Toronto: Urban Wild Canoe Camp

$ 415

+ Taxes

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Age 11-14

Dates

Aug 6 - Aug 9

Duration 4 days

Location Don Valley Brickworks

Indigenous Territories Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, Wendat

Program Options Financial Assistance

Activities

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Courses / Toronto: Urban Wild Canoe Camp

Toronto: Urban Wild Canoe Camp

Paddle your way through downtown Toronto this summer!

Join our team of experienced instructors for a week of adventure, learning and discovery as you paddle your way through Toronto’s urban wilderness. Our Urban Wild paddle program promises an unforgettable experience that combines outdoor exploration, skill development, and a deeper connection to one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.

Get ready to explore the heart of Toronto’s waterways via canoe, kayak, and stand up paddleboard. You’ll discover the city’s hidden treasures from a unique perspective.

What to expect

Each day begins (9:00am to 4:00pm) at our base at Don Valley Brickworks Park where you’ll receive instructions and prepare for the day. Then participants will travel by TTC to the site of the adventure.

You’ll explore a different location each day and be introduced to different paddle sports. On the first day, you’ll learn how to paddle and explore the calm waters of secluded Ashbridges Bay. The last day of the program will be spent at Cherry Beach and the Toronto Islands, a chain of 15 islands with scenic views of the city skyline. Together, you and your group will paddle through three rivers in downtown Toronto and enjoy a view of the dynamic metropolis from the water – a whole new perspective!

And that’s not all: On Wednesday night, you’ll have the opportunity to camp out on the Toronto Islands to hone your camping skills and bond with your fellow adventurers.

Area and activities

For a century, Don Valley Brick Works Park was the site of a major brick manufacturer and supplier of buildings throughout Toronto. That changed in 1989 when the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) acquired the site and began restoration work with the City of Toronto in 1995. This involved creating a series of wetlands that provide habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife, and channeling water from nearby Mud Creek through the wetland to filter it naturally before it flows into the Don River and eventually Lake Ontario.

Today, the 200-hectares of wetlands, dry wildflower meadows and forest plant communities create a variety of ecosystem types that provide the ideal setting for Outward Bound Canada’s urban programs, where participants can hike the many nature trails, paddle the Don River and perfect their outdoor skills surrounded by nature in this special area – all within 10 minutes of downtown Toronto and accessible by car, public transit, foot or bike.

Is this course right for me?

This course is designed for youth seeking a transformative experience that goes far beyond traditional summer camps. No previous experience is necessary to join this expedition – you just need to have a positive attitude, be open-minded and enjoy a challenge and learning new skills. Click here to learn how an Outward Bound summer program is different than camp.

This course is for students in grades 6-8 and is considered level 1 for social-emotional difficulty and level 1 for physical difficulty. Learn more about the levels of difficulty.

Students with or without paddling experience are welcome to participate.

Financial assistance

We believe everyone should have access to exploring nature. We offer full scholarships to help cover the cost of course fees, and the Youth Access Fund offers financial support for those unable to finance their Outward Bound Canada experience personally. Please visit the Financial Assistance page for more information and to apply.