Learn to camp workshops and guided camping trips in Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park | Destination Ontario
For beginners, the first time camping may seem daunting. Across Ontario, various programs, camping 101 workshops and guided trips are available for everyone from first-time campers to those looking to develop more outdoor and wilderness skills.
Once you learn the skills and understand the equipment needed for a camping trip, camping in Ontario might become your favourite outdoor activity.
Tent camping experiences
There are two main types of tent camping trips: frontcountry and backcountry.
Each type requires certain skills, knowledge and equipment for fun, safe and stress-free vacations.
Frontcountry camping
Once you've learned the basic skills, frontcountry camping—often called car camping—is the easiest option for beginners who want to camp independently.
Campsites are located in well-established full-service campgrounds that offer washroom facilities, showers and more. You can drive to your campsite, so you'll be able to store your food and gear in your vehicle. Your campsite will have a cleared area to set up your tent, a fire pit and a picnic table. Other campsites and campground staff will be nearby.
Backcountry camping
Backcountry camping requires more skill and experience. Backcountry campsites are accessible by backpacking, canoeing or kayaking, so you'll need to transport your food and gear.
You'll also need the additional skills of route planning, paddling and portaging, meal planning and cooking, map reading, packing, equipment setup, wilderness first aid and more.
Learn-to-camp park programs
Provincial and national parks both offer programs for new campers to help them learn the basics or reinforce good camping habits. These programs are free or low cost.
Ontario Parks
Ontario Parks offers a free, 30-minute Learn to Camp Workshop through the Discovery Park Ambassador Program. Sign up for an online webinar, book a session at your campsite at participating parks, or join a drop-in workshop during your camping or day visit at a participating park.
Learn important camping skills such as:
- how to cook while camping
- how to build a campfire (unless there is a fire ban)
- how to set up a campsite
- what to know about visiting a provincial park
- how to discourage animals from visiting your campsite
In addition, Ontario Parks offers online instruction, advice and tips on basic camping essentials. This information is a great way to start your journey of learning to camp in Ontario.
Note that camping in Ontario parks is very popular, so reserve your site well in advance. You can do so up to five months in advance of your planned day of arrival. Use the Ontario Parks Reservation System to book your campsite.
Parks Canada
Parks Canada also offers great Learn-to Camp programs designed for beginner campers to learn basic camping skills.
Overnight experiences invite participants to learn camping skills, such as setting up a tent, lighting a campfire and cooking outdoors from Parks Canada staff at fun and safe locations.
Daytime workshops and activities include pop-up campsites at municipal parks, beaches and libraries in Toronto and Ottawa where you can learn the basics of camping without staying overnight.
Finally, watch how-to videos on setting up a tent, stringing up a tarp, starting a campfire and packing a cooler.
Use the Parks Canada Reservation System to reserve a site in a national park in Ontario.
More camping classes and programs
Paddle Canada offers Canada’s only national camping skills program that teaches paddlers how to safely and efficiently plan, organize and execute camping trips in front and backcountry settings.
The eight-hour Camping Basics Program is the best place for beginners to start. Continue improving your camping and paddling skills with programs and courses, from basic to advanced, offered at paddling centres and communities throughout Ontario.
The Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association (ORCKA) offers canoe and kayak tripping courses for beginners and experienced paddlers across the province through its network of instructors. In addition to tripping skills, participants will learn camping tips and how to plan their own paddle camping trips.
Guided camping trips
You can also learn the ropes of camping in Ontario on a fully outfitted guided camping tour with an experienced local guide or outfitter.
From easy overnight camping to more challenging backcountry trips, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and experience in paddling, map-reading, weather-watching, portaging and more backcountry camping skills. Plus, you’ll enjoy hassle-free planning. Many outfitters offer custom guided trips for families or groups.
Consider a guided camping tour with:
Algonquin Adventure Tours
Algonquin Adventure Tours offers two- to five-day guided canoeing and camping trips in Algonquin Park, varying in comfort and difficulty levels.
Location: 1023 Cooper Lake Road, Dwight
Algonquin Outfitters
Join the skilled and knowledgeable guides on a multi-day canoe and camping adventure in Algonquin. Customize your experience to your skill level and add Greenhorn Service to review the basics of paddling, gear and campsite setup in advance of your trip.
Location: in and around Algonquin Park
Black Feather
Based in Seguin, Ontario, Black Feather operates guided backpacking, paddling and backcountry adventures across Canada. Closer to home, canoe and camping excursions are offered on Georgian Bay, as well as on the French River, Spanish River and Petawawa River.
There are also trips catered specifically for families and women only.
Location: 76 Rankin Lake Road, Seguin
Call of the Wild
Participate in guided three- to seven-day, fully catered canoe trips in a quiet corner of Algonquin Park, including transportation options from Toronto.
Meeting point: 25203 ON-60, Madawaska
Lake Fever Wilderness Co.
Based in Toronto, Lake Fever Wilderness Co. offers full-service group camping excursions for beginners, including gear and transportation, meals, park fees, guided hikes and activities.
Location: 2280 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Lure of the North
Learn about traditional winter camping and join guided expeditions across Ontario’s north with the experts at Lure of the North. This unique style of travel involves snowshoeing, hauling all gear on a toboggan and sleeping in canvas tents with woodstoves. Options range from beginner to seasoned winter travellers.
Location: Moose Lake Road, Espanola
MHO Adventures
In addition to offering all-inclusive backcountry canoe trips throughout Ontario, MHO provides family canoe trips and training programs. Based in Huntsville, they’ll also custom-plan trips for groups of six or more.
Location: 67 Widjiitiwin Road, Huntsville
Naturally Superior Adventures
The sea kayak weekend getaways on Lake Superior are designed for entry-level paddlers and campers looking to develop their wilderness skills.
Location: 10 Government Dock Road, Wawa
Northbound Tours
Experience true Canadian outdoor adventures on fully guided, small group excursions departing from Toronto. Choose from iconic destinations such as Algonquin Park, the Bruce Peninsula, Killarney, the Sleeping Giant and the Ottawa River for camping, hiking, rafting and paddling trips.
Location: 173 Old Sheppard Avenue, North York
Paddlefoot
Paddlefoot provides wilderness education for children and adults of all ages and abilities, with a particular focus on whitewater canoe trips. Learn or improve skills under the instruction of qualified guides.
Location: 1035 Long Line Lake Road, Baysville
Voyageur Quest
Located on the northwestern end of Algonquin Park, Voyageur Quest specializes in “comfort camping.” They offer an array of beginner-friendly canoe and kayak trips as well as the Learn to Winter Camp program.
Location: 1 Lake Kawawaymog, Algonquin Park
First aid courses and programs
Whether you're going for front-country or backcountry camping, it’s important to have some basic first-aid knowledge. The farther you travel into the wilderness, the more important these skills become, as help may be hours or days away.
As you advance your camping skills and experience, an outdoor-based first aid course is a great addition to your learning journey. These courses are based on the principles of wilderness care and first aid with a practical, hands-on approach to training.
Remote and wilderness first aid courses are offered by:
Leave no trace
No matter what type of camping you do, you will impact the natural area you’re visiting. Reduce your impact by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace:
- plan and prepare
- travel and camp on durable surfaces
- dispose of waste properly
- leave what you find
- minimize campfire impacts
- respect wildlife
- follow camping etiquette
Learn to camp programs and guided camping excursions will prepare you with the skills and experience to make the most of future camping adventures in Ontario.
Last updated: August 28, 2026