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Trusted by Families since 1998.
Since 1953, on our 1000 acre property with more than 1km of shoreline, YMCA Wanakita is the place to be. With a wide range of activities offered year-round, from school groups and family programs, to Kids Overnight, and Family camps in the summer, YMCA Wanakita has something for everyone. Come have the time of your life!
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; YMCA Wanakita currently has 15 programs available; 1 TBD.
Filter activities :
Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity) , Adventure (multi)
$379 to $515
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity)
$416
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity) , Adventure (multi)
$379 to $515
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Day Camp
Coed Ages: 7 - 13 Traditional (multi activity)
$349/week
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity)
$225 to $350
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 15 CIT/LIT Program, Wilderness Out-tripping
$4,514
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 7 - 12 Traditional (multi activity)
$1,299
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 16 CIT/LIT Program, Adventure (multi)
$4,514
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 16 CIT/LIT Program, Wilderness Out-tripping
$4,514
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 13 - 15 Traditional (multi activity) , Adventure (multi)
$2,599/2 weeks
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 13 - 15 Traditional (multi activity) , Wilderness Out-tripping
$2,599/2 weeks
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 13 - 15 Traditional (multi activity) , Wilderness Out-tripping
$2,599/2 weeks
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity) , Adventure (multi)
$700 to $1,010
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 7 - 12 Traditional (multi activity) , Wilderness Skills
$2,469/2 weeks
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity) , Health and Fitness (multi)
$315
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 1 - 18+ Traditional (multi activity)
$175 to $255
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Payment Options:
Credit card payment | Yes |
Founded in 1953, Wanakita may not be one of the oldest camps in Canada, though it has long been one of the most influential, and is one of the camps that others look to when growing or innovating their programs. It has a very traditional feel, something that they rightly celebrate, with all the traditional activities on offer. Reach for the Rainbow is a touchstone of a culture of inclusivity that extends throughout the camp, its ethos, and its operations. The addition of a summer-long family camp was conspicuous when it was begun well over a decade ago, though has become the model for many others throughout North America. Wanakita has grown over the years, with the last significant acquisition perhaps being that of the Haliburton Hockey Haven, which doubled the program areas at a stroke. The family camp and kids' camp programs are separated, and there are benefits to that, not the least being separate dining halls. Wanakita has an impressive tradition of leadership, with many of its alumni having moved on to prominent roles, nationally, both in the Y and in camping generally. The facilities and programs have naturally evolved to meet the needs of new generations of campers, though it’s a testament to the ongoing quality of the camp that every generation of camper is as covetous of how the camp was when they were there. As ever, Wanakita remains a vibrant camp environment, one in which values are as important as activities.
Best Place
YMCA Wanakita is the best place I have ever been in my life. It’s so beautiful and serene! Ever since I began to come to Wanakita, I have loved it so much. Wanakita is an amazing place for all people of all ages. There a... Show More
Outstanding
Outstanding setting, counselors and activities. My kids 7 and 11 had a blast. Older one spent two weeks and could have stayed longer. We will definitely be back next summer!
Those who go to camp often refer to camp as their second home. In 2018, the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford adopted a new value of Belonging to its "Core Values" (Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility). This is very fitting as campers most often feel that YMCA Wanakita is somewhere they can belong. Wanakita has provided that place of belonging for me. Starting off as a family camper before turning 2 years of age and continuing to return for at least one week every summer since, I am hopeful that you will also find that YMCA Wanakita may become your 2nd home as it has for so many of us.
About the Kids Camp Director
Mike Thaler is Wanakita's Summer Kids Camp Director and started camp at the early age of one and a half through YMCA Wanakita's Family Camp programs. Since then, Mike has spent at least one week at Wanakita each year since. Having held the roles of counsellor, kayaking specialist, outdoor centre instructor and most recently full time as the Outdoor Centre Program Coordinator, Mike has a great understanding of YMCA Wanakita's operation and how to make your experience a positive one. Mike graduated from Algonquin College's Outdoor Adventure program specializing in water based activities such as canoeing, whitewater kayaking and rafting. Mike has lead/run trips in Algonquin Provincial Park, Killarney Provincial Park, French River, Magnetawan River, Bon Echo, (canoeing) Desolation & Grey Canyons (Utah - whitewater kayaking) and has even taught whitewater kayaking for a Disney TV show. Mike has many hobbies including fat biking, whitewater kayaking, volunteer firefighting, canoeing and kick sledding with his dog Duke.
1883 Koshlong Lake Road, Haliburton, Ontario, K0M 1S0, Canada
Location | Address | Pick up | Drop off |
Hamilton | 135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 1E9 | 8:00 am | Not provided |
Burlington | 5111 Fairview Street, Burlington, ON L7L 4W8 | 8:45 am | Not provided |
North Toronto | 12001 ON-400, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S1 | 9:45 am | Not provided |
Location | Address | Pick up | Drop off |
Toronto | Hwy 400 S, Maple, ON L6A 1S8 | Not provided | 2:15 pm |
Burlington | 5111 Fairview Street, Burlington, ON L7L 4W8 | Not provided | 3:15 pm |
Hamilton | 135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 1E9 | Not provided | 4:00 pm |
Sports facilities
Landscape
More details about property: YMCA Wanakita boasts a beautiful 1,000 acre site, situated on the shores of Koshlong Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. Features include: • 25 km of trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing • 1 km of sandy shoreline on Koshlong Lake • Two full service dining halls • A large variety of comfortable, rustic cabins with bunk beds (many winterized) • A variety of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities and equipment including basketball, pickleball and broomball courts, play fields, and waterfront activities.
Sleeping Accommodations
Amenities
Washrooms Facilities
More details about accommodations: Cabins each have bunks or single beds with vinyl mattresses for which linens are not provided, as well as simple wooden shelving. Lights and outlets are provided in all cabins. Some cabins have washrooms and showers, while most access washrooms and showers from the wash houses throughout camp. Winter and Spring Family Camp/Women's Weekend programs use the washroom cabins which are winterized and outfitted with heating.
Are meals provided? Yes.
Is YMCA Wanakita technology free? Yes. We live in an age where technology plays a very important part in our lives. Technology is used every day, for learning, communicating & often to make our lives easier. Although technology is an important staple, we want to help people step away from technology and communicate in-person, learn hands-on and have fun. By disconnecting from technology like smart phones, we can focus on our time at camp. For Kids Camp programs, we have a no cell phone policy and we discourage anyone from bringing electronics (aside from wrist watches & flashlights) to camp. For Family camps, we discourage frequent use of phones. Cell reception is spotty and wifi internet is not available.
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Camping at YMCA Wanakita is a year-round experience and each season has something new to offer. Throughout the fall, winter and spring, YMCA Wanakita offers a variety of programs for schools, universities, colleges, businesses, adults, families and special interest groups of all ages. Whether venturing to camp for one, two, or even five days, our staff take pride in ensuring that all individual and group goals are met.
Custom designed programs are planned and delivered cooperatively between group leaders attending the program and YMCA Wanakita’s exceptional Outdoor Centre staff. Spring and fall activity options include: canoeing, kayaking, low and high ropes, outdoor pursuits, hiking, group team building, archery, campfires and more! Winter activity options also include: cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, tubing/tobogganing, and skating on the lake. Leadership and team-building are popular options as well.
Our Outdoor Centre group rates are offered in 24 hour billing periods. Prices are all inclusive (meals, equipment, instruction, lodging). Please contact us for rates.
In addition to our long tradition of residential camping, we are also proud of over thirty years of Summer Family Camp at YMCA Wanakita. This past summer, one of our Family Campers shared a thoughtful and touching letter with our Director. "Thank you for a most wonderful week at Family Camp- truly the best one we have had in 4 years. Before camp, we were talking about directing our resources elsewhere for family vacations and making this our last year. By the second day of camp, Ken and I had both (independently) decided to review this choice! We will definitely be back - hopefully for many more years. We had forgotten the magic of camp. We particularly enjoyed watching our girls try out new skills - archery, kayaking, and swims to the island! We saw them grow in confidence and become more of their true selves. The week gave us, as adults, a break from the mundane things that so often consume our thoughts (what's for dinner, do we need to pack lunches for tomorrow, when was the last time the laundry got done...) and reminded us of who we were and what was important to us before life became more complicated! It was so reassuring to discover this part of us still exists and we are thinking of ways to bring our true selves back into our lives now even though we have lots of responsibilities. With gratitude for the week and the life lessons beyond..." Thanks to all who make our programs a success, and we look forward to making more memories next year!
Wanakita is open year round and we want to share one of our stories from one of our alumni Outdoor Center Directors. Over the years the YMCA Wanakita Outdoor Centre has welcomed a number of schools, teams, and special interest groups. We love being able to share our winter wonderland with children, youth and adults from across the province. One memorable even occurred a few weeks ago, when we welcomed a group of grade 11 students from an inner city Toronto school. This group spent one afternoon tobogganing, and the majority of the students had never experienced sliding down a hill before. Our staff were amazed to see that the seemingly toughest student in the group was noticeably afraid to go sliding. He hesitated at the top of the hill, and then screamed the whole way down. Despite his initial fear, he loved the ride and immediately ran up to the top of the hill to go sliding again! This young man learned to face his fears, overcome an unfamiliar situation, and experienced success because of it. We at Wanakita are fortunate to be a part of these incredible outcomes of play every day.
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform.
Trusted by Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in YMCA Wanakita. They will be in touch with you shortly.
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform.
Trusted by Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in YMCA Wanakita. They will send you information about this session:
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform.
Trusted by Families since 1998.
Questions about YMCA Wanakita?