Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach us at (705) 645-4963. Visit our contact page for more contact information.

You can reach us by mail at:

Camp Big Canoe, 1012 Sherwood Forest Road, Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1X3

For more contact information, visit our contact page.

Vaccinations

• Camp Big Canoe continues to follow guidelines and advisories set by the provincial government and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit in regards to vaccination status and participation in overnight camp activities. 
• While there have been recent changes to safety measures, such as the capacity limits for indoor spaces and proof of vaccination to enter businesses, we as a camp are committed to operating in a manner that is consistent with the latest safety guidelines for COVID-19.
• Vaccination requirements are subject to change prior to the start of the camp season. As always, the medical form will require immunization dates, the COVID-19 vaccine will be included this year. Additional information will be provided well in advance of the camp season.

Please call camp and talk with one of the directing team about any of your concerns. If there is a need for your child to speak with you we will call you.

No! Camp Big Canoe offers your child an experience different from what they do at home. At home they do things that they ordinarily do… talking on their cell phones, texting, playing on their computers & tablets, playing video games, etc. At camp, they experience the extraordinary… wide open spaces, the natural beauty, campfires, swimming, canoeing, play, the list goes on!

More than 75% of our staff members have been campers at Big Canoe and most of them have participated in our Outdoor Skills and Leaders-In-Training programs.

We meet the United Church Camp Standards and the Ontario Camps Association Standards. We are also a member of the Ontario Recreational Canoeing & Kayaking Association.

Camp Big Canoe is a proud and accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association, whose stringent standards govern our camp operations.

Camp Big Canoe has annual inspections by the Ministry of Health and the Fire Marshall.

Our pure water comes from a 690’ well, is filtered, goes through a UV lamp purification system and is tested daily. Water samples are tested off-site as required and our water distribution system meets the requirements of the Ministry of Environment.

Our campers are assigned to a unit of up to 7 campers. Each unit has at least 2 staff assigned to it, so there is 1 staff member for every 3 campers. In addition to this we have a full staff of nearly 40 for up to 100 campers.

13% HST is applicable on all fees including the camper fee and the bus fee.

Yes! This request can be made when you register, or by contacting us. We cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate all requests, however we do try our best to do so. 

Yes! 

A $100.00 Early Bird discount applies if fully paid registration fee is received by January 15 (for 2021 only; normally this date is November 15). For one week camps the Early Bird discount is $60.00. There is no Early Bird discount for Pee Wee camp. 

The discount is automatically applied when registering. If full payment is not received by January 15, the discount is reversed.

Yes!

Your 1st child is full fee, a 2nd child receives a $200.00 discount; and a 3rd child receives a $400.00 discount. Additional children are full fee.

This discount does not apply to PeeWee Camp.

Should in-person camp programs be cancelled due to the pandemic, a full refund will be given.

The registration form must be accompanied by a deposit of $250 per session and postdated payment(s) for the balance completed no later than May 15.

Prior to May 15, there is a $50 cancellation fee.

After May 15, the $250.00 deposit is not returnable.

In the case of withdrawal during camp on a physician’s order, two-thirds of the fee for the unexpired term will be refunded.

No refund will be made for dismissals due to disciplinary action, late arrivals or early departures.

With registration. 

The information you provide on the health form helps us plan meals, program and staff training… and helps us provide the full camp experience parents expect from us.

Written directions to camp can be found below. You can check out our Maps & Directions page for online map details and more information.

From the Toronto and west side of Toronto:

1. Highway 400 north from Toronto to Barrie
2. Highway 11 from Barrie towards Orillia, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge
3. Take the 2nd exit to Bracebridge, which is Exit #37 Cedar Lane
4. Turn right onto Cedar Lane towards Bracebridge
5. Follow Cedar Lane for approximately 2 minutes, then turn right onto Fraserburg Road (County Road 14)
6. Follow Fraserburg Road for 14.5 km
7. Turn right onto Sherwood Forest Road
8. Turn right into the Camp lane at 1012 Sherwood Forest Road

From the east side of Toronto:

1. Highway 12 north from Whitby about 75 minutes to just north of Brechin
2. Just north of Brechin turn right on County Road 169 to Washago, Gravenhurst
3. After Washago, turn left onto Highway 11 north towards Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville
4. Take the 2nd exit to Bracebridge, which is Exit #37 Cedar Lane
5. Turn right onto Cedar Lane towards Bracebridge
6. Follow Cedar Lane for approximately 2 minutes, then turn right onto Fraserburg Road (County Road 14)
7. Follow Fraserburg Road for 14.5 km
8. Turn right onto Sherwood Forest Road
9. Turn right into the Camp lane at 1012 Sherwood Forest Road

From North of Bracebridge:

1. Coming south on Highway 11 take Taylor Road – turn right to Bracebridge
2. At the round-about, follow it to Cedar Lane south
3. Continue on Cedar Lane for about 2.3 km
4. Turn left onto Fraserburg Road (County Road 14) – just seconds past the OPP station
5. Follow Fraserburg Road for 14.5 km
6. Turn right onto Sherwood Forest Rd
7. Turn right into the Camp lane at 1012 Sherwood Forest Road

Visit our Getting to Camp page for detailed times for each session.

New Hope United Church Vaughn Mills Mall – directions