In Western Canada, much of the geography seems to unfold away from the beaten track, which only intensifies the variety of team-building activities available for groups. Once delegates remove themselves from the hotel or convention center, much awaits.
Located on the north shore of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, one of the city's signature attractions, offers team-building programs that take advantage of the natural environment. For example, those who want to work on their problem solving skills can do so via an avalanche search and rescue scenario. Another program, the Alpine Corporate Adventure, helps groups GPS-navigate their way around the alpine environment where they are faced with numerous challenges.
For more urban escapes, Break Away Corporate Adventures in Alberta specializes in orienteering escapes throughout Calgary, Edmonton and Banff. They've catered to groups from six to six-hundred. For example, “BaffleMaps” combines urban puzzle solving, mystery challenges and park orienteering, originating from the group's hotel, while “Puzzopolis” tests team strategy and wits by taking participants on a citywide mega-puzzle, using an assortment of word, number and picture clues, plus an urban transit adventure.
The Telus Spark Science Centre in Calgary, offers numerous packages for groups, although any activity can be reconfigured, depending on the needs of the group. The 90-minute Pipeline Challenge, for example, provides groups of 15-60 with the chance to work in teams to design, build, and present their own pipeline, guided by an expert facilitator. As participants take on challenges based on real-world scenarios faced by pipeline engineers, they will hone their problem-solving skills.
In Winnipeg, Heartland International Travel and Tours provides a different menagerie altogether. “Sport challenge days” can be set up as “mystery locations” for participants, adding friendly competition and enthusiasm between all of the teams involved. Golf, bowling, curling, and kart racing are among the sports offered. Nothing brings a team together like a three-hour curling workshop or a five-hour Channel Catfish expedition, each taking advantage of the local landscape, urban or natural.
Bloodhound Games in Regina, Saskatchewan claims they are not your kid's Easter Egg hunt. Instead, their games target corporate clients who need to work on communication skills, team spirit, time management and the ability to work and make decisions under pressure. The 90-minute game itself involves a series of team challenges and can be done via car or on foot.
