Camps & Recreation
For many children with disabilities, camp is the first place they're just a kid — not a patient, not a problem, not the child who needs extra help. For parents, it's often the first real break they've had in years. Many programs are free or heavily subsidized.
National Camp Programs
Easter Seals Camps
Residential and day camps across Canada for children, youth, and adults. Subsidized / income-based — no child turned away for cost.
easterseals.caSpecial Olympics Programs
Year-round sports programs and competitions for all ages (2+). Always free.
specialolympics.caCanadian Paralympic Committee
Adaptive sports introduction programs for youth and adults.
paralympic.caTim Hortons Foundation Camps
Multi-year youth development camps for ages 12–16. Fully funded.
timscamps.comProvincial Camp Highlights
- Ontario: Easter Seals camps (Merrywood, Woodeden), Holland Bloorview summer programs, Autism Ontario camp programs, CNIB Lake Joseph Camp, Camp Oochigeas, Camp Awakening
- British Columbia: Easter Seals BC (Camp Squamish), BC Blind Sports, Canuck Place children's hospice programs
- Alberta: Easter Seals Alberta (Camp Horizon), Camp He Ho Ha (all disabilities), Alberta Blind Sports
- Every province has Easter Seals and Special Olympics chapters
- Many condition-specific organizations run regional camps
- Children's treatment centres often run summer programs
Adaptive Sports & Recreation (Year-Round)
Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Available in most major cities across Canada
Sledge Hockey (Hockey Canada / Paralympic)
Available in most provinces
Goalball (Canadian Blind Sports)
National availability
Boccia Canada
National availability
CanTRA Certified Therapeutic Riding Centres
Horseback riding programs — rural and suburban locations nationally
Canadian Adaptive Snowsports
Adaptive skiing in BC, AB, ON, QC
Achilles Canada
Guide runners in Toronto, Vancouver, and other cities
Special Olympics Unified Sports
Disabled and non-disabled athletes playing together — national
What Families Should Know
- Many camps are free or heavily subsidized — cost should never be a barrier.
- Easter Seals camps have financial assistance — no child is turned away for cost.
- Special Olympics programs are always free.
- Provincial respite funding can sometimes be used to pay for camp.
- Both integrated and disability-specific camps have value — families should choose based on the individual's needs.
- Ask about 1:1 support ratios for individuals needing high support.
- Medical camps (epilepsy, diabetes, etc.) have nurses and medical staff on-site.
- Day camp options exist for those not ready for overnight stays.
- Camp staff are trained to handle medications, seizures, feeding, and mobility needs.
- Many camps have sibling sessions too.
More Family Support
Respite Care
Temporary relief for primary caregivers. Most provinces fund respite care — most families don't know.
Sibling Support
Siblings of people with disabilities are often the most overlooked members of the family.
Parent Support Programs
Connect with other parents who understand. Provincial networks, dad-specific support, and couples resources.
Equipment & Devices
Free lending libraries, provincial assistive device programs, and funding sources for equipment.
Future Planning
Henson Trusts, wills, guardianship, Letter of Intent — planning for when caregivers can no longer provide care.
Companion & Befriending Programs
Volunteer-based programs that provide social connection and friendship for people with disabilities.
¿Conoce un servicio que deberíamos incluir?
Este directorio crece porque personas de la comunidad nos ayudan a encontrar lo que hemos pasado por alto. Cuéntenos sobre organizaciones, programas o servicios en todo Canadá.