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Family smiling in a yellow tent

Learn-to Camp with Parks Canada and MEC

July 6, 2023

Found in Community news, Skills and tips, Activities

Parks Canada and MEC have been working together for over 10 years. As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011, Parks Canada (in partnership with MEC) launched the first Learn-to Camp events – and they’re still going strong.

The Learn-to Camp program connects first-time campers with the Canadian camping experience. Participants learn all kinds of outdoor skills, like how to set up a tent, use a camp stove, and stay safe in the woods. The goal is to foster an appreciation for nature and set families up for a lifetime of camping memories.

Kid at an overnight camping event in a park

Learn-to camp overnight events

This year again, Parks Canada will offer Learn-to Camp overnight events across the country, in partnership with MEC – join us! If you’ve never been camping before (or want to brush up on some skills), these events are a fantastic introduction.

At these overnight camping experiences, you’ll take part in hands-on workshops and participate in outdoor activities, such as how to use camp gear, how to cook in the outdoors, hiking and paddling tips, and much more.

Campers looking at a red sleeping bag at a Learn-to-camp event

Learn-to camp workshops

Can’t make the overnight events? Come by MEC stores for in-store workshops, hosted by Parks Canada Learn-to Camp staff – they’re a quick 45-minute lesson on camping basics.

From June to mid-August, you can catch workshops at MEC stores in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

These in-store workshops are awesome to cover the basics – everything from camping with kids and toddlers to tracking wildlife and AdventureSmart programs that cover surviving outside or what to do if you get lost.

Campers learning how to use a camping stove

Camping basics

Can’t make it to our overnight events or in-store workshops? Check out some videos on camping basics:

How to set up a tent

Tents are essential for any camping experience and come in all shapes and sizes. Follow these handy tips to make set-up a breeze:

Camping gear for your home away from home:

How to start a campfire

Campfires are a great way to keep warm, cook food and set the mood for some camp games and sing-a-longs.

Find what you need to help your camp meals come to life:

How to set up a tarp

Wind, rain or sun? A tarp’s got you covered. Follow these tips to put one up at your campsite:

Parks Canada is also offering a variety of Learn-to Camp activities – without having to stay overnight! Visit our pop-up campsites at municipal parks, beaches, libraries and special events near you, and participate in activities that introduce you to camping. At home activities are also available for those who want to start exploring now.

From June to September, they’ll be happening in parks around the Metro Vancouver area, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Montreal, Québec City and Halifax.


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