Group Information

Welcome to Horne Lake Outdoor Centre!

For over 20 years, our guides have led youth on amazing adventures and inspired leadership through personal growth. Located on the shores of Horne Lake, our Outdoor Centre is about 1 hour away from Nanaimo. Groups who would like to “island hopp” from the mainland, or smaller islands, can be settled into a beautiful setting within a few hours. Home to group tenting, teepee camping, Adventure Based Learning programs and caving trips, we host schools, Boy Scout groups, Girl Guides, Community and Recreation centres, and Business Teambuilding programs.

A number of exciting day camp and overnight camping programs are available here at Horne Lake Outdoor Centre. There are a few things you should know about our camp. We do not have any running water or power on our property so we provide a very rustic experience – an amazing opportunity for you and your group to unplug! Our guides are all fully certified with first aid and go through a 2-week training course before they can instruct. We pride ourselves in being able to offer the best in outdoor programming and adventure based learning. If you would like more information about Emergency Procedures and onsite operations, please see our “Safety” page.

Come and play for the day or stay for an overnight package! Our Outdoor Centre Activities include a Canoeing and Water Safety Course, a Rock Rappelling Clinic, Wilderness Survival, Team Building Challenge, the Horne Lake Amazing Race and Cave Exploring. We are also able to cater meals for groups and provide games. For overnight trips, you can bring your own tents and camp in the group tenting site, but if you need accommodation we also have native style Teepees.

Our overnight packages include the 3 Day Explorer Package (very popular with schools) and the 5-Day Explorer Package.

Set Them Up to Succeed – Our Mission Statement

The Horne Lake Outdoor Centre provides a positive and rewarding experience for schools and groups. Participants learn to build trust by focusing on safety, teamwork, and cooperation. Healthy interaction promotes respect for self, others and the environment.

Why Choose Horne Lake Outdoor Centre? 

• Exciting and unique activities that match learning outcomes for schools and groups.
• Reasonably priced programming aimed to provide opportunity for all youth.
• Prime space available May – September.
• A SPECTACULAR setting – all of our activities are are a short walk away.

Teacher Comments:

“This was a fantastic, engaging and exciting experience for our grade 10 students… the highlight of the week for many!” Lisa Blachut- Southpointe Academy, Vancouver BC

“All of our students had a fantastic time and some of them are now wanting to do the extreme cave tour in the summer. It was a great trip and it covered all the information they need to know about caves for Goegraphy 12.” James Nelson- Duncan Christian School, Duncan BC

“We were all blown away by our guides. They were all very perceptive and caring with regards to the students in their group, gently coaxing those experiencing trepidation but backing off if the child was adamamt about not going any further.”  Jennifer Hutchins- Shawnigan Lake School, BC