Toronto: Explore the Urban Wild Camp

Get ready for an exciting adventure in your own urban backyard this summer! Join us at Don Valley Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto to explore ponds, hike in nature, learn camping skills, cook outdoors, build shelters, and make new friends participating in fun group activities.

You’ll spend the day outside exploring the nature around you. Our instructors will help you improve your camping and hiking skills, you’ll learn how to build fires and shelters, and end the week showing off your newly-learned skills on an exciting high ropes adventure. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a local conservation project that will give you a broader perspective on the ecological challenges of the region.

The program will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Thursday) at the Don Valley Brick Works Park. Participants should bring their own lunch and be prepared to be outside all day. If necessary, you’re welcome to borrow our equipment, such as waterproof pants and hats.

Area and activities

For a century, Don Valley Brick Works Park was the site of a major brick manufacturer and supplier of buildings throughout Toronto. That changed in 1989 when the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) acquired the site and began restoration work with the City of Toronto in 1995. This involved creating a series of wetlands that provide habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife, and channeling water from nearby Mud Creek through the wetland to filter it naturally before it flows into the Don River and eventually Lake Ontario.

Today, the 200-hectares of wetlands, dry wildflower meadows and forest plant communities create a variety of ecosystem types that provide the ideal setting for Outward Bound Canada’s urban programs, where participants can hike the many nature trails, paddle the Don River and perfect their outdoor skills surrounded by nature in this special area – all within 10 minutes of downtown Toronto and accessible by car, public transit, foot or bike.