Activities & Amenities
Whether you’re here for a day or an overnight stay, the YMCA Outdoor Centre is where connection, adventure, and discovery come to life.
Activities: Soar through the trees on a high ropes course, paddle across a quiet lake, or explore forest trails with your group. Whether you're after outdoor education or bold recreation, our experiences are built to challenge, engage, and inspire.
Accommodations: Settle into rustic, cozy cabins that bring your group together. With options for all-gender spaces, dedicated chaperone areas, and access to nearby washhouses, your group will rest comfortably and feel right at home.
What to Expect: From shared meals in the dining hall to quiet evenings by the fire, the rhythm of camp brings people together. It’s about community, reflection, and moments that matter — supported by trained staff and surrounded by nature.
Explore more below to see how we can help create a meaningful, memorable visit for your group.
Activities
Unleash your inner explorer.
Climb, paddle, trek, and discover—the outdoors is your playground. Whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking challenges or immersive nature experiences, our wide range of year-round activities has something for everyone.
What's waiting for you:
Accommodations
Your home in the wilderness.
Stay cozy, connect with your group, and recharge for the next adventure. Our accommodations and meeting spaces blend rustic charm with modern convenience, ensuring comfort while keeping you immersed in nature.
Whether you're staying for a weekend or just the day, we have a space for you!
Overnight Accommodations
Black Walnut Ridge
Capacity: 40
Black Walnut Ridge consists of two identical double cabins, each featuring three adjoining rooms with bunk beds.
These winterized cabins have a bright knotty pine finish, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A washhouse with toilets, sinks, and showers is conveniently located adjacent to the cabins.
The Burrows
Capacity: 56
Built into the north side of a hill, The Burrows offers natural climate control, staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This unique accommodation features a spacious common area with a masonry fireplace and stunning views of a wildlife-rich marsh. Composting toilets, sinks, and showers are located within the building for easy access.
Straw Bale Cabins
Capacity: 50
Experience a sustainable stay in our Straw Bale Cabins, where thick straw insulation keeps the space warm in winter and cool in summer.
Each of the five cabins sleeps 12 guests and includes an in-cabin composting toilet. A nearby washhouse provides additional toilets, sinks, and showers for convenience.
Meeting & Program Spaces
Dining Hall
Capacity: 100
Overlooking beautiful Paradise Lake, our spacious dining hall provides a bright and welcoming atmosphere for meals, meetings, and programming.
The space comfortably seats up to 100 guests and serves as a central gathering area for groups.
Solarium Day Centre
Capacity: 60
This unique facility harnesses passive solar heat in winter and an earth-cooled ventilation system in summer. The spacious main room is ideal for meetings and indoor activities, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Located next to the lush greenery of our living machine, this space is both functional and inspiring.
Program Pod
Capacity: 30
The Program Pod is a bright, rustic space featuring wall-to-wall windows and natural pine finishes.
A soapstone radiant heat fireplace keeps the space warm on colder days, creating a cozy environment for meetings and activities. The building is equipped with two bathrooms with composting toilets.
Meals
Delicious and nutritious meals are prepared in our kitchen facilities. Dietary requirements (gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, halal) can be accommodated with advance notice. In true camp style, meals are served either family style or buffet.
Coffee, tea, and water are available and replenished throughout the day. Snacks are also provided during predetermined break times.
Groups are welcome to bring their own bagged (nut-free) lunches during day visits as an alternative to our prepared meals.
What to Expect
Getting the most out of your visit.
At YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y Outdoor Centre, we want your experience to be comfortable, inclusive, and accessible while embracing the outdoor adventure that makes our space so special. Here’s what to expect and how we support you during your visit.
Comfort & Accommodation
Rustic Living, Naturally Cooled Spaces: Our buildings are engineered to harness natural airflow, keeping spaces comfortable, but not all buildings are air-conditioned. Dress appropriately for the season and embrace the fresh air!
Prayer & Reflection Spaces: We provide quiet, dedicated spaces for prayer and personal reflection.
Dietary Needs: Our dining team accommodates gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and other dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Challenge by Choice Philosophy: Whether climbing, paddling, or participating in team-building, every activity is designed so you can engage at your own comfort level—no pressure, just encouragement.
Accessibility & Terrain
With 77 acres of forest, fields, and lakefront, terrain conditions vary and may include mud, snow, uneven paths, and hills. We offer supportive options to help all guests navigate the property.
All-Terrain Support: Our team assists with transporting guests and belongings via all-terrain vehicles when needed.
Wheelchair Accessibility: We can connect visitors with all-terrain wheelchairs to make outdoor exploration easier.
If you have mobility concerns, please reach out before your visit so we can provide the best support possible.
Power, Wi-Fi & Off-the-Grid Moments
Embrace the best of both worlds—connect when needed and unplug when possible.
Unplug & Recharge Differently: While Wi-Fi is available in select areas, the camp experience is about immersing yourself in nature—not instant downloads and full connectivity.
Power Access: Available in key buildings. If you need power for medical devices or charging stations, let us know in advance.
Unplugged & Screen-Free Options: Many guests choose to disconnect from technology and fully immerse themselves in nature.
Weather & Outdoor Preparedness
At camp, we embrace all seasons and all types of weather—rain or shine, adventure awaits!
Be Prepared for Outdoor Living:
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Dress in layers for changing temperatures.
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Bring waterproof footwear—mud is part of the experience!
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Expect sun, rain, and everything in between—we plan activities accordingly.
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Bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen for sunny days.
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Be ready for active movement—hiking, climbing, paddling, or just enjoying the fresh air!
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!