Explore & Learn
Check out our exhibits, book a tour, group booking, wedding or schedule a class field trip to explore the Centre.
The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a 100-acre museum park full of opportunities for discovery, education and fun! From our operational narrow-gauge railway to our forested trails, from our Ranger Station exhibit to our historic 1930s logging camp buildings, there is always something engaging to experience.
Groups & Tours
Booking Information
- Group sizes range from 10 to 100. Larger groups are accommodated on a case by case basis (depending on the amount of time the group will be at the Centre, the availability of volunteers, etc.)
- Programs commence rain or shine
- There is a 48 hour cancellation policy
- Please arrange for payment in advance or upon arrival
- All bookings subject to availability
- Group rates do not apply for the Halloween Train or the Christmas Express
Groups of 10 or more paying customers can pre-book to receive the BC Forest Discovery Centre group admission rate. Groups may pre-book to visit the museum throughout the year; please inquire to find out which amenities are available.
Shoulder Group Booking Admission Rates
March 30 to June 30, 2024
September 5 to September 22, 2024
Adults $14.00
Seniors $12.00
Youth (13 to 18 years) $12.00
Children (3-12 years) $10.00
Children 2 and under Free
Summer Season Group Booking Admission Rates
July 1 to September 2, 2024
Adults $16.00
Seniors $14.00
Youth (13 to 18 years) $14.00
Children (3-12 years) $12.00
Children 2 and under Free
Guided Tours
Pre-booked guided tours are available for large and small groups, depending on availability, and are included in your group admission.
CAMP LIFE TOUR
30 minutes long
Your will step back in time when you visit the Heritage logging camp. With a focus on community, discover what camp life was like in the early to mid 20th century.
See how early loggers lived and worked and how logging camps created the infrastructure necessary to build communities. These actual bunkhouses used on Vancouver Island were generously donated to us by forestry companies.
Visit our 1905 Schoolhouse, the original Westholme Post Office and Caycuse Blacksmith Shop was well.
Opposite the Logging Camp, take a look at our static display of locomotives. You will find the 1924 Mayo Lumber Co. #3 Shay and the 1915 Hillcrest Lumber Co. #9 Climax steam locomotives. Both were used in the logging industry on Vancouver Island. Currently under restoration is our 1920 Hillcrest Lumber Co. #1 Shay, expected to be in use in 2023.
Following your tour, step aboard the train. The 2.5 km narrow gauge railway takes you around our 100-acre property, including the trestle over Somenos Lake. The ride is approx. 20 minutes including a 10-minute stop at our lower grounds.
FORESTERS WALK
45 minutes long
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through our mature second-growth forest and get to know the various species of trees on our property.
Your will be immersed in a forest with 400-year-old Douglas-fir, Western Red Cedar, Red Alder and the Big Leaf Maple trees. We will stop and visit the bald eagles (depending on the time of year, the family may be in residence).
At our lower grounds you will find a wide variety of Antique logging equipment, including Caterpillar dozers, yarders, steam donkeys and logging trucks. Don’t forget to take a look in the Antique Vehicle Shed by the Main Entrance, showing our restored collection of vehicles and trucks.
Following your tour, step aboard the train. The 2.5 km narrow gauge railway takes you around our 100-acre property, including the trestle over Somenos Lake. The ride is approx. 20 minutes including a 10-minute stop at our lower grounds.
Class Field Trips
In the spring and fall months, the BC Forest Discovery Centre offers two types of Education Programs for students Grades 1-6/7: Forest Ecology and Forest Heritage. If you are interested in obtaining more information about the BCFDC’s education programs or to inquire about a booking, please contact: Samuel Wright at swright.bcfdc@shaw.ca or (250) 715-1113 ex.26.
Forest heritage, ecology and resource education programs provide fun and interactive learning opportunities for students between the ages of 5 and 12. The programs meet Ministry of Education prescribed learning outcomes and are a great way to combine the fun of a field trip with outdoor learning.
The programs vary in length from 1.5 to 2 hours and focus on engaging students with unique activities and meaningful learning experiences. Each program is led by a knowledgeable tour guide and is structured to encourage interaction and active student participation.
The Forest Heritage, Forest Ecology and Oh Christmas Tree programs can be adapted for students in special needs middle and high school classes. Programs are also available for preschool groups.
Interested in the Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLOs) addressed by this program? Here’s a link to the list that corresponds to our Forest Ecology Programs:
Forest Ecology Programs
Forest Ecology programs area great way for your students to have fun while learning out in the fresh air. Accompanied by one of our Education Assistants, classes can explore the forest and visit the Bald Eagle’s nest.
The Forest Ecology Programs are interactive and meet ministry-prescribed learning outcomes for grades K-7. Programs are offered during the Centre’s operating season (Easter to Thanksgiving) and include a ride on the train.
Each program is 1.5 hours in duration however groups are encouraged to explore the other heritage buildings and exhibits on the site, enjoy a picnic or play on the playground.
Forest Heritage Programs
The Forest Heritage programs are interactive and meet ministry-prescribed learning outcomes for grades K-6. Programs are offered during the Centre’s operating season (Easter to Thanksgiving) and include a ride on the train.
Forest Heritage programs area great way for your students to have fun while learning out in the fresh air. Your Kindergarten to Grade 7 classes can experience life in the early 1900s logging camp.
Each program is 1.5 hours in duration however groups are encouraged to explore the other heritage buildings and exhibits on the site, enjoy a picnic or play on the playground.
O’ Christmas Tree!
Kindergarten to Grade 3: Combine your students’ enthusiasm for Christmas with the curriculum!
The “O’ Christmas Tree!” education program features a ride on the decorated Christmas Train, a glimpse into the past with historically decorated Christmas trees and a chance for each child to create a keepsake ornament!
The program takes place in the decorated historical 1905 schoolhouse. Students will experience the evolution of the Christmas tree from candles to modern LED lights, and from homemade ornaments to the brightly coloured glass balls we enjoy today. Students will have fun exploring the different species of Christmas trees and creating a Christmas tree ornament.
Students will have so much fun at “O Christmas Tree!” they won’t even realize they’re learning. The program meets Social Studies and Science prescribed learning outcomes for kindergarten to grade 3. The program can also be customized for high school special needs classes.
