want transformative skills for potential employment, and you want to help provide a “North Star” in decision-making. And that’s exactly what this course delivers.

Authentic Community Experiences
For 8 days, you’ll form a micro-community on the water, part of a team that laughs, cooks, and paddles together. We replace phones with campfire chats, social media with honest conversations, and a sense of disconnection with collaborative learning. You’ll finish as more than friends; you’ll be an expedition family.

Sustainability in Action
Canoeing is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel. You’ll glide through pristine wilderness while learning Leave No Trace practices and how climate change and resource extraction shape the North. We will work together to reduce our footprint on the places we visit. 

Personal Growth & Leadership
Every participant takes a turn as “Leader of the Day,” coordinating navigation, meals, and group decisions. It’s real-world leadership in real time, supported by your Fireside senior instructor. 

Adventure & Exploration
Far from cookie-cutter travel, this is true exploration. You’ll paddle past Gold Rush relics reclaimed by nature, cook under a midnight sun, and fall asleep to the rhythm of a living river. Have you ever felt totally free? Well, you will with us. Oh ya: NO PHONES throughout the experience. Being fully present is our gift to you.