Outdoor Camps
2026 UCalgary Summer Camps
Registration opens Sunday, February 1st at 8 a.m.
Visit our FAQ page for this year’s registration updates, and browse the summer camp offerings 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!
Have questions? Email Us
Outdoor Camps for Kids
Get ready for a wild adventure at our week-long camp for young nature enthusiasts! Our camps run outdoors, rain or shine, as we dive into nature walks, critter-catching, and loads of outdoor fun. We’ll splash in the pool, spend a wild day at the zoo, get creative with crafts, spend a day at Bowness Park, and amp up the energy with plenty of games. Join us for a week of non-stop fun, new friendships, and unforgettable outdoor experiences!
*All activities are subject to change.
Each day, campers will climb walls or conquer boulders indoors, building skills and confidence with every reach. Beyond the climbing gym, campers head outdoors to explore our Natural Adventure Park, play field games, go swimming, and make crafts. With a balance of movement, creativity, and outdoor play, this camp offers a fun, engaging week of exploration and skill-building.
* All activities are subject to change.
Experience a full week of outdoor adventure with biking, swimming, and bouldering or climbing. Each day brings something new, from building shelters, biking to kid-friendly destinations, to playing active games that keep campers moving. We’ll also spend a day rafting down the Bow River, splashing, paddling, and making waves. Our camps run rain or shine, so whether it’s sunshine or puddles, we make the most of every day! It’s a great mix of exploration, skill-building, and outdoor fun from start to finish.
* All activities are subject to change.
Get ready for an exhilarating photography adventure where you’ll learn how to capture stunning photos! We’ll hike through the beautiful landscapes of Kananaskis as you discover how to get the most out of your point-and-shoot camera. From action shots and close-ups to landscapes and portraits, you’ll pick up techniques to elevate every image. And because our outdoor camps run rain or shine, you’ll get the chance to snap incredible shots no matter what the weather brings! We’ll finish the week on campus diving into photo editing to give your work a professional touch. Unleash your creativity and enjoy a photography journey like no other!
* 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. And because our outdoor camps cast their lines rain or shine, you’ll get to experience the excitement of fishing no matter what the weather’s doing! 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 memories!
* All activities are subject to change.
Get ready for a pedal-powered adventure that’s the ultimate kid-friendly Tour de Calgary! We’ll cruise along the city’s awesome pathways and explore parks as we take in the best of Calgary’s outdoor scenery. Along the way, we’ll play tons of fun games and try our hand at shelter building in our epic Natural Adventure Park on campus. We’ll also make time to cool off with swimming and ramp up the adventure as we master the art of bouldering or climbing. Our outdoor camps keep rolling no matter what the weather throws at us—sunshine, sprinkles, or puddles, making every day a chance for a new adventure!
101: 10-15km per day | 201: 10-20km per day | 301: 10-30km per day
* All activities are subject to change.
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
Get ready to make a splash at our week-long watersports camp at Bowness Park! Rain or shine, every day is packed with paddling, splashing, and exploring the water. Campers will raft down the Bow River, glide through calm waters with canoeing and kayaking, and even hop on a bus to a local spot to try stand-up paddleboarding. Dive into a summer full of watery adventures, make new friends, and pick up skills that will leave a big splash in your summer memories!
* All activities are subject to change.
Get ready to unleash your inner wilderness warrior this summer! Dive into a week of thrills as we guide you through the art of survival—navigating trails, crafting your own shelter, learning how to filter water, and mastering fire-building in the heart of Kananaskis. And because our outdoor camps embrace the elements rain or shine, you’ll get to hone your skills just like a true adventurer. One day, we'll bring the excitement to our Natural Adventure Park on campus, where you'll fine-tune your shelter-building abilities. Then, cap off the week by putting everything you’ve learned to the test in an epic survival challenge day. Get ready for a wild week where each day unfolds a new chapter in your outdoor adventure!
* 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. Our outdoor camps roll rain or shine, adding even more excitement to every ride. Get ready to shred, laugh, and make memories!
* All activities are subject to change.
Take your survival skills to the next level in this week-long camp! We’ll start in Kananaskis, where hiking is just the warm-up. Learn essential wilderness skills like navigation, fire building, water filtration, and basic first aid—everything a budding survivalist needs. Rain or shine, we embrace the elements to give campers a true backcountry experience.
Back on campus, you’ll refine your shelter-building skills at our Natural Adventure Park and learn how to meal-plan for overnight travel in the wild. The week finishes with a two-day survival challenge: you’ll put your skills into action and spend the night in a shelter you built yourself. It’s a rewarding mix of skill-building, teamwork, and outdoor adventure.
* All activities are subject to change.
Get ready to roll into adventure with Scooter Squad! Campers will cruise Calgary’s fantastic pathway system on scooters as we explore local parks and take in the city’s best outdoor scenery. Along the way, we’ll play high-energy games, build shelters, and dive into hands-on adventures in our epic Natural Adventure Park on campus. When it’s time to cool off, we’ll head to the pool for swimming, then turn up the excitement by tackling bouldering or climbing challenges. Our outdoor camps keep scooting along in all kinds of weather—sunshine, sprinkles, or puddles—so every day brings a brand-new adventure on wheels.
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 with a full-day river run from Bowness to Inglewood. And because our outdoor camps paddle in rain or shine, you’ll get the full canoeing experience no matter what the weather brings!
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 about paddle strokes, water safety, and how to pack for a multi-day trip from experienced canoe guides. Join us to create lasting memories and paddle into an unforgettable trip!
Please Note: Camping is not at designated campsites and will not have toilet facilities.
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).
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