Capilano University has unveiled seven summer program intensives for 2026 at its Squamish campus, offering students unique learning opportunities that blend academics with hands-on experience in the Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound) region.
The summer intensives, announced Feb. 12, are designed for learners seeking to earn university credit, explore new academic interests, or accelerate their studies. Programs will be taught by experienced faculty using hands-on approaches that combine academic rigor with real-world application.
“The summer intensives are an opportunity to experience learning in a way that is meaningful, collaborative and rooted in this extraordinary place,” says Brian Storey, associate vice-president, Squamish. “Our goal is to create unforgettable educational experiences that spark curiosity and help students build skills they can carry forward in their academic and professional journeys.”
This year’s offerings focus on three areas: environment, outdoor recreation, and English language in place-based contexts. Each course invites students to explore through interactive fieldwork, practical skill-building, and reflective learning.
The seven programs include Responsible Tourism (April 27-May 23 and June 1-29, with in-person instruction at Squamish May 24-31), which explores sustainable practices in tourism and environmental management through a hybrid format. Sustainable Trail Development & Design (April 27-May 8) covers the art and science of creating world-class single-track trails.
Writing Communities (April 27-May 8) focuses on storytelling and place-based activities with guest speakers and a final student exhibition. Environmental Field Studies (July 6-17) explores local biodiversity through experiential learning at a field research station.
Mapping the Land (July 20-31) involves working with real-world data, including maps, LiDAR, and remote sensing, to explore land use change and community planning. Reading, Writing, Dialogue (July 20-31) studies texts associated with UN Sustainable Development Goals connected to initiatives in the UNESCO Howe Sound Biosphere.
English Language (Aug. 10-21) invites international visitors to learn about the cultural, historical, and environmental highlights of Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler while strengthening English skills.
Participants can stay at student housing residences on campus, with meals provided through a partnership with Whistler Cooks. Full course descriptions, prerequisites, program fees, and registration details are available at capilanou.ca/summer-intensives.
The summer intensives supplement CapU Squamish’s existing programs, which include adult basic education, arts, business administration, early childhood care and education, environment and society, interdisciplinary studies, kinesiology, outdoor filmmaking, and sustainable economics.
