Activities
Every school year, international students studying in Saanich have the option to participate in ctivities and trips organized by the Saanich International Student Program (SISP). While not required, SISP activities and trips are encouraged to explore other parts of this corner of the world and build long lasting friendships. Registration is completed at your school by your school based International Program Assistant or online when trips are provided by our partner, Discover Canada Tours.
Please find a PDF version of the SISP Activities and Trips schedule HERE.
The SISP New Student Orientation is a 2-day event. Students will be introduced to their schools and communities and participate in a variety of activities such as presentations, school tours, games, and assessments. In addition, students will be taken outside of their schools to explore and experience the beautiful downtown Victoria area. This is a wonderful way for students to get to know other international students and start building friendships!
New students, be sure to bring your study permit! You will receive the class schedule for semester 1 on day 2.
During the 2024-2025 school year, SISP will organize 2 whale watching trips together with partner organization Discovery Canada Tours. There will be a whale watching trip in first semester (October 4) and second semester (June 6). The trips depart from the Victoria inner harbour and cut through the Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of orcas and humpback whales. Marine mammal experts share facts about the wildlife you will see during this 3-hour trip while students sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery..
Videos of SISP student activities can be found on our Instagram.
On November 19-20, SISP takes students on an overnight trip to Vancouver to attend an NHL Hockey Game featuring the Vancouver Canucks. Additionally, students will visit the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge and the lively Shipyard District for a panoramic view of the downtown Vancouver skyline. While in the downtown Vancouver area, students will also visit the FlyOver Canada IMAX experience, go on a driving tour of Stanley Park and have some shopping time at Pacific Centre Mall.
Visit the SISP Instagram page for photos and videos of our awesome trips!
The Christmas Dance is a wonderful annual SISP tradition. All SISP international students from Claremont, Parkland and Stelly's gather at Stelly's Secondary School for an evening of Canadian Christmas festivities. Students enjoy a pizza dinner, dancing on the lively dance floor and having their pictures taken with the one and only Santa Claus!
SISP students interested in skiing and snowboarding have the opportunity to join this 3 day, 2 night trip to Whistler, BC. Whistler was the co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics and is one of the largest ski/snowboarding resorts in North America.. All levels of skiers/boarders are welcome and all students are required to join lessons by experienced Whistler/Blackcomb instructions on the slopes. Students will also have time to explore restaurants and the numerous shops in the charming Whistler village.
The Trip Includes:
- Accommodation in Whistler
- Ski/snowboarding equipment rentals if needed
- Lift tickets
- Two full day lessons with a certified Whistler Blackcomb instructor (mandatory)
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, approximately a 3-hour drive from Saanich. This is a 1 night and 2 day trip that includes snow tubing and skiing/snowboarding. It is one of the most spectacular coastal alpine settings in North Ameria with beautiful views over the Strait of Georgia and the BC Mainland in the distance.
Full year students as well as new students arriving for semester 2 are welcome to join the trip. Space is limited to 50 students.
In February 2025, SISP students have the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the Yukon to view the magical Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Students stay in a amazing accommodation where they have the option to go on a half-day dog sledding tour for an additional fee, and where the Northern Lights can be seen from the hot tub.
The Trip Includes:
Ferry transportation to/from Vancouver/ Round trip flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse/ Transportation in Vancouver and Whitehorse/ Whitehorse city tour/ Two nights accommodation/ Two breakfast, two lunches, and two gourmet dinners/ Winter clothing (boots, pants, parka, gloves and balaclava)/ Aurora Borealis viewing/ Guided snowshoeing and tobogganing.
The SISP trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountains is an amazing opportunity for SISP students to explore Interior, Kootenay and Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia. For students who enjoy roadtrips, this bus trip will take you through the diverse landscapes that BC has to offer, all the way into the province of Alberta and through the Rocky Mountains. The trip highlight is visiting the beautiful town of Banff, Alberta. Students will go up the Banff Gondola, where they will enjoy panaormic views of the gorgeous mountain ranges. Another highlight of the trip is visiting world famous Lake Louise, Alberta. If Lake Louise is still frozen, students will have the chance to walk on the lake. Skiing/snow tubing at Lake Louise and an Ice Walk at Johnston Canyon will be optional activities for an extra fee.
The Trip Includes:
Coach bus transportation / Experienced tour guide (2 per 50 students) / Three nights hotel accommodation - one night in Sicamous, two nights in Banff / Three breakfasts and 1 pizza dinner / Ticket to the Banff Gondola / Visit to Lake Louise / Ferry to and from Vancouver
Tofino, BC is a beautiful small coastal town located next to the Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is world famous for its pristine beaches, year-long excellent surfing conditions, and its overall stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.
Students attending this 3 day, 2 night trip, will be taken on a half day surfing lesson, and a half day bear watching trip around the inlets and islands surrounding Tofino. There will be plenty of free time for students to enjoy the sandy beaches and to relax in the jacuzzi at the wonderful Hotel Zedd. Additionally, students will explore the town of Tofino for shopping and enjoying meals in the many local restaurants. One pizza dinner and a sandwich lunch is included in the trip.
The school year wraps up with a SISP farewell dance and BBQ for students and staff. Students will enjoy a BBQ provided by staff and a dance floor where a professional DJ will play songs requested by students.