Outdoor Camps

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

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Outdoor Camps for Kids

Entering Grades 1-2

Get ready for a wild adventure at our week-long camp designed for the youngest nature enthusiasts! Dive into the excitement of hiking, 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! 

Entering Grades 2-8

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! 

Prerequisites

  • Confident riding a 2-wheel bike 
  • Bike with gears and hand brakes (in good working condition) 
  • Helmet 

Entering Grades 2-8

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 

Prerequisites

  • Confident riding a 2-wheel bike  
  • Bike with gears and hand brakes (in good working condition) 
  • Helmet

Entering Grades 2-8 

Go out on a reel adventure and get hooked on the thrill of fishing in this introductory week-long camp! Each day we’ll travel to a new lake or pond around the city or in Kananaskis to learn basic fishing techniques. We'll also spend a day at the Bow Habitat Station, unraveling the fishy mysteries of their lifecycle, habitat, and how to be the ultimate ecosystem protector. Join us for a week of fishing, learning, and unforgettable outdoor escapades! 

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

Entering Grades 2-8

Get ready for an exhilarating photography adventure where you'll uncover the secrets to capturing breathtaking photographs! 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. 

Prerequisites

  • Camera  
  • USB stick (for the last day) 

Entering Grades 4-8 

Spend a week sampling some of the best outdoor activities in and out of the city limits! 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 dip into the waters of Bowness Park with our canoes. Don’t miss out on the best of the great outdoors—join the fun and let the adventure begin! 

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

Prerequisites

  • Riders must be confident on their bikes on off-road and uneven surfaces 
  • Mountain Bike (with front suspension and in good working condition) 
  • Helmet 
  • Able to swim 50m in a lifejacket 

Entering Grades 4-8

Based out of Bowness Park

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 paddleboarding 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.  

Prerequisite: 

  • Able to swim 50m while wearing a lifejacket

Entering Grades 4-5 

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! 

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

Entering Grades 6-8 

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!

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

Prerequisites

  • Comfortable spending a night away from home. 

Entering Grades 6-8

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 two days are 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! 

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

Prerequisites: 

  • Riders must be confident on their bikes on off-road and uneven surfaces 
  • Able to ride 10-25km per day 
  • Mountain Bike (with front suspension and in good working condition) 
  • Helmet 

Entering Grades 2-8

Defy gravity and reach new heights all week! Spend half your day scaling walls and conquering boulders indoors, then let loose outside with thrilling biking adventures, playful games, refreshing swims, and visits to the coolest kid-friendly spots in the city. 

Prerequisites

  • Confident riding a 2-wheel bike  
  • Bike with gears and hand brakes (in good working condition) 

Helmet


Outdoor Camps for Teens

Entering Grades 8-12

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 and Bowness Park, except for the Friday afternoon where Check-Out will be in Inglewood. 

Prerequisites

  • Able to swim 50m while wearing a lifejacket  

Entering Grades 8-12

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! 3 and 5-Day options are available. 

Please Note: camping may not be at designated campsites. This program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver. 

Prerequisites

  • Able to swim 50m while wearing a lifejacket 

Entering Grades 8-12

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!

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

Prerequisites

  • Very comfortable riding a bike on off-road surfaces 
  • Mountain Bike (with front suspension and in good condition) 
  • Helmet  

Entering Grades 8-12

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. Choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced trips to tailor your experience to match your skill and comfort level. Be prepared to be captivated by the beauty of Kananaskis as you venture into the wilderness for an unforgettable trip!

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

Entering Grades 8-12

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

Spend 5 days learning the basics of mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies alongside our expert mountain guides! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, this adventure unfolds at the Bow Hut on the Wapta Icefield in Banff National Park. This immersive program is designed for participants of all levels, offering a rich curriculum that unveils the core principles of mountaineering. Throughout this program, participants will master the intricacies of glacier travel, risk management in an alpine environment, basic navigation techniques, and leadership skills. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where the mountains become your playground and each skill learned is a stepping-stone to conquering new challenges and embracing the beauty of our backyard!

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