This study aimed to learn directly from youth about how they navigated and experienced the COVID-19 pandemic response, with a focus on secondary school policies and protocols. Thirty semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with Canadian youth (13–18 years old, 53.3% girls, 46.7% white) and analysed using inductive interpretive description. Youth discussed challenges related to a lack of direct communication and consultation about pandemic-related decisions, the shifts between different school modalities, the loss of extracurricular opportunities, and a need for mental health support, which they connected to adverse impacts on their learning, health, and future opportunities. Participants’ top recommendation for adults was to include youth in decision-making on matters that impact them. To uphold their rights, support healthy development, and ensure more effective policies/protocols, the authentic engagement of youth in decision-making processes and improved communication are necessary and were absent during the pandemic.