ORCA English Adventures

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Where are we?

ORCA English Adventures is based in Squamish, B.C. Squamish is located one hour north of Vancouver at the tip of Howe Sound, and one hour south of Whistler (the future site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games). Squamish is surrounded by the Coast Range mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is a growing, vibrant community of just over 15,000 people. Squamish is known as Canada's "Outdoor Recreation Capital". There are numerous outdoor adventures for people to participate in, including hiking, windsurfing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, scuba diving, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and the list goes on. One of the largest populations of bald eagles also makes its home in Squamish. They're a common sight, especially during the winter months.

Squamish has a history that dates back 10,000 years when Mount Garibaldi erupted, leaving the amazing stones and cliffs you can see surrounding the city today. One of these famous cliffs is known as the "Chief". It is the world's second largest monolith. A relatively short time after the eruption, aboriginal people moved to the area. These people, known as the Sko-mish, or Squamish, lived in the area for thousands of years. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver sailed to the area. He was followed by a small number of other settlers, traders, and gold seekers. However, the Squamish area remained isolated from Vancouver because the only way to and from the valley was by sea.

Fifty years ago, in 1956, the railway that connected Squamish to Vancouver was completed. A few years later, the Sea to Sky Highway was also finished. Since then, the beauty of Squamish and the surrounding area has drawn thousands of visitors. It is truly a place worth visiting.

We chose to base ORCA English Adventures in Squamish not only because of the area's natural beauty and its proximity to outdoor adventures, but also because of the numerous opportunities you will have to practice your English. There are many advantages to studying English in a smaller community. One of these is that you will have many more chances to experience "real Canadian life" and to speak English. But don't worry! Vancouver is close enough that you will also have lots of time to visit the "big city"! We look forward to seeing you here soon!

Where will you stay?

You will stay at a beautiful hotel located in Squamish. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Each room is a double room (but if you prefer not to share, single rooms are available for an additional fee). The rooms include a TV, fridge, microwave, and a full bathroom. Wireless internet access is also available. The hotel is only a two minute walk from the classroom.

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are specially catered for your group. This means you will always have healthy and delicious food to eat.

We want you to relax, enjoy your stay in Squamish and to have the trip of a lifetime!