Girls* on Ice Canada

Unique, tuition-free outdoor science expeditions for young women

Girls* on Ice Canada, a joint project between the ACC and Inspiring Girls* Expeditions, interweaves science, art, and wilderness travel to inspire future leadership, curiosity, confidence, and success.

Each year we select expedition teams of 10 youth and 4 instructors to spend 12 days exploring and learning about our natural environments.

Through scientific field studies with our team of professional scientists, artists, and guides, participants will build critical thinking skills, gain self-confidence, and make lasting friendships.

*We welcome cisgender girls and transgender, agender, Two Spirit, nonbinary, intersex, and genderqueer youth.

Explore the iconic glaciers of Canada


Illecillewaet Expedition Dates: August 1-12th 2023
Destination: Rogers Pass, BC

Yukon Expedition Dates: July 12th-23rd 2023 if funding allows
Destination: Yukon

Kootenays Expedition Dates: TBD - Funding Dependant
Destination: Kootenays, BC
Our expeditions are unique Canadian mountain experiences that are packed full of dynamic glaciers, hardy alpine ecosystems, and beautiful landscapes. Accompanied by certified mountain guides, professional scientists, and artists, the teams of participants will explore and study Canada's glaciers and their connected ecosystems.

These areas provide a perfect environment for developing scientific observational skills, understanding relationships between organisms and their surroundings, reflecting on our own interactions with the mountains through art, building self-confidence in difficult terrain, and gaining life-long friendships.

Accommodation includes the ACC's Asulkan Cabin in Glacier National Park, BC and the ACCs Clubhouse in Canmore AB.

Expedition Application

What are we looking for?

Inspiring Girls* Expeditions combines science, art, inquiry, and outdoor travel. We are looking for participants who bring a unique contribution to the team: we want to hear your story!

Because we want participants to share their perspectives and learn from one another, we do not choose team members based solely on their individual applications. We choose the team as a whole, balancing insights, background, and energy.

When selecting our expedition teams, we look for:
  • Diversity of backgrounds: a range of racial, ethnic, cultural, economic, gender, sexual orientation, family, and geographic backgrounds.
  • Diversity of interests and life experiences: a balance of interest in science, environment, outdoors, art, philosophy, social issues, politics, and more. If you are passionate about something, tell us about it!
  • Opportunity:we recognize and support applicants who hold identities and backgrounds historically excluded from science, technology, art, engineering, and math (STEAM) fields and those who may face more significant barriers entering STEAM and outdoor fields.

Check out the 2023 Inspiring Girls* Expeditions Application Preview.

We are looking for participants who have an interest in challenging themselves and exploring science, art and the outdoors. You do not need to be a top athlete, have the best grades, or participate in the most extracurricular activities. We want all kinds of participants, especially those girls who haven’t had many other opportunities or who have a particular life story that connects with us.

Apply Now

Applications for 2023 are now open until January 30th 2023!
We don't require any specific skills, just a willingness to learn and explore and to do some physical tasks.

Please read over the expedition page   and the FAQ section on the Inspiring Girls Expeditions website before applying.

For questions concerning eligibility, problems with the application process, recommendation requests, and other frequently asked questions, please see the FAQ, or contact: [email protected].

Eligibility
  • You must be 16, 17 or 18, and enrolled in highschool at the time of application.
  • We welcome cisgender girls and transgender, agender, Two Spirit, nonbinary, intersex, and genderqueer youth.
  • We accept applications from applicants living in Canada, regardless of citizenship status.
  • Registration closes on January 30th, 2023.
  • To see a preview of the application without creating an account, click here.
  • Questions? Contact [email protected].
  • Preference is given to applicants from Canada.

Apply Now


Get involved with Girls* on Ice Canada

Donate

The Alpine Club of Canada is a registered Amateur Athletic Association and a registered Canadian charity.

The Girls* on Ice Canada Fund supports the ACC's vision to grow the Girls* on Ice program across Canada.

DONATE

Connect

Stay in touch with Girls* on Ice Canada on Instagram and Facebook.

Program Supporters


Girls* on Ice Canada is supported by the following organizations.

MEC supports Girls* on Ice Canada through Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity funding.
Operation support for Girls* on Ice Canada is provided in part by the Jumpstart Sport Relief Grant.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada supports Girls* on Ice Canada through their funding program.
 The Alberta Government supports Girls* on Ice Canada through their Community Initiatives Program Grant.
 1% For the Planet supports Girls* on Ice Canada financially through their alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.
 Wikiloc supports Girls* on Ice Canada financially through their monetary donation.