Intertidal Excursion

July 14, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm, Complimentary

Come join us for a free guided excursion to the intertidal zone on UBC’s campus.  We will meet at the corner of East Mall and Walter Gage Road at 1pm, then walk down Trail 3 through temperate rainforest to Tower Beach.  There we will see the very scenic Vancouver’s North Shore, historic WW2 artillery towers, and a bevvy of invertebrates revealed by low tide (predicted lowest point at 1:50 pm).  Graduate students from UBC’s Zoology program will guide you to the shoreline, show the critters, and guide you back to the conference opening reception.

Notes:

  1. Tower Beach is clothing-optional.  Please be respectful of the bathers, and be careful that any photographs do not include them.
  2. Be prepared to manage steep stairs down to the beach and back up.  Unfortunately, there is no other way to access that beach point, but we would be glad to suggest other easier access points in other parts of the city.
  3. To access the beach, there will be a short scramble over logs. Be sure to wear sensible footwear.
  4. More information about this beach can be accessed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreck_Beach#Acadia_Beach_-_Tower_Beach_-_Point_Grey and here: https://hr.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/wp-content/blogs.dir/39/files/Tower-Beach-Trail.pdf

Marine Life in British Columbia – SOLD OUT

July 16, 2025, 7:00am-5:00pm, $200.00

Join professional Vancouver Whale Watching guides for a 3 to 5 hour whale watching tour, starting in the picturesque West Coast fishing village of historic Steveston and traveling through the spectacular Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia. Their extensive whale spotting network has given them a 98% sighting success rate, with a focus on magnificent orcas (killer whales) and majestic humpback whales, and other marine wildlife such as porpoises, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles.

More details at: https://vancouverwhalewatch.com/whale-watching-tours/

After the whale watching, you can either explore Steveston, or join us on a private tour of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Built in 1894, the Cannery was once the largest of its kind, and was known as the “Monster Cannery”. The exhibit showcases the history of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry. 

More details at: https://gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/visit/

At 4pm, we’ll board the shuttle once more and head back to UBC where you can relax for the rest of the evening. 

Price includes all tour entrance fees, shuttle to and from UBC, and bagged lunch on the whale watching tour.  Limited Capacity. Shuttle Bus Pick Up: UBC Walter Gage Residence (5959 Student Union Blvd loading area).

What to wear:

Please note that it is up to 10 ºC cooler and windy on the water.  We recommend dressing warmly and bringing some layers with a wind breaker/jacket, hat, gloves, and closed-toed shoes.  It is best to be prepared with sunglasses and sunscreen, and please feel free to bring a camera.