Ontario Wilderness
Leading with Confidence, Learning through Adventure

Area & activities

The course begins at Outward Bound Canada’s wilderness base in Kinark, ON, where you’ll meet your group, learn basic paddling techniques, and prepare to explore the rivers. You’ll spend the first part of the trip on the Dumoine River, then your group will return to the base to replenish supplies and head to the Petawawa River for the final part of the adventure.

As you explore these stunning rivers with your group, you’ll learn and improve paddling techniques and rescue methods, and gain valuable skills such as map reading and navigation, camping knowledge, Leave No Trace ethics, and the art of teamwork and leadership.

Don’t worry about gear: we have everything you need for the expedition, and you can also borrow personal items from our gear library if needed.

Learning Outcomes

Our expert instructors will guide you through unique challenges that require your group to work together to solve problems, reflect on your journey, and discuss how to apply your skills and what you’ve learned when you return home. The course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact in three key areas:

• Improved resilience – Improve your mental and physical health and learn how to overcome challenges to succeed.
• Better leadership and teamwork skills – Learn the skills you need to succeed in school, work and life by becoming more confident, cooperative and a respectful team member.

Stronger connection to nature – Develop a lifelong relationship with nature.

Is this course right for me?

This course is for students aged 16-18 and rated Level 3 for social-emotional challenge and Level 3 for physical challenge. Learn more about the levels of difficulty.

We recommend participants have some experience with paddling prior to registering for this program.

Watch the recording of our Ontario Wilderness summer information session.

Solo experience

One of the highlights of Outward Bound expeditions is participating in a solo camping experience in nature. On this course, you may have the opportunity to sleep alone for up to two nights in a remote location, where you’ll set up shelter and take time to reflect. You’ll have all the supplies you need to sleep safely and comfortably, and your instructors will be nearby to help you if needed and check on you regularly. 

The solo isn’t a wilderness survival challenge, but rather a supportive environment where you can take time for yourself away from the distractions of everyday life. While it may seem like a daunting challenge at first, it’s often the most impactful part of the course because you get an opportunity that few others will ever experience – to be in nature, in your own company.

Financial assistance

We believe everyone should have access to exploring nature. We offer full scholarships to help cover the cost of course fees, and the Youth Access Fund offers financial support for those unable to finance their Outward Bound Canada experience personally. Please visit the Financial Assistance page for more information and to apply.