Program Offerings

Join one of our staff for an interpretive hike through the forest. The nature hike will focus on age appropriate nature concepts to teach to participants; plant, animal and rock identification, geological phenomenon, forest succession and animal homes and behaviours are all concepts that can be taught and adapted on a nature hike.

Our basic canoe instruction is designed with first time paddlers in mind. This activity gives the participant a basic understanding of the parts of a canoe, paddle and safety equipment and provides them with instruction on basic paddle stokes and canoeing concepts. This activity ends by playing games that help to reinforce the newly acquired skills.

Designed for more experienced paddlers the advanced program can be delivered in a single visit or over the course of multiple visits to the BYOC. The advance program builds on the basic paddle strokes and introduces participants to the “j” stroke, “c” stroke as well as how to use a throw rope and successfully perform a “T” rescue. Depending on the amount of lessons and time allotted, concepts such as portaging and tripping can also be covered.

The kayaking program introduces participants to the world of kayaking through basic instruction and games. Participants can choose from sit on top kayaks or the more traditional cockpit style kayaks to learn and practice strokes, wet exits, boat over boat rescues and basic maneuvering.

Trek through the forest on a pair of snowshoes. Learn the basic history of snowshoeing and experience the difference of walking through the deep snow with and without snowshoes. Our staff will lead a hike through the forest and can even combine your snowshoe experience with an interpretive walk and games on snowshoes.

The BYOC has about five kilometres of groomed x-country ski trails that we can use to help improve your skills. Basic instruction in classic style skiing will be the focus of this activity and it will allow participants to ski at a comfortable pace on terrain that varies from very flat to moderately hilly depending on the groups comfort level and skill. Please note that BYOC does not offer ski equipment. It is up to the group to provide their own equipment. 

Our high ropes challenge course currently includes three dynamic and one static pod. Each is designed with a different objective in mind and can be facilitated for participants 8 years old and up. High ropes challenge elements are a great way to reinforce teamwork and cooperation as they require groups of two to four people to work together in order to successfully complete the challenge. Our high ropes courses and rock-climbing walls meet and exceed all OPHEA guidelines and are constructed and certified under the strict guidelines of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). 

The BYOC climbing wall offers a challenge for individuals of varying skill levels. Set on a dynamic belay system the climbing wall does not require any previous rock climbing experience and proves to be an exciting, and enjoyable activity for students and adults. Our high ropes courses and rock-climbing walls meet all OPHEA guidelines and are constructed and certified under the strict guidelines of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT).

Join us on the beautiful Ottawa River for a leisurely swim in our designated swimming area or just relax on our rocky beach while your students or friends enjoy the water. All water activities are supervised by National Lifesaving Society Lifeguards.

A series of non-traditional group games are use to help groups “break the ice” and challenge those barriers to communication and cooperation. This is an introductory activity that will help to get the blood flowing and the laughter started.

A series of challenges designed to explore the group’s ability to communicate and work together. Through these initiative tasks facilitators are able to make suggestions and promote cooperation, communication and inclusiveness.

Our low ropes challenge courses are designed to take team building to the next level. By increasing the risk and reward groups are met with greater adversity while attempting to complete challenges on one of our courses. Drawing on the communication, cooperation, support and inclusive principles that have begun to develop through other activities, participants work through a progressive set of tasks and challenges that will bring out the full potential of the group.