WESTERN HIKE-BIKE-RIDE-PADDLE

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Western Hike-Bike-Ride-Paddle event from June 16-20, 2025 is now open. The application deadline is Thursday, May 15, 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On, in collaboration with Manitoba Trails, Falcon Beach Ranch, Sunset Diving, and PSP Winnipeg, will host a five-day Western Hike-Bike-Ride-Paddle event at Falcon Lake, MB. This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. The objective of this event will be to introduce several summer sports, to include hiking, trail riding, horseback riding, and canoeing. There is no prior experience required and everyone is welcome to apply.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 12.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Western Region (BC, AB, SK, MB, NW ON) who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: The selection of serving members for activities outside their local regions for which members will be on TD will align with CAF direction on financial expenditures.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Monday, June 16, 2025 - Travel Day
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - Hike/Bike Activity and Canoeing
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - Western Horsemanship & Riding Clinic
Thursday, June 19, 2025 - Hike/Bike (new Falcon Lake trail)
Friday, June 20, 2025 - Hiking Activity and Departure

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Travel assistance will be provided and coordinated by the Soldier On Regional Coordinator in conjunction with Soldier On Operations. The most economical means of transportation to and from events will be prioritized and discussed with members via the event OPI or delegate.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate eight (8) hours of moderate to high paced activities for 4 days in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Participants will be hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and canoeing during this event. Participants should have the ability to follow instructions. Participants must be able to do the following without issue or being against their MELs:

Hike: Be able to walk on trails and uneven terrain;   

Bike: Be able to ride a mountain bike on roads, trails and uneven terrain;

Horseback Riding: Participants must weigh under 250lbs (As per regulations from the Sport Provider for the horse’s safety), be able to conduct manual labour requiring upper & lower body strength, lift and swing a 30-50 lbs saddle shoulder high, be able to walk and maneuver in and around horses to include mounting and dismounting a horse, and be outdoors for extended periods of time during all conditions; and

Canoe: Be able to lift, 2-person carry, and paddle a canoe. Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) shall be used at all times while near or on the water.

Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Participants are advised that parts of this event will see them near or on 17 Wing Winnipeg and will likely be exposed to a day-to-day military environment. Participants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations, and will be required to share accommodations.