If you’re feeling emotionally fried, spiritually crispy, and just one Slack message away from tossing your phone into Lake Ontario, you’re not alone; you’re also exactly who adult summer camps were made for.
This summer, Toronto millennials are swapping bottomless, boozy brunches and overpacked Euro trips for something much more unexpected: a weekend in the woods complete with crafts, cabin mates, and zero Wi-Fi. Yup! You read that right.
Adult summer camps are here, and this time they come with craft beer, curated playlists, and a collective desire to log off and feel something.
These aren’t your childhood camps with cafeteria pizza and mosquito bites (okay, maybe still the bites). They’re nostalgic, yes, but now they come with yoga at sunrise, journaling circles by the fire, and themed dance parties that hit just the right amount of cringe. And I personally think, you can never go wrong with a little bit of cringe for old time’s sake.
Most are within a few hours’ drive of Toronto, tucked into forests in Haliburton, Muskoka, or Prince Edward County. You can expect bunk beds and bonfires, but also curated workshops on everything from breathwork to natural wine tasting.
So why are millennials signing up?
Because after years of hustle culture, doomscrolling, and “cottagecore” envy, a weekend of canoeing and archery suddenly feels like the real luxury.
“I didn’t think making a friendship bracelet while sipping a gin and tonic would heal me, but it kind of did,” said one Toronto camper who recently went to a creative wellness camp in the Kawarthas.
Another one simply reminisced about the fun they had: “I’ve done a camp with the Madawaka Kanu Centre! It’s been a while, but you stay in a lodge, get food, and learn how to whitewater kayak on the Madawaska River. So much fun.”
And that brings me to my next point: it’s not just the nostalgia, it’s also the vibe and the fun.
These camps tap into something deeper: the craving for connection, simplicity, and play, without the pressure of productivity. You don’t need to be “good” at anything. You just have to show up (and maybe bring bug spray…ok, not maybe, please do bring bug spray).
What to expect
Everything and anything that will heal the soul and bring out your inner child.
That means journaling, meditation, or vision boarding workshops; bonfires with late-night s’mores and acoustic sing-alongs; camp-style activities like canoeing, archery, and tie-dye; themed parties (think: retro prom, cottagecore rave, glitter campfire); and most importantly (in my opinion), a tech detox: many camps are phone-free zones to help you truly unplug.
Some camps lean wellness, some lean party, and some are like one giant group therapy session with glitter. But the unifying thread? No one’s trying to sell you anything, fix you, or make you “better.” It’s about stepping outside your algorithm and remembering how it feels to just play.
Toronto-friendly adult camps to check out this summer
Camp Reset
A sober-friendly wellness weekend with workshops, DJ sets, and forest magic.
Canadian Camp Adventure
A camping experience like when you were a kid, taking you back to childhood to make new memories.
Camp Tamakwa
For the creatively curious, think movement, nature, and soul-tending.
Prices range from $300 to $800+, depending on amenities, duration, and whether you’re glamping or going full-woodsy.
