Ride the rails and walk the rainforest with UVic's Elderhostel program

Seniors from around the world and throughout Victoria are invited to spend a week this summer at UVic learning about language, west coast plant life, the history of Vancouver Island railroading and the colourful lives of 20th century classical music greats. The lively and engaging programs are part of 1998 Elderhostel, offered through UVic's Division of Continuing Studies. Participants may stay on campus in University residences or stay in their own homes and join their fellow Elderhostel classmates during the day.

The Elderhostel program began more than 20 years ago in the United States and UVic is part of a world-wide network of institutions offering seniors opportunities to broaden their education through inexpensive, short-term programs.

The first session of UVic Elderhostel, May 31 to June 6, features courses on the coastal rainforests, indigenous uses of native plants, and an entertaining look at the creative genius behind artists like Glenn Gould, Toscanini and Pablo Cassels. The second session, June 21 to 27, will highlight Vancouver Island's colourful railway history and will include a ride on an historic Island train. Participants will also examine native plants in both natural settings and a lab, and visit "The Land of Um" through a humourous presentation about the misuse of the English language.

For further information about Elderhostel at UVic contact Continuing Studies at (250) 721-8458 or by email at

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