Community Info

Educational Field Trips

Mentorship and Networking

Geoscience Conference

Geological Map & Database

Workshops & Training

Community Outreach

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Educational Field Trips & "Rock Walks"

Vancouver Island Exploration Group (VIX) offers engaging educational field trips to showcase the island's rich geological heritage. Led by experienced geologists, these trips take participants to significant sites, providing hands-on learning about rock formations, mineral deposits, and Vancouver Island’s unique geoscience story. Tailored for enthusiasts and professionals alike, our field trips emphasise responsible exploration practices and environmental stewardship.

Whether you’re a curious community member, an avid rockhound, or a seasoned geologist, these excursions provide an opportunity to learn, connect, and discover the wonders beneath our feet while promoting the sustainable development of our natural resources.

Workshops & Training Sessions

Our workshops and training programs are designed for geoscience professionals, prospectors, and post-secondary students who want to deepen their expertise and gain practical skills. These programs include resume review, mineral claim staking, drone geophysical survey techniques, and petrographic thin section analysis. VIX collaborates with industry professionals and educators to deliver expert-led sessions that prepare participants for successful careers in exploration and geoscience.

By focusing on advanced techniques and industry-relevant skills, these workshops empower participants to contribute effectively to Vancouver Island’s sustainable exploration and resource development initiatives.

Community Outreach & Public Education

VIX prioritises community engagement, working with schools, environmental organisations, First Nations groups, and local businesses to promote geoscience education and awareness. Through interactive presentations, workshops, and partnerships, we make geology accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Our outreach programs emphasise the importance of sustainable exploration, respect for Indigenous knowledge, and environmental conservation. By connecting with diverse communities, VIX not only educates but also fosters trust and collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of Vancouver Island’s exploration landscape.

a man holding a baby
a man holding a baby

Employment, Mentorship & Resume Support

VIX is committed to connecting geoscience professionals, prospectors, and students with meaningful employment opportunities. Through our strong network of local exploration companies, consulting firms, and research institutions, we help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. In addition, our mentorship program pairs early-career geoscientists with seasoned industry experts, providing guidance on career development, field techniques, and professional growth.

To further support success, we offer resume review services, ensuring participants present their skills and experience in the best possible light. At VIX, we’re building a stronger, more connected geoscience community, one career at a time.

Vancouver Island Geological Map & Database

The VIX Geological Database and Contact Network is a comprehensive resource for Vancouver Island’s geoscience community. This growing database includes detailed geological maps, mineral deposit information, and environmental data, all accessible to members. Additionally, the contact network connects individuals and organisations, fostering collaboration among geologists, prospectors, consultants, and businesses.

Access to this exclusive resource requires a paid membership, which helps support its maintenance and development. Designed to support both research and industry, this tool enhances exploration efficiency and encourages knowledge-sharing across the island. VIX is committed to maintaining and expanding this resource to advance local geoscience and exploration efforts.

people raising hands with bokeh lights
people raising hands with bokeh lights

Annual Vancouver Island Geoscience Conference

Every year, VIX hosts “The VIX,” Vancouver Island’s premier geology conference, in Victoria. This dynamic event brings together geoscience professionals, enthusiasts, and students to share knowledge, showcase innovative research, and discuss sustainable practices in mineral exploration. A highlight of the conference is the Mineral Library, which will be showcased as a travelling exhibit of Vancouver Island’s most unique and diverse specimens.

Featuring keynote speakers, technical presentations, and networking sessions, “The VIX” provides a platform for meaningful collaboration and professional growth. The conference also highlights Vancouver Island’s geological diversity and potential, promoting it as a hub for exploration and geoscience excellence.