CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
CapU announces 2026 summer programming for Squamish

Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce new special programming coming this summer 2026 for its Squamish campus. Seven summer program intensives are currently being prepared to provide students with a unique learning experience that combines education with adventure.  

Designed for learners looking to earn university credit, explore new academic interests or accelerate their studies, the summer intensives invite participants to engage with the environment, culture and landscapes of Átl'ka7tsem (Howe Sound). Programs are taught by experienced faculty using hands-on approaches, blending 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 highlight three areas of focus: environment, outdoor recreation and English language in place-based contexts. Each course invites students to explore the world around them through interactive fieldwork, practical skill-building and reflective learning.

Participants will be offered the chance to stay at student housing residences on campus, with meals provided through a partnership with beloved catering provider Whistler Cooks. The curated programming has been specially selected to meet the needs of students and industry in the Sea-to-Sky region and beyond.  

The 2026 summer program intensives offered are:  

• Responsible Tourism (April 27-May 23 and June 1-29; in person at Squamish campus May 24-31): Explore the relationship between individuals, society and the natural world as it pertains to sustainable practices in tourism and environmental management through an innovative hybrid format.
• Sustainable Trail Development & Design (April 27-May 8): Dive into the art and science of creating world-class single-track trails that connect people, place and environment.
• Writing Communities (April 27-May 8): Explore storytelling in myriad forms and engage with local environments through place-based activities, daily reflective journals, guest speakers and a final exhibition of student projects.
• Environmental Field Studies (July 6-17): Explore local biodiversity through place-based and experiential learning at a field research station. 
• Mapping the Land (July 20-31): Work with real-world data including maps, LiDAR and remote sensing to explore land use change, topography, natural hazards and community planning.
• Reading, Writing, Dialogue (July 20-31): Study short texts associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and connect these goals to initiatives in the UNESCO Howe Sound Biosphere.
• English Language (Aug. 10-21): International visitors are invited to learn about the cultural, historical and environmental highlights of Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler while strengthening their English skills.

Full course descriptions, prerequisites, program fees and registration details can be found at capilanou.ca/summer-intensives.

The summer program intensives are in addition to CapU Squamish's current programming, which includes adult basic education, arts, business administration, early childhood care and education, environment and society, interdisciplinary studies, kinesiology, outdoor filmmaking and sustainable economics. Applications for Fall 2026 are open.