FAQ Page

General FAQ's

Where's the Classroom and Resource Center Located?

#202 7205 Roper Road, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada [N 53° 29' 35.6" W 113° 26' 20.0", NAD83 or 12U UE 3821129909, NAD83] Click Here to Find us on Google™ Maps.

Where do we Teach our Courses and Seminars?

The Boreal Wilderness Institute teaches throughout Western and Northern Canada. We regularly teach groups in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. As well as running scheduled classes for groups and individuals in Edmonton, Alberta.

How can I Pay?

Individuals can pay for their Courses at the Door with either MasterCard, Cheque or Cash (Sorry No VISA or Debit) or Mail in a Cheque or Money Order. Some Courses do require a deposit. Corporate and Group clients will be invoiced and can pay with either Cheque or MasterCard.

Do we answer our phone, e-mail, and course registrations immediately?

No; We actually spend a lot of the time in the wilderness. This should be expected of professional wilderness survival and wilderness navigation instructors. Please be patient as we may be sitting around a campfire a long way from the sound of ringing cellphones or a working internet connection when you actually register. We normally can confirm a registration within 5 business days. Sorry for any delays, but we will get to it promptly when we return from our latest wilderness trip.

What does Vera Doctrina Avium mean?

A Real Outdoor Education or more correctly a “A True or Proper Education in the Wilderness with Direction.” For those few Latin scholars here is the rough translation. Vera (Adj, f): true, proper, real., Doctrina (N, f): education, learning. Avium (N, n): pathless region, wilderness, untrodden, solitary, leading from the right (as opposed to invius; which is pathless or without direction). Latin is a complex language and this translation is certainly very close. It is far better than those given out by any of the online services. Thanks Mur.

Policy FAQ's

What's the Age Limit on the Courses?

The Boreal Wilderness Institute offers Adult Outdoor Education. Minimum Age is 16, Parental consent is required for 16 & 17 year olds. All field course require the attendance and participation of a Parent or Legal Guardian unless 18 years or older. On some courses mature 14 & 15 years old may attend if accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian. Please contact our office for more information.

Do I require a Waiver and Medical Form on all Courses?

No; You are required to fill in and sign a Waiver and Medical Form only if you attend a field session or course. The Waiver must also be signed by a witness over the age of 18. Anyone below the age of 18 must have their Waiver signed by their Parent or Legal Guardian.

What's our Policy on Cancellation?

The Boreal Wilderness Institute reserves the right to cancel or change the date of any seminar or course. Student cancellations may be done by phone, email, fax or letter. Refund requests must be submitted in writing.

Student cancels with more than 7-days’ notice:

Full Refund less deposit or a credit can be applied in full to a future scheduled course within one year of the date of the original course. We recommend travel insurance.

Student cancels with less than 7-days’ notice:

No Refund but a credit can be applied to a future scheduled course within one year of date.

Student does not show up, withdraws or is expelled from the course:

No Refund. Under exceptional circumstances we reserve the right to offer a partial credit or refund on a per case basis.

Institute cancels or moves the course before the actual course date:

Full Refund less deposit. A credit can be applied in full to a future scheduled course within one year of date. We recommend travel insurance.

Institute cancels or moves the course for safety or reasons beyond our control while underway:

No Refund. Under exceptional circumstances we reserve the right to offer a partial credit or refund on a per case basis.

Equipment FAQ's

What Equipment is Required to attend your Survival Courses?

No equipment is required for the Wilderness Survival Core Seminar. Each of the other survival courses is slightly different. Equipment lists are available for each course: Wilderness Survival Winter Field Session, Wilderness Survival Summer Field Session, Winter Survival Winter Field Trek, and the Wilderness Survival Summer Field Trek.

What Equipment is Required to attend your Navigation Courses?

No equipment is required for the Wilderness Navigation Core Seminar except to dress for the weather as some of the course is conducted outside. If you own a GPS bring it along. Each of the other navigation courses is slightly different. Equipment lists are available for each course: Wilderness Navigation Field Session, Wilderness Navigation Mountain Session, and the Complete Wilderness Navigation Course.