This is a unique opportunity for participants to develop leadership skills, enjoy the beauty of Pine Crest, and discover extended out-tripping. 

The program begins with one week of engaging in skill and leadership development and fun cabin activities at Pine Crest! During the week, the group will go on a one-night hiking trip to one of our back-lakes sites. Then, they travel to Algonquin Provincial Park for nine days to develop their flat-water canoeing and portaging skills. Finally, the group returns to Pine Crest for a week and a half of on-site cabin programming and leadership placements.

Skill level: Beginner. Some experience with canoe tripping is recommended. 

What to expect: Four- to six-hour paddling days, some long portages and big lake paddling, nice and well-established campsites.

Date: Girls: June 29–July 25, 2025; Boys: August 3–29, 2025  

Fee: $5,845

Our Coulonge adventure program introduces extended tripping and gives participants time at Pine Crest to enjoy traditional camp programming. 

The program begins with one week at camp, where participants engage in skill and program development. From there, the group travels to western Quebec and spends 16 days paddling 250km on the Coulonge River, where they are introduced to white water paddling and portaging skills. Participants will be amazed by the beautiful Chute du Diable and sandy cliffs. They return to Pine Crest for a final week of leadership placements and development. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender.

Skill level: Intermediate Some experience with canoe tripping is recommended. Experience with white water paddling is not required. Must be a confident swimmer. 

What to expect: Six- to eight-hour paddling days, fun and simple white water, some portaging. 

Date: August 3–29, 2025 

Fee: $6,300

Participants will explore the incredible beauty of Waaseyaagami-wiikwed (Georgian Bay). It’s home to one of the world’s largest freshwater archipelagos, with spectacular views and clear, crisp waters to play in.days on the trip and paddle approximately 115km. Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations both on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. Participants will only be at Pine Crest for three nights — two nights before and one night after the trip. 

Skill level: Beginner. Some experience with overnight camping is recommended, experience with kayaking is not required. 

What to expect: Four- to six-hour paddling days, early mornings, wind and waves on Georgian Bay, no portages

Date: August 3–15, 2025 

Fee: $3,200

Named for the dark colour of the water, the Noire River is an amazing introduction to extended canoe tripping and white water paddling and a great place to build your leadership skills. 

Over nine days on the river, you will paddle almost 50 rapids and complete a few portages. You may also get to build the sandcastle of your dreams because this river has many beach campsites! 

Participants will only be at Pine Crest for three nights — two nights before and one night after the trip. Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations both on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Intermediate. Some experience with canoe tripping is recommended, experience with white water paddling is not required. Must be a confident swimmer. 

What to expect: Five- to seven-hours paddling days, fun white water, some portages. 

Date: August 10–22, 2025

Fee: $3,200

In Algonquin, Petawawa means “where one hears the noise of the water.” The Petawawa River flows through Algonquin Provincial Park’s north end. 

After one week at Camp Pine Crest, preparing for the trip and honing leadership skills, the group will leave for 14 days on the river. The first half of the trip will mostly be flat-water paddling and portaging through the western part of Algonquin Park. Upon reaching Cedar Lake, the white water paddling begins, and participants can hone their skills. 

This route has been travelled for generations. Evidence of early travelers can still be found in stunning petroglyphs on breathtaking cliff faces. The program culminates with a final week at camp, where participants will practice their leadership skills in placements and through stewardship. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Intermediate-Advanced Some experience with canoe tripping is strongly recommended, and white water paddling experience is ideal but not required. Must be a confident swimmer. 

What to expect: Six- to eight-hour paddling days, long portages, fun white water, and well-established campsites. 

Date: June 29–July 25, 2025 

Fee: $6,300

The Spanish River is in Northern Ontario and runs west of Sudbury. The Spanish River was once used as a main travel route for Canada’s First Nations between Lake Huron’s north shore and the James Bay watershed.

This trip will follow the river’s west branch from the town of Biscotasing to Agnew Lake, near Espanola, Ontario. Participants will paddle 165km in 10 days through some of the world’s largest red pine and white pine old-growth forests while learning about themselves and experiencing the challenges of white water paddling. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations both on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. Participants will be at YMCA Camp Pine Crest for two nights — one before and one after the trip. 

Skill level: Intermediate. Some experience with canoe tripping is recommended, experience with white water paddling is not required. Must be a confident swimmer. 

What to expect: Fun whitewater, five- to seven-hour paddling day, some portaging 

Date: June 29 –July 11, 2025 

Fee: $3,200

The Miskwewe Ziibi (Bloodvein River) offers exciting, high-volume white water experiences through untouched boreal wilderness. This stunning river is home to several rare and endangered species, such as the wolverine, osprey, bald eagle, and woodland caribou. It is also known for the ancient pictographs on the river’s rocky cliffs. 

Paddlers begin their travels in Red Lake, Ontario, where they will paddle 335km through a series of lakes, creeks, and portages to reach the river. Then, they journey through memorable white water to Lake Winnipeg. Participants will spend a few days at camp before the trip and a few days to reflect on their amazing month together.

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Intermediate-Advanced Experience with extended canoe tripping is suggested. Experience white water paddling is ideal but not required. Must be a confident swimmer.

What to expect: Six- to eight-hour paddling days, technical white water, daily portaging, long train rides, a day in Winnipeg. 

Dates: July 13–August 15, 2025 

Fee: $7,700

The DuChef and Ashuapmushuan rivers provide fun white water, fast currents, and challenging days — perfect for the LIT year. On this trip, participants work on leadership skills, learn about themselves, and have a greater respect for the original stewards of the land who have protected this river from development. 

Participants begin with a few days at Camp Pine Crest to pack and prepare for 22 days on the water. The group then travels 12 hours north to the Rivière à la Perche in central Quebec for a challenging start to the program with upriver paddling, lining boats up rapids, and bushwhacking. Once they reach Lac File Axe, they start the DuChef with fun, long white water and camping on sandy shores. The group will finish their journey in Saint-Félicien, Quebec, before returning to camp to focus on placements and stewardship opportunities around the camp community. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Intermediate-Advanced Some experience with extended canoe tripping is recommended. Must be a confident swimmer. 

What to expect: Six- to eight-hour paddling days, bushwhacking, walking up rapids, white water with big waves, and unestablished campsites. 

Dates: June 29–August 1, 2025

Fee: $7,700

This program is ideal for participants who want to split their time between an extended white water trip and camp programming at Pine Crest. 

The program begins with one week at camp before participants travel to the Dumoine River in western Quebec for a 250km, two-week iconic white water paddling experience. The route begins in the town of Kipawa, where the group will paddle a series of lakes and upriver on the Kipawa River. When they arrive at the Dumoine River, they will enjoy amazing technical paddling and experience the beauty of the Grande Chute waterfall and Bald Eagle Cliff. The group will return to Pine Crest for a final week of leadership development and reflection.

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Intermediate Experience with extended canoe tripping is suggested. Experience white water paddling is ideal but not required. Must be a confident swimmer. 

What to expect: Lake and upriver paddling for the first half of the trip, fun white water in the second half. 

Date: June 29–July 25, 2025; August 3–29, 2025 

Fee: $6,400

Quetico is an iconic wilderness park renowned for its rugged beauty, towering rock cliffs, majestic waterfalls, pine and spruce forests, and picturesque rivers and lakes. The remote area has over 2,000 lakes which are home to many different animals such as moose, porcupines, and bald eagles. Participants will explore this beautiful park for 19 days and get a chance to truly experience this world-famous paddling destination to its fullest. Participants will also have a few days at camp to prep for their trip and participate in other fun activities as well as a few days at camp when they get home to share stories and enhance their leadership skills by engaging in meaningful leadership programming. Please note this is an all-gendered program, accommodations both on trip and at camp will be all gender.  

Skill Level: Intermediate: Some experience with canoe tripping is recommended.

What to expect: Five- to seven-hour paddling days, big lake paddling, some challenging and unmaintained portages. 

Dates: June 29–July 25, 2025

Fee: $6.400 

The four-week Temagami program is ideal for participants who want to develop their leadership and flat-water tripping skills. It offers the perfect balance between paddling through the rugged wilderness of Temagami and enjoying the beauty of Camp Pine Crest. 

The program begins with one week of skill and leadership development at camp. Then, the group spends one week paddling and portaging through the epicentre of Canadian canoe culture, exploring beautiful lakes. From there, it’s on to the Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail for one week of hiking before returning to Pine Crest for a final week of development and reflection. 

Skill level: Beginner–Intermediate: Some experience with canoe tripping and hiking is recommended. 

What to expect: Five- to seven-hour paddling/hiking days, big lake paddling, some challenging and possibly unmaintained portages, well-maintained hiking trail. 

Date: Boys: June 29–July 25, 2025; Girls: August 3–29, 2025

Fee: $6,000

The four-week French River program is ideal for senior leadership participants who want to divide their time between a wilderness expedition and in-camp programming. 

Participants spend a week and a half at Camp Pine Crest for leadership development and skill building before going on an eight-day, 103km flat-water canoe trip through French River Provincial Park. During this expedition, they learn the skills needed to guide a successful canoe trip. When they return to camp, participants collaborate on programming and leadership initiatives and reflect on trip experiences at Pine Crest. 

Throughout the program, youth will participate in leadership placements by shadowing around camp, such as in cabins, the kitchen, on the maintenance team, or in OP. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Beginner. Some experience with canoe tripping is recommended. 

What to expect: Taking a leadership role at camp through placements, stewardship, and leading activities and taking a leadership role on the trip with long paddling days, portaging, and leadership activities at site. 

Dates: June 29–July 25, 2025; August 3–29, 2025 

Fee: $4,400

The Kisipikamawi River is Manitoba’s longest naturally flowing river. It begins in Lake Winnipeg and flows northeast to York Factory on Hudson Bay. York Factory was a hub for the fur trade for over 200 years, highlighting the key role the Kisipikamawi River had in connecting Hudson Bay to central Manitoba. 

The program begins at Camp Pine Crest, where participants spend a few days preparing for their journey. Then, they travel by train to Winnipeg and on to Northern Manitoba. Participants will paddle over 600km through northern boreal forests, muskeg lowlands, and tundra as they reach Hudson Bay. They may even spot caribou, eagles, and seals on their journey! 

When they return to Pine Crest, participants will have a few days to work on leadership skills, reflect on the beautiful trip, and show appreciation for what they learned during the program. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender

Skill level: Difficult. White water paddling experience and strong swimming abilities are required. (If you do not have experience paddling white water, check out our WW Clinic). Participants must understand scouting and know how to follow paddling lines, complete eddy turns, and swim confidently in moving water. 

What to expect: Seven to eight hours of paddling each day, Class I-III white water, lining boats, and some portages on rough terrain. 

Date: July 13–August 22, 2025 

Fees: $9,000

The Túoch’ee Deé Begaadée (pronouced Too-ho-chay-day and Bay-gah-day) is located in the Mackenzie Mountains in the North-West Territories, on the lands of the Sahtu-Dene. After spending a week at camp preparing for their trip, the group will fly to Norman Wells, NWT to finish organizing their food and gear. From here, they will take a bush plane to Túoch'ee Tué (O’Grady Lake) and begin their epic 33-day journey. 

Participants will enjoy 110km of chilly whitewater and thrilling canyons on the beautiful Túoch’ee Deé, before its confluence with the Begaadée. From here they will continue paddling 300km until the confluence with the Deh Cho (Mackenzie River). The group will continue paddling, stopping in Tulita to enjoy hiking the Bear Rock. They will continue to Norman Wells, spending a few days in town before flying back to camp. Participants can hope to encounter caribou, and Dall sheep. 

Participants’ time at camp will be spent reflecting on their magical arctic journey, sharing photos, and taking part in leadership opportunities around camp. 

Please note this trip is an all-gendered program, accommodations both on trip and at camp will be all-gender.

Skill level: Difficult. White water paddling experience and strong swimming abilities are required. Participants must understand scouting and how to follow paddling lines, complete eddy turns, and swim confidently in moving water. 

What to expect: Seven to eight hours of paddling each day, Class I-III whitewater, glacial rivers, cold weather, 24-hour daylight, and possibly some intense bugs.

Date: June 29–August 15, 2025 

Fees: $10,500

This 5-week Exchange program is ideal for Senior Leadership participants who wish to expand their leadership skills in an exciting new setting. Participants will spend their first few days at Pine Crest before departing for another YMCA Camp in Canada. In years past we have visited Camp Chief Hector, Camp Kanawana, Camp Elphinstone, and others. 

The location for Summer 2025 will be announced soon! The program focus is leadership development while creating connections with youth across Canada. Participants from Pine Crest and our exchange partner will get to go on two camping trips together, one here in Ontario and one near our exchange partners. To finish participants will spend some valuable time at Pine Crest to reflect on their experiences.

Date: July 13–August 15, 2025

Fee: $5,000

The white water skills clinic is a short and sweet program for anyone new to white water paddling or for folks looking to improve their skills. Participants are often surprised by how much fun they have and how much they learn. 

For one week on the Madawaska River, participants will learn about canoeing in rapids. Most of the time, they’ll paddle rapids, taking brief breaks to discuss rapids’ features, paddling strokes, white water rescue, and how to swim in white water. 

Participants will set up a home base camp on the first day of the clinic and spend the whole trip on the same campsite. The program will start and end at Pine Crest. 

Please note that this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Beginner 

What to expect: This is an introductory program, so white water paddling experience isn’t required. Participants should be able to swim 160m and tread water for two minutes. 

Date: June 29 –July 4, 2025 

Fee: $1,600

The Leadership White Water Skills Clinic is for participants registered for a leadership program who need white water paddling experience before a trip or who want to improve their skills and confidence before a longer trip. The clinic is short and sweet — participants are always surprised by how much fun they have and how much they learn. 

For one week on the Madawaska River, participants will learn about canoeing in rapids. Most of the time, they’ll paddle rapids, taking brief breaks to discuss rapids’ features, paddling strokes, white water rescue, and how to swim in white water.

Please note this trip is an all-gender program, and accommodations on the trip and at camp will be all-gender. 

Skill level: Beginner No white water paddling experience is required. 

What to expect: Participants should be able to swim 160m and tread water for two minutes.

Date: June 29–July 4, 2025 

Fee: $1,600