Overnight experiences

Experience camping for the first time with Learn-to Camp

Our overnight programs are a fun and welcoming way for you and your group to learn the basics of camping in some of Canada’s most beautiful natural settings. Perfect for families, newcomers, or anyone looking to try camping for the first time, these experiences are held in safe, accessible locations—with each site offering a slightly different program.

With guidance from our friendly staff, you'll gain hands-on skills like how to set up a tent, build a campfire, and cook outdoors. No experience or equipment needed—just bring your curiosity and get ready to make memories!

Reserve your spot today by calling 1-844-365-2646.

Registration information

Unless noted otherwise, registration for Learn-to Camp overnight events opens on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

To reserve your spot, call 1-844-365-2646. The registration line is open Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm (Eastern Daylight Time).

Please note: Registration fees vary depending on the location, programming, and services provided.

Calendar of events 2025

British Columbia

Sites: Woodward’s Landing (City of Richmond)

Event dates:July 26 to July 27

Registration open on:May 20
1 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Sites: Smonecten Campground in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Event dates:August 9 to August 10

Registration open on:May 20
1 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Alberta

Sites: Elk Island National Park

Event dates:August 2 to August 3
August 9 to August 10

Registration open on:May 20
1 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Ontario

Sites: Long Island Lock Station, Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Event dates:July 12 to July 13

Registration open on:May 20
10 am, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Sites: Edmonds Lock Station, Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Event dates:August 9 to August 10

Registration open on:May 20
10 am, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Quebec

Sites: Gatineau Park

Event dates:July 26 to July 27

Registration open on:May 20
10 am, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Sites: La Mauricie National Park

Event dates:July 26 to July 27

Registration open on:May 20
10 am, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information or registration:1-844-365-2646

Privacy notice

The information you provide is collected under the authority of subsection 4 (1) of the Canada National Parks Act, as part of the Learn-to Camp program.

Your participation in the Learn-to Camp program is voluntary. Refusal to provide personal information will prevent you from participating in activities.

Aggregate data may be shared with the Social Sciences team of the External Relations and Visitor Experience Branch for statistical, evaluation and planning purposes.

Your personal information may be used and disclosed for strategic analysis, research and evaluation purposes. The uses and/or disclosure of your responses will never result in an administrative decision being made about you.

Your personal information is administered in accordance with the Canada National Parks Act, the Privacy Act and other applicable laws. You have the right to the protection of, access to, and correction of your personal information collected with your registration to our program and on the consent form, which is described in Personal Information Bank Learn-to Camp PC PPU 095. Instructions for obtaining this information are outlined in the government publication entitled Info Source, which is available at www.infosource.gc.ca.

You have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the institution’s handling of your personal information. You can avail yourself of this right by visiting the following website at https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/report-a-concern/file-a-formal-privacy-complaint/file-a-complaint-about-a-federal-institution/.

Join us for #LearntoCamp!

Transcript

A series of vignettes showing families participating in Learn-to Camp activities, including tent workshops, campfire programming, camp cooking demonstrations and various recreational activities.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Parks Canada’s learn to camp program.

Discover Canada’s great outdoors in a secure and inclusive setting during one of our overnight events.

Warm your hands by the campfire as you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones and new friends

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a complete novice, our events offer something for everyone.

Join us for a journey into the heart of Canada’s most treasured locations.

Sign up for Parks Canada’s learn to camp program today.

Learn-to Camp

Take our great Learn-to Camp content on the go with the Parks Canada app. Download it today! Learn more.

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A for Adventure Videos

Thanks to A for Adventure, one of Parks Canada’s proud Learn-to Camp program collaborators, for capturing these special moments in their series of videos.

Watch them on YouTube

A for Adventure is all about inspiring people to get outside and explore the world around them.

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