Toronto: March Break in the Urban Wild

*Please note this course is now FULL. If you would like to join our waitlist, please click here.

Get ready for an exciting adventure in your own urban backyard this March Break! Join us at Don Valley Brick Works Park in Toronto to explore ponds, hike in nature, learn camping skills, cook outdoors, build shelters, and have lots of fun with teamwork exercises.

You’ll spend most of the day outside exploring the nature around you. Our instructors will help you improve your camping skills, become a better hiker, build fires and shelters to stay warm in the winter, and end the week with a challenging high ropes adventure to show off your skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a local conservation project that will give you a broader perspective on the ecological challenges of the region.

The program will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) at the Don Valley Brick Works Park, which is accessible by car, public transportation, walking or biking. Participants should bring their own lunch and be prepared to be outside all day. If necessary, you’re welcome to borrow our equipment, such as waterproof pants and hats.

Area and activities

For a century, Don Valley Brick Works Park was the site of a major brick manufacturer and supplier of buildings throughout Toronto. That changed in 1989 when the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) acquired the site and began restoration work with the City of Toronto in 1995. This involved creating a series of wetlands that provide habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife, and channelling water from nearby Mud Creek through the wetland to filter it naturally before it flows into the Don River and eventually Lake Ontario.

Today, the 200-hectares of wetlands, meadows and forest plant communities create a variety of ecosystem types that provide the ideal setting for Outward Bound Canada’s urban programs, where participants can hike the many nature trails and perfect their outdoor skills surrounded by nature in this special area – all within 10 minutes of downtown Toronto and accessible by car, public transit, foot or bike.