Last Updated: January 1, 2026
With tens of thousands of children participating each summer, Ottawa’s camp season is a city-wide tradition that begins with a registration scramble in January and runs from late June through August.
From municipal day camps at recreation centres to specialized STEM programs at Carleton University and nature adventures at Camp Otonabee, Ottawa offers summer programming for every interest and budget. This guide covers registration dates, fees, locations, and insider tips to help you secure spots before they fill in minutes.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Summer camp season runs June 29 - August 28, 2026. Registration starts January 2026 for private camps and late February for City of Ottawa programs. Municipal camps cost $180-250/week, while university and specialized programs run $325-600/week. Popular camps fill within minutes of registration opening.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Camp Season | June 29 - August 28, 2026 |
| 🎫 Registration Opens | January - February 2026 |
| 💰 Municipal Camps | $180-250/week |
| 💰 University/Museum | $325-410/week |
| ⏰ Standard Hours | 9 AM - 4 PM |
| 👶 Ages | 4-17 years |
Understanding Ottawa’s Summer Camp Landscape
Ottawa’s summer camps range from municipal programs to specialized university offerings
Ottawa’s summer camp season is not a single event but a two-month period of structured recreational education running from late June to late August. The city’s geography—rivers, Gatineau Hills, and extensive green spaces—combined with strong institutional support creates one of Canada’s most diverse camp landscapes.
What Makes Ottawa Unique
Bilingualism: Many Ottawa camps offer bilingual (French/English) instruction, reflecting the region’s linguistic character. University of Ottawa Gee-Gees programs and City of Ottawa camps both provide French-immersion options.
Access to Nature: Camps like Camp Otonabee (Dunrobin) and NCC programs emphasize outdoor education, utilizing the Greenbelt and Ottawa River to combat what researchers call “nature deficit disorder.”
Tech Hub Influence: Ottawa’s status as Canada’s tech capital means robust STEM programming, with coding, robotics, and engineering camps proliferating at universities and specialized providers.
Registration Timeline for 2026
The registration scramble begins in January—preparation is key
Understanding the registration timeline is critical. Popular camps fill in minutes, not days.
January 2026 - Private & University Camps
| Date | Organization | Camp Types |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 13 | Dovercourt Recreation Centre | Arts, swimming, general |
| Jan 13 | Carleton University Ravens | Land-based sports camps |
| Jan 15 | Carleton University | Ice/water camps |
| Jan 15 | YMCA Camp Otonabee | Nature day camps |
| Jan 30 | Virtual Ventures (Carleton) | STEM, engineering, coding |
| TBD | uOttawa Gee-Gees | Sports camps |
February 2026 - Municipal & Museum Camps
| Date | Organization | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 3 | GNAG (Glebe) | Registration at 7:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Ingenium Science & Tech Museum | STEM camps |
| Feb 4 | City of Ottawa | Viewing opens (registration late Feb) |
| Feb 4 | Agriculture & Food Museum | Farm/cooking camps |
| Late Feb | City of Ottawa | Registration opens |
March 2026 - Arts & Specialty
| Date | Organization | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 8 | Ottawa Art Gallery | Registration deadline |
Municipal & Community Camps - Best Value
Municipal camps offer the best value at $180-250/week
City of Ottawa
The largest provider of summer camps in the region, City of Ottawa programs operate at recreation centres throughout the city.
Locations:
- Walter Baker Sports Centre (Kanata)
- Ray Friel Centre (Orleans)
- Minto Recreation Complex (Barrhaven)
- Nepean Sportsplex
- And dozens more
Program Types:
- General recreation and play
- “Energy” camps (high-activity)
- Swimming instruction
- Hockey camps
- Specialty sports
Pricing: $180-250/week
Registration: Preview camps on ottawa.ca/recreation starting February 4, 2026. Registration opens late February.
Dovercourt Recreation Centre (Westboro)
A Westboro institution known for creative arts programming and high-quality swim instruction.
Registration: January 13, 2026 Specialties: Arts, musical theatre, swimming Location: 411 Dovercourt Avenue
If you’re in the area, check our Westboro neighbourhood guide for nearby amenities.
GNAG (Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group)
Community-integrated programming with strong arts focus.
Registration: February 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM Focus: Creative arts, musical theatre, general play Location: Glebe Community Centre
STEM & Science Camps
Ottawa’s tech hub status means robust STEM programming
Ingenium Museums
Ottawa’s national science museums offer hands-on STEM experiences across three locations.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Registration: February 3, 2026
- Cost: $370-410/week
- Activities: Robotics, engineering, invention workshops
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
- Registration: February 4, 2026
- Cost: $370-410/week
- Activities: Farm-to-table cooking, animal science, gardening
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Activities: Flight principles, aerospace engineering
Virtual Ventures (Carleton University)
Carleton’s renowned STEM program specializes in engineering and technology.
Registration: January 30, 2026 (projected) Focus Areas:
- Engineering fundamentals
- Coding and programming
- Girls-in-STEM specialized programs
- Robotics
Location: Carleton University campus (accessible via O-Train Line 2)
STEM Camp
Multi-location provider with themed weekly programming.
Locations: Nepean, Orleans, Kanata 2026 Themes:
- Minecraft Coding
- LEGO Engineering
- Robotics
- Video Game Design
Season: Weekly sessions July 6 - August 28, 2026
For families interested in educational activities year-round, see our indoor activities Ottawa guide.
Sports & Athletics Camps
University-run sports camps offer high-performance coaching
Carleton University Ravens
University-level facilities and coaching for youth athletes.
Registration Dates:
- Land camps (basketball, soccer, etc.): January 13, 2026
- Ice/water camps: January 15, 2026
Sports Offered:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Fencing
- General “Sports Camp”
- Swimming
- Hockey
Location: Carleton University (O-Train Line 2 accessible)
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees
Bilingual high-performance coaching in university facilities.
Registration: January 2026 Languages: French and English instruction available Focus: High-performance coaching with university athletes as counsellors
Location: University of Ottawa campus (O-Train Line 1, uOttawa Station)
Ottawa City Soccer Club
Specialized soccer development programs at various fields throughout the city. Check their website for registration details and locations.
Arts & Culture Camps
Arts camps culminate in Friday showcases for parents
Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG)
Professional art instruction in the heart of downtown.
2026 Session Weeks:
- Week of July 6
- Week of July 13
- Week of July 20
- And additional sessions through August
Registration Deadline: March 8, 2026 Cost: ~$325/week
Location: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge (downtown, near Rideau Centre)
Ottawa School of Art
Two locations offering hands-on studio art experiences.
Locations:
- ByWard Market (35 George Street)
- Orleans
Programs:
- Ceramics
- Printmaking
- Drawing and painting
- Mixed media
For more arts experiences in the Market area, see our ByWard Market guide.
Nature & Overnight Camps
Nature camps utilize Ottawa’s rivers and Greenbelt for outdoor education
YMCA Camp Otonabee
A day camp with an “overnight feel” located in Dunrobin, about 30 minutes from downtown.
Registration: January 15, 2026 Transportation: Bus pick-up from designated city locations (Pinecrest, St. Laurent)
Activities:
- High ropes course
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Archery
- Swimming
- Nature exploration
What Makes It Special: Kids get the outdoor adventure experience without parents needing to coordinate transportation.
Traditional Overnight Camps
For families seeking multi-day wilderness experiences:
Camp Davern: ~1 hour from Ottawa, traditional overnight format Camp Smitty: Overnight camp with swimming, canoeing, campfires
What to Expect at Camp
Most camps run 9 AM - 4 PM with optional extended care
Daily Schedule
Standard Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Mornings: Skill-building activities (tennis drills, coding lessons, swimming instruction)
- Afternoons: Free swim, group games, creative time
Extended Care: 7:30/8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Additional cost: $40-60/week
- Essential for working parents
Lunch & Snacks
Most camps require:
- Litterless packed lunches (no single-use plastics)
- Nut-free due to allergy policies
- Refillable water bottle
Some university camps offer cafeteria meal plans for additional fees.
Dress Code
- Camp t-shirt: Often provided for identification during field trips
- Closed-toe shoes: Runners mandatory for safety
- Sun protection: Hats and sunscreen strictly enforced
- Swimsuit and towel: For camps with swimming
End-of-Week Showcases
Arts camps (OAG, GNAG, Dovercourt) typically conclude with Friday afternoon performances or vernissages where parents can see their children’s work.
Pricing Guide
| Camp Type | Weekly Cost | Extended Care |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal (City of Ottawa) | $180-250 | +$40-60 |
| Community (GNAG, Dovercourt) | $200-300 | +$40-60 |
| University/Museum | $325-410 | Often included |
| Private/Specialized | $400-600+ | Varies |
| Nature/Overnight | $400-700+ | N/A |
All prices in CAD
Financial Assistance
Many camps offer subsidies for families in need:
- City of Ottawa: Fee assistance programs available
- YMCA: Financial assistance based on income
- Christie Lake Kids: Free camps for disadvantaged youth
Age Groups and Programs
| Age Group | Typical Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5 years | Kinder/Pre-K | Often half-day; specialized ratios |
| 6-9 years | Junior | Full-day with structured activities |
| 10-13 years | Senior/Tween | More advanced programming |
| 14-16 years | LIT/CIT | Leadership-in-Training; counsellor prep |
LIT/CIT Programs: Teens learn leadership skills while assisting with younger campers. These programs often lead to employment as junior counsellors the following summer.
Tips for First-Timers
The Registration Night Sprint
For City of Ottawa and popular camps (Dovercourt, Camp Otonabee), spots fill in minutes, not hours.
Preparation Checklist:
- Create your family account on the registration portal (ottawa.ca/recreation or Amilia) days before registration opens
- Save credit card details in advance
- Write down the 5-6 digit “Barcode” or “Course ID” for desired camps
- On registration night, punch in codes directly rather than searching by name
- Have backup options ready
Extended Care Considerations
If you work 9-5, verify extended care availability before falling in love with a program. Some specialized camps end strictly at 3:30 PM with no after-care option.
Waitlists Work
Plans change throughout spring. If you don’t get a spot:
- Join the waitlist immediately
- Check regularly for openings
- Movement is common in May and June as families adjust vacation plans
Camp Combo Strategies
Many families register for different types of camps across the summer:
- Week 1-2: Sports camp (active start to summer)
- Week 3-4: STEM camp (learning focus)
- Week 5-6: Arts or general camp (creative exploration)
- Week 7-8: Nature camp (outdoor adventure finale)
Related Programs
March Break Camps (March 16-20, 2026)
A mini-version of summer camp during the school break. Registration typically opens in January.
Providers:
- City of Ottawa
- Dovercourt Recreation
- YMCA
- Ingenium Museums
PA Day Camps
Single-day camps during Professional Activity days when schools are closed. Run by:
- City of Ottawa
- YMCA
- Dovercourt
School’s Out Camps
“Gap Week” camps in late June if school ends before July 1st. Check with individual providers.
FAQ
When does summer camp registration open in Ottawa?
Private and university camps begin registration in January 2026 (Carleton on Jan 13, YMCA on Jan 15). City of Ottawa municipal camps open for viewing February 4, with registration in late February. Popular camps fill within minutes of opening.
How much do summer camps cost in Ottawa?
Municipal camps cost $180-250/week. University and museum camps run $325-410/week. Private and specialized camps range from $400-600+/week. Extended care typically adds $40-60/week.
What ages can attend summer camps in Ottawa?
Most camps serve ages 4-17. Programs are divided into Kinder (4-5), Junior (6-9), Senior (10-13), and LIT/CIT leadership programs (14-16). Some specialized camps have narrower age ranges.
What time do summer camps run?
Standard hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Extended care is available at most camps from 7:30/8:00 AM to 5:30 PM for an additional $40-60/week.
Are there STEM camps in Ottawa?
Yes. Ingenium Museums (Science & Tech, Agriculture, Aviation) offer STEM camps. Virtual Ventures at Carleton specializes in engineering and coding. STEM Camp operates in Nepean, Orleans, and Kanata with themes like Minecraft Coding and LEGO Engineering.
What should my child bring to camp?
Most camps require closed-toe shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and a nut-free litterless lunch. Camps with swimming require swimsuit and towel. Some camps provide t-shirts for identification.
Are Ottawa camps bilingual?
Many Ottawa camps offer French and English instruction, including City of Ottawa programs and uOttawa Gee-Gees camps. Check individual programs for language options.
Is there transportation to summer camps?
Some camps like YMCA Camp Otonabee provide bus pick-up from city locations (Pinecrest, St. Laurent). University camps are accessible via O-Train Lines 1 and 2.
What if I can’t get a spot in my preferred camp?
Join the waitlist immediately. Movement is common in May and June as families adjust vacation plans. Have backup options ready during registration.
Are there financial assistance programs for camps?
Yes. City of Ottawa offers fee assistance. YMCA provides income-based financial assistance. Christie Lake Kids offers free camps for disadvantaged youth, continuing a tradition since 1922.
Camp History in Ottawa
Ottawa has a deep history of summer camping, driven by its geography and community initiatives.
1920s Origins:
- Camp Fortune began as a ski club in 1920, evolving into a year-round recreational hub
- Christie Lake Kids founded in 1922 by Judge John F. McKinley to provide disadvantaged youth with outdoor experiences
1930s-40s Expansion:
- Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa founded in 1935
- Camp Davern (originally YMCA, now private) established in 1946
Modern Era: Focus shifted to specialized day camps, with universities and museums becoming major STEM providers, reflecting Ottawa’s growth as Canada’s technology capital.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s summer camp landscape offers something for every child, every interest, and every budget—from $180/week municipal programs to specialized university STEM experiences. The key is preparation: understand registration timelines, create portal accounts in advance, and have backup options ready.
The registration scramble in January and February can feel stressful, but the payoff is a summer of growth, friendship, and adventure for your children. Whether they’re building robots at Ingenium, perfecting their backstroke at a City pool, or paddling canoes at Camp Otonabee, Ottawa’s camps provide experiences that shape childhoods.
Mark your calendars, prep your registration accounts, and may the barcode be with you.
Sources: City of Ottawa Recreation, Carleton University Ravens, YMCA Camp Otonabee, Ingenium Museums, Ottawa Art Gallery, Dovercourt Recreation Centre, GNAG.
