The Centre of Excellence is proudly embedded in the Department of Recreation and Tourism: Faculty of Management at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in beautiful Nanaimo, B.C. on Canada’s westcoast. 

Through our commitment to research, education and service we advocate for the essential role of leisure in achieving the optimal wellbeing of society within a healthy environment.  

We see the WLCE@VIU becoming a recognized global leader in leisure education and scholarship resulting in positive change. 

 Equity deserving citizens have the right to dignity and autonomy when accessing leisure services. 

Embracing diverse world views and sources of knowledge is essential for solving complex social problems. 

Systems level changes are required to ensure that all people have access to safe and inclusive experiences that occur in healthy environments. 

Our scholarship, education, and service activities must be founded in principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.