Outdoor Camps

2025 UCalgary Summer Camps

Registration day is on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 8 a.m. MST 

Visit our FAQ page for this year’s registration updates, and browse the summer camp offerings in advance so that you know which camp you want to enroll your child(ren) in. 

Paddle, Pedal, Climb, Hike

Calgary is surrounded with natural wonders to explore and enjoy all summer long. Dive into an adventure on our refreshing rivers or pedal the city’s extensive pathways. Get into nature with our hiking and photography camps. Kick up the adrenaline with some mountain biking or longboarding or relax with a little fishing and other fun games. The outdoors is waiting to be discovered this summer!

Outdoor Camp at University of Calgary
outdoor camp climbing
outdoor camp paddling
Outdoor Camp - Canoe

Have questions? Email Us

Outdoor Camps for Kids

Get ready for a wild adventure at our week-long camp designed for the youngest nature enthusiasts! Dive into the excitement of nature walks, master the art of critter-catching, and let loose with a whirlwind of outdoor fun. We'll make a splash in the pool, embark on a wild day at the zoo, unleash your inner artist with cool crafts, and amp up the energy with loads of games. We’ll explore nature’s wonders on our epic field trip, where every tree becomes a treasure, and every path leads to excitement. Join us for a week of non-stop fun, new friendships, and unforgettable outdoor experiences! 

* All activities are subject to change 

Dive into a thrilling week of non-stop excitement in our action-packed outdoor camp! Each day promises a new adventure, from biking and swimming to conquering boulders and walls. Get ready for heart-pounding games, explorations of kid-friendly hotspots, and a day of rafting down the Bow River—all right within the city limits! Join us for a week of unforgettable thrills and the kind of fun that makes every moment an epic memory! 

* All activities are subject to change  

Defy gravity and reach new heights all week! Spend part of each day scaling walls and tackling boulders indoors, building skills and confidence with every climb. Then, head outside for epic games and refreshing swims to keep the adventure going. It’s a week packed with challenges, fun, and unforgettable moments! 

* All activities are subject to change  

Get ready for a pedal-powered adventure that’s the ultimate kid-friendly Tour de Calgary! Join us as we cruise along the city’s awesome pathways, explore parks, dive into swimming fun, and master the art of bouldering or climbing. Select the program that matches your camper’s skill level and let’s turn Calgary into our playground! 

101: 5-10km per day  

201: 5-15km per day  

301: 5-20km per day  

* All activities are subject to change  

Get ready to make a splash in our week-long watersports camp at Bowness Park! From conquering calm waters with canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding to tackling the thrilling waves of the Bow River in Calgary, every day is a new aquatic adventure! Dive in for a summer of watery fun, meet awesome people, and soak up new skills that will make a splash in your summer memories.   

 * All activities are subject to change 

Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled ride and let's kick up some dust on the trails this summer! Join our week-long camp where we'll immerse you in the world of mountain biking. From mastering the basics like braking, balance, and body positioning to the thrill of gearing, cornering, and trail maneuvering, we've got it all covered. The first day is all about conquering local trails and building skills, and then the real adventure kicks in as we spend the rest of the week tearing it up on the wild trails of Kananaskis and Bragg Creek. Get ready to shred, laugh, and make memories that pedal straight into the fun zone!  

* All activities are subject to change  

Get ready for an exhilarating photography adventure where you'll uncover the secrets to capturing breathtaking photos! Embark on exciting hikes through the stunning landscapes of Kananaskis as you master the art of using your point-and-shoot camera to its fullest potential. From action shots to close-ups, landscapes to portraits, we'll teach you the techniques to bring out the best in every shot. To top it off, we'll spend the final days in the bustling city, exploring picturesque parks and delving into the world of editing, so you can add that professional touch to your masterpieces. Get ready to unleash your creativity and embark on a photography journey like no other!  

Please Note: this program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.  

Get ready to unleash your inner wilderness warrior this summer! Dive into a week of wild thrills as we guide you through the art of survival. Navigating trails, crafting your shelter, and mastering fire-building wizardry in the heart of Kananaskis. One day, we'll bring the adventure to our Natural Adventure Park on campus, where you'll fine-tune your shelter-building skills. Get ready for a wild week where each day unfolds a chapter in your epic outdoor adventure!  

* All activities are subject to change 

Take your survival skills to the next level in this week-long camp! We'll head into Kananaskis where hiking is just the warm-up. You'll master survival skills like navigation and fire building, then head back to campus to level up your shelter-building game at our Natural Adventure Park. The last two days are a survival mission, putting your skills to the test as you spend the night in a shelter you crafted yourself! Get set for a week of survival mastery, laughs, and unforgettable outdoor escapades!  

Click here to review the Wilderness Survivor overnight trip information packet. 

* All activities are subject to change  

Embark on a reel adventure and get hooked on the thrill of fishing in this introductory week-long camp! Each day, we’ll explore a new lake or pond, either around the city or in Kananaskis, learning basic fishing techniques. We'll also hit the trails for a bit of hiking, combining nature exploration with fishing fun. Plus, spend a day at the Bow Habitat Station, diving into the mysteries of fish lifecycle, habitats, and how to protect ecosystems. Join us for a week full of fishing, hiking, learning, and unforgettable outdoor escapades! 

* All activities are subject to change 

Please Note: this program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.  

Spend a week sampling some of the best outdoor activities in and around the city! We’ll head out to Kananaskis to hit the trails for mountain biking and hiking, soak up the summer sun while stand-up paddleboarding, and test out our survival skills. One day will be spent in the city, where we’ll experience the thrill of rafting down the Bow River in Calgary. Don’t miss out on the best of the great outdoors—join the fun and let the adventure begin! 

* All activities are subject to change  


Outdoor Camps for Teens

Dive into the thrilling world of canoeing at our Teen Canoe Day Camp! Embark on an exciting journey where each day unfolds a new adventure on the water. Day 1 kicks off on flatwater, learning the basics of canoeing. We’ll take things up a notch on day 2, heading over to the river eddies where our canoe guides will introduce you to canoeing in moving water while building skills and confidence. We’ll put your new skills to the test on the last day on a full-day river run from Bowness to Inglewood. 

Our guides will cover water safety, paddling strokes, and river navigation. 

Please Note: Check-In and Check-Out occurs at Bowness Park.  

Embark on an unforgettable canoe trip this summer! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Alberta’s landscapes as you explore pristine rivers under the guidance of our seasoned canoe instructors. Learn essential paddle strokes, water safety, and how to properly pack for a multi-day trip from our experienced guides. Before the adventure begins, we'll have a prep day at Bowness Park to practice your canoeing skills and review packing essentials. Additionally, a pre-trip meeting will be held to go over the checklist and other important information with a caregiver. Join us for a journey full of fun, learning, and lasting memories as we paddle into an unforgettable trip! 

Please Note: Camping will be off-grid, not at designated campsites, and there will be no toilet facilities. 

Expeditions are activity-based, multi-day overnight trips. Be sure to review the required items listed below that you will need to bring. The pre-trip meeting, which you must attend with a caregiver, will cover required items and meal planning (food is not included). 

Join us for an exhilarating mountain bike adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Calgary and Kananaskis. The group will spend one day in the city refining the basics and the next two days out in Kananaskis or Bragg Creek taking your skills to the next level. You’ll learn about and practice body positioning, gearing, cornering, and maneuvering on trails. Trail selection, bike maintenance, and outdoor skills are also introduced. Get ready to pedal through some of the best mountain biking terrain, where every twist and turn unveils a new challenge! 

Join us for a multi-day adventure in the heart of Kananaskis with our experienced hiking guides! Immerse yourself in backcountry camping and hiking against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains. Under the guidance of our instructors, you’ll master essential skills such as route-finding, navigation, backcountry cooking, campsite management, and animal safety. Each day brings new challenges and discoveries as you traverse the rugged landscape and create lasting memories with fellow adventurers. Be prepared to be captivated by the beauty of Kananaskis as you venture into the wilderness for an unforgettable trip!   

Expeditions are activity-based, multi-day overnight trips. Please review the list of required items in the details below that you will be expected to bring. Each expedition also has a pre-trip meeting that you must attend with a caregiver. In that meeting, guides will discuss the required items and cover meal planning (food is not included). 

Spend 3 days rock climbing at popular beginner routes in and around Kananaskis, guided by certified ACMG experts. You’ll discover the foundations of climbing, mastering essential techniques such as belaying, climbing calls, and fluid movement. You’ll ascend to new heights, honing your foot placement, perfecting hand positions, and navigating the intricate art of route finding. Unleash your inner adventurer and relish the joy of conquering rock faces in the heart of Kananaskis! 

Please Note: This program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver. 

Looking for indoor options as well? Check out all UCalgary Summer Camps