Learn-to Camp in Ottawa-Gatineau

Ready to dive into the exciting world of camping but feeling a bit unsure? Don't worry, because the Learn-to Camp team is here to add a touch of fun to your learning journey!

In partnership with MEC, the Parks Canada Learn-to Camp program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to feel confident about planning and enjoying your first outdoor adventure. We're really excited to have you join us to discover more about camping, national parks, historic sites, and the great outdoors!

We offer three different ways to get started with camping or improve your outdoor skills:

Pop-up activities

Free, drop-in activities at convenient locations and festivals throughout Ottawa and Gatineau. Find us along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, at municipal parks and beaches, museums and at various other locations in the National Capital Region.

The 2023 Learn-to Camp season has now ended. Mark your calendar for May when we'll unveil our next destinations for spring and summer 2024!

Father and son learning how to make a campfire with a uniformed Parks Canada staff (Emma Lindale) at a Learn-to Camp pop-up booth along the Rideau Canal.
Father and son taking part in activities of a Learn-to Camp pop-up booth at Ottawa locks, part of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

Workshops

Free workshops on a variety of topics intended to teach Canadians the fundamentals of camping, hiking, nature observation and other outdoor activities.

You can book a free Learn-to Camp workshop for a school, group or organization. Please contact Sacha Penner by email sacha.penner@pc.gc.ca for more details.

Overnight Learn-to Camp

Ready to spend a night under the stars? Join us during one of our overnight experiences, where you will learn everything you need to know to go on your own camping adventure.

Learn-to Camp overnights are family friendly weekend events designed to teach anyone the fundamentals of camping in the great outdoors. You’ll spend Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning taking part in hands-on workshops such as: how-to pitch a tent, how-to build a campfire, how-to use a campstove and much much more!

Everyone is welcome!

(We provide the tent, foam sleeping pads and campstove.)

Learn to camp tents
Learn-to Camp Overnight

The 2023 Learn-to Camp season has now ended. Mark your calendar for May when we'll unveil our next destinations for spring and summer 2024!

For more details please contact us by email
Email: sacha.penner@pc.gc.ca

Photo gallery

Parks Canada lovable mascot Parka standing alongside the Learn-to Camp team.
Parks Canada lovable mascot Parka standing alongside the Learn-to Camp team.
The Learn-to Camp team in action on Parliament Hill.
Leah smiles as she greets participants to the Camping 101 workshop.
Leah smiles as she greets participants to the Camping 101 workshop.
A beginner friendly camping workshop at MEC Ottawa.
Eight yellow tents in a field.
Eight yellow tents in a field.
Learn-to Camp overnight event at the Rideau Canal.
Four yellow and blue tents in a field.
Four yellow and blue tents in a field.
Learn-to Camp overnight event at the Rideau Canal.
Dozens of people gathered around a campfire.
Dozens of people gathered around a campfire.
Learn-to Camp participants roasting marshmallows during an overnight event.
Tierney plays the guitar while sitting in the Learn-to Camp van.
Tierney plays the guitar while sitting in the Learn-to Camp van.
Who doesn't love a little guitar music at the campsite?
John, Julianne and Maya present in front of a group of kids.
John, Julianne and Maya present in front of a group of kids.
Learn-to Bird workshop outside the Ottawa Public Library.
McKenna interacting with festval participants.
McKenna interacting with festval participants.
Learn-to Camp booth at the Franco-Ontarien festival.
John, Leah and Maya challenging visitors to the camping themed trivia spin-the-wheel game.
John, Leah and Maya challenging visitors to the camping themed trivia spin-the-wheel game.
Learn-to Camp at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology.
Parka kneels as she gives a high five to kids on Parliament Hill.
Parka kneels as she gives a high five to kids on Parliament Hill.
Parka on Parliament Hill.
John, Kevin and Luisa showing off different campstove models.
John, Kevin and Luisa showing off different campstove models.
MEC demonstrating how to use a campstove.
A father and son inside a camping tent.
A father and son inside a camping tent.
A father and son enjoy a moment in a camping tent on Parliament Hill.

Ready for your own camping adventure?

Partner

Mountain Equipment Company logo

Mountain Equipment Company is our national partner and is participating at Parks Canada places from coast to coast!

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