YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y Outdoor Centre
Your Adventure Starts Here! Unplug, Explore & Connect in the Heart of Nature.
For 100 years, YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y has been a place where adventure meets personal growth. Nestled on 77 acres of breathtaking wilderness along the shores of Paradise Lake — just minutes from Waterloo — we offer a space where teams bond, students discover, and communities come together.
Reconnect with the earth. Unleash adventure. Spark creativity.
Next Steps: How to Book
Book Your Experience Today!
Ready to experience YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y Outdoor Centre? Whether you’re planning a retreat, an adventure, or a school program, booking is easy!
Step 1: Explore our programs and decide what’s best for your group.
Step 2: Contact us to check availability and discuss your needs.
Step 3: Secure your booking and get ready for adventure!
Have specific needs? Our team is happy to discuss custom experiences, accessibility, and special requests to make your visit exceptional.
Your adventure is waiting — book today!
School Programs & Educational Experiences
Outdoor Education & Leadership for Students.
Perfect for: Elementary & High Schools, Universities, Student Leadership Programs.
Have you ever watched a student’s confidence soar as they conquer a high ropes challenge? Seen a classroom come alive while learning survival skills in the forest? Witnessed the magic of hands-on environmental education under the open sky?
Day & Overnight options available. Contact us for pricing and custom packages. Watch the video below or contact us now to see how we can accommodate your group!
Adventure-Based Learning
Activities like high ropes, orienteering, and cooperative games teach teamwork and problem-solving.
Wilderness & Environmental Education
Interpretive nature hikes, land stewardship, and outdoor survival skills.
Leadership Development
Student councils, LIT (Leader-in-Training) programs, and school leadership retreats.
Relationship & Community Building
519-699-5100
Corporate & Professional Retreats
Elevate Your Team’s Potential.
Perfect for: Corporate groups, conferences, leadership teams, work retreats.
Have you ever hosted a meeting from a canoe? Brainstormed strategy on a stand-up paddleboard? Built trust 40 feet in the air? Pitched ideas around a campfire?
At Ki-Wa-Y, nature is your boardroom, classroom, and playground. Whether you're leading a corporate retreat, strengthening a team, igniting young minds, or seeking a restorative getaway, we create meaningful experiences tailored to your group.
Workshops & Strategic Planning
Conduct meetings in inspiring spaces, from scenic lodges to a canoe on Paradise Lake.
Outdoor Adventures for Teams
Strengthen collaboration through high ropes, low ropes, canoeing, hiking, archery, and problem-solving challenges.
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Meeting & Event
Spaces
Professional facilities with catered meals and full amenities.
Whether your group would like to book for a half-day, full-day, or overnight options our team can support you. There are also customizable packages based on group size and goals available.
Contact us today to learn more!
519-699-5100
Community Gatherings & Special Events
Spaces for Groups, Celebrations & Unforgettable Moments.
Perfect for: Faith groups, sports teams, family reunions, AGMs, holiday gatherings, creative & performing arts group, and more!
Have you ever celebrated a milestone with a lakeside bonfire? Led a church retreat where reflection happens under towering pines? Rehearsed a performance in an outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by nature’s perfect acoustics?
If you are looking for the perfect place to slow down, bond, and create lasting memories we have a spot for you! Whether you're planning a team retreat, a special celebration, or a weekend of creativity, our nature-filled setting offers something for everyone.
Make space for what matters — join us in the great outdoors. Contact us to design a program that works for your group!
Retreats & Reflection
Connect in a peaceful, nature-filled setting, away from daily distractions.
Creative & Performing Arts Gatherings
Host concerts, rehearsals, dance groups, and creative workshops in a natural setting.
Team & Community Bonding
Engage in campfires, outdoor challenges, and adventure-based team-building activities.
Off-the-Grid & Unplugged Experiences
A chance to reconnect with people, not screens.
519-699-5100
Women's Weekend & Holiday Bookings
Women's Weekend
A restorative weekend just for you.
October 2 – 4, 2026 | Registration is Now Open.
$415 per person | 2 nights all-inclusive.
Looking to pause, reconnect, and breathe a little deeper? Our Women's Weekend Getaway is a retreat into nature for female-identifying individuals who need a break that actually feels like a break.
Your weekend includes:
✔ 2 nights in cozy shared cabins
✔ 5 delicious meals plus snacks and hot beverages
✔ Guided wellness sessions, creative workshops & camp activities
✔ Quiet forest trails, campfire circles, and lakeside moments
✔ An inclusive space that welcomes you as you are
Enjoy quiet moments in nature, connect with others around the campfire, or try something new. This weekend is thoughtfully designed to help you reset, recharge, and rediscover your spark — without the price tag of a luxury spa or resort.
Space is limited register early to reserve your spot.
519-699-5100
Holiday Bookings
Trade the banquet hall for the forest.
Holiday bookings now open at YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y
This holiday season, gather around the table, reconnect by the campfire, and celebrate surrounded by the natural beauty of YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y.
Nestled on Paradise Lake in Waterloo Region, our Outdoor Centre offers a unique setting for holiday lunches, volunteer appreciation events, staff celebrations, family gatherings, and community get-togethers.
Snow-covered trails, fresh air, a warm meal, and time together. Sometimes the best holiday memories are the simplest ones.
Choose Your Holiday Experience:
Gather
$500
Bring your own meal and make the space your own.
Includes:
✔ A scenic lakeside venue
✔ Seating for up to 80 guests
✔ Six hours to celebrate and connect
✔ Enjoy our trails and outdoor spaces
✔ Tables, linens, and setup included
✔ On-site staff support
Gather + Feast
$65/person
Leave the cooking to us and enjoy a catered holiday meal with your group.
Includes:
✔ Everything included in Gather
✔ Thoughtfully prepared menu with dietary options available
15-guest minimum
Make it a holiday to remember!
Skip the stress and celebrate in a place that feels like a retreat. Availability is limited — contact us today to reserve your date.
519-699-5100
READY TO BOOK?
Submit a booking inquiry using the link below or reach out to one of our staff members to get started on your next adventure today!
519-699-5100
Let’s plan an unforgettable experience in nature — tailored for your group!
