Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Keeping everyone on our ships healthy, safe and enjoying their adventure has always been and continues to be vital to us. We expect our team to lead by example in upholding safety regulations and procedures. In addition to our regular protocols, we have implemented additional measures to address the current pandemic, including creating a "boating bubble" and a 19-day cycle for Fair Jeanne voyages. We will continue to monitor the situation to align with the current government protocols and will amend this as appropriate.
View recent COVID-19 updates from Tall Ships AdventureChoose the right programs and sessions for your child; Tall Ships Adventure currently has 0 program available; 4 TBD.
Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 15 - 18 Credit Courses, Sailing/Marine Skills
$3,800
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 12 - 14 Sailing/Marine Skills
$990
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 15 - 18 Adventure (multi), Leadership (multi)
$4,500
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Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 15 - 18 Travel, Sailing/Marine Skills
$3,000
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Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance | Yes |
Credit card payment | Yes |
Discounts
Discount for 2nd child | 20% |
Scholarships & awards:
Total annual scholarship fund: $20,000 CAD
Captain T.G. Fuller Bursary
Amount: 100% | Deadline: Rolling |
For many kids, camp is the only chance to really step outside of their comfort zones, whether that means getting caught in the rain, or speaking to a crowd, or simply engaging with others in a collaborative setting. At Bytown Brigantine, they’ll do all of that and sail tall ships with fully licensed youth crew on Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s as rustic as it is unique. “It’s not a cruise,” says Christy Griffin, the executive director. “You’re stepping aboard as a crew member.” There are lots of things to do, and everyone does them. At the same time, kids learn about the weather patterns, do chart work, even prep food in the galley. Hands-on all round, and unlike activities at other camps, there’s a sense of responsibility that runs through it all: the work of the ship needs to be done, and it’s the job of everyone on board to do it. It also isn’t for the faint of heart. Griffin recalls that one year there was a girl who was terrified of heights, and resistant to getting up into the rigging. Even so, the boat is its own world, with everyone leading by example, and within a few days, she was up there, too, getting the job done and loving it. They all do, even without their phones, and devices are only available to the kids while they are in port. Different sessions take different routes, including stops along the eastern seaboard of Canada and the U.S. In some instances, the boat takes part in festivals and events, at times along other tall ships and their crews. In port, the kids are the experts, representing the ship, its crew, and interpreting the experience aboard. For the right person, it’s an unforgettable life experience.
Visit camp's websiteThree Things: Tall Ships Adventure
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Tall Ships Adventure
I've been meaning to send a note to thank you again for everything you did for O. to attend the Black Jack Ship trip over the summer. He came home so excited and motivated. It was an amazing experience for him. He was f... Read More
I cannot say enough about this outstanding organization. This is one of the best learning environments we have been blessed to have J. be a part of. The leadership skills they learn amongst everything else are second to no... Read More
Thank you so much for an awesome summer! I loved it so much on the Black Jack. It was a thrilling experience learning how to sail. Black Jack was nothing like I had expected - it was a fun and engaging experience that cha... Read More
Location | Address | Pick up | Drop off |
All ports possible | 2700 Queensview Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada | 9:00 am | 8:00 pm |
Sleeping Accommodations
Amenities
Washrooms Facilities
More details about accommodations: You are on a tall ship! Campers (trainees) are assigned bunks or hammocks below deck. With a watch officer and good weather, they may sleep on deck. Swimming from the ship is always refreshing and the best means of keeping clean. Basic showers are available aboard Fair Jeanne and in some ports.
Are meals provided? Yes
Is Tall Ships Adventure technology free? Yes Trainees (campers) check in all devices with the Captain upon arrival at ship. They are welcome to use a phone during shore leave. This encourages growth and interpersonal development while aboard while ensuring devices are not lost to the depths of a river or lake.
Sports facilities
Landscape
More details about property: Your home aboard the 110-ft Fair Jeanne or the 87-foot Black Jack includes bunks, a galley where cook prepares your amazing food (want to help?), a boardroom, dining area and of course space on deck for learning, socializing and even sleeping on some nights. You are on a Tall Ship - imagine a pirate ship.
Offers children's birthday party packages: Yes
Book either ship on a weekend in June or September for a group sail. All participants must be ages 12+ as per Transport Canada regulation.
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Please contact us at 613-596-6258 or [email protected] to discuss camps and programs for June and September. We offer both single and multi-day sailing with a focus on teamwork and leadership skills through confidence-building activities.
Available for private rentals: Yes
Please contact us at 613-596-6258 or [email protected] to discuss camps and programs for June and September. We offer both single and multi-day sailing with a focus on teamwork and leadership skills through confidence-building activities.
We also offer voyages for ESL groups with a teacher aboard.
Leslie Turcotte, Executive Director
27 Years of Adventuring
Come Sail Away With Us!
Tall Ships Adventures changes lives, builds leadership skills and creates opportunities for young people to develop self-reliance through the medium of sailing. For more than 30 years, we have been an organization for youth run by youth. We believe that young people, with the right support, determination, practice, and resolve, can achieve the loftiest of goals and the highest of responsibilities, regardless of age. We create opportunities and challenge young people to stretch their self-concept and belief in the possible.
We operate under the firm belief that every youth is capable of greatness and is just waiting to unlock their potential. Year after year, we watch our trainees turn into crew capable of running and maintaining a ship while having the time of their lives.
So if your child is looking to find a place they belong, make lifelong friendships and live a grand adventure – all while learning new skills, developing resilience and self-confidence – then come sail with us! We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Leslie.
February 7, 2022
2022 Sailing Season Announced!
Island Hopping in the Thousand Islands and Bonjour Quebec! ... Read More
May 13, 2021
Learn How To Sail A Tall Ship - Day Adventure - First Time EVER!
Tall Ships Adventure, is a youth sail training camp run and lead by youth. For the first time we are offering a Day Adventure. ... Read More
January 27, 2020
Calling youth 12-14 for tall ship sailing
Ever thought YOU might be able to steer a tall ship? Take this chance to join the Black Jack crew sailing the 1000 Islands from Brockville... Read More
We sailed Fair Jeanne back to Brockville, and as the Black Jack crew were leaving and new trainees were joining, we took both the Whalers and headed back to McDonald Island to camp for the night. The banter between the two groups was great. We (Green Whaler) took a short cut through some tiny islands, however Red Whaler was waiting for us, armed with water balloons. After singing some sea shanties and fending off more water balloons we soon arrived at the island. Mr Kean asked Harper if she had any valuables in her pockets. She replied no, and was pushed in the water. War had begun!!
The next day we headed down to Kingston where we had shore leave. After a good look around it was Green Watch's turn to return to the boat and finish off sanding down the whaler masts, which we then varnished as well. The next film we watched that evening was Master and Commander, which we all enjoyed and then reflected on over the next few days. We headed off into the mouth of Lake Ontario the next day, which I was excited about as we weren't sheltered from the Islands anymore, so we would get some good wind which would allow us to get more sailing in and finally set the mainsail. At last!! All eight sails were set, the sun was shining, the winds were strong and I was having an amazing time.
We decided to anchor in a bay over night so in the morning we could set out on a long leg down to Toronto. Before we set off we had a happy hour clean-up and then the swim test. We had to swim around the boat eight times and then tread water for twenty minutes. To pass this time we sang our favourite sea shanties, Paddy Lay Back and Bound for South Australia. Most of us were pretty tired after this but wanted to wash as we wouldn't have opportunity for a couple of days, so I came up with the idea of putting our shampoo into the water (don't worry, they make you bring the biodegradable stuff) to save climbing back out. Many people laughed at this plan, but they soon saw sense and followed.
After heaving up the anchor we were off!! Toronto here we come! I went aloft to unfurl the course (2nd largest sail) which I was pleased about as I hadn't been aloft much and was still struggling climbing over the foretop (white platform on the foremast). It was another lovely day, so everyone was on deck throughout to work on logbooks, work on the English and Canadian accents, and learn more sea shanties. It was an odd feeling knowing you are on a lake, but not being able to see land on either side!
The Upper Ottawa Improvement Company - still flourishing - was founded about 100 years ago to deliver logs by water from the camps upstream to the mills of Ottawa and Hull. By the early 1900's the Company owned a small fleet of steamboats made up of everything of consequence on the river apart from private canoes, skiffs and tiny sailing craft. Old timers still remember with affection the sidewheeler G. B. Green which took passengers from Britannia Pier by way of Aylmer and intermediate landings to Quyon and the smaller Albert which paddled her way up river with local freight to return with a boom of logs in tow.
One observer of this scene, Tom Fuller - who is something of a Huckleberry Finn at heart - noticed a small and insignificant tug, the G. B. Pattee II, which was overlooked by all except small boys and river rats. The Pattee first came to his attention in the 1920's when camping with the Boy Scouts at Aylmer. Watching her passing, young Tom was astonished to see red-hot sparks from her funnel raining down to cause a small fire on the barge being towed astern. At the time he didn't think much of the Pattee and he would see many more ships, in far distant waters, before the years altered his perspective. By the time that the Second World War broke out, Tom Fuller had built and sailed many boats of his own at Britannia. With this background he fitted nicely into the RCNVR, popularly known as the "Wavy Navy", which flourished under the stimulus of war and earned an undying place in naval history.
After a spell on the Atlantic in armed merchant cruisers of the Royal Navy, he joined Coastal Forces, a branch of the service with a very plain name, which comprised motor torpedo boats and other high-speed craft which were constantly in action, at first in the English Channel and later in the Mediterranean. In April 1944, when Tito and his partisans were fighting for their lives in the mountains of Yugoslavia, a small German supply ship was sneaking along the Dalmatian coast on a dark night with supplies for the enemy garrisons.
Straining their eyes and nerves to seaward, and with all guns at the ready, the lookouts failed to sweep their glasses through the shadows of the hills inshore. Suddenly there was a roar from powerful engines, a bouncing crash alongside, and shouts in unfamiliar but understandable English "Don't open fire or we'll cut your throats!" This was the 61st Motor Gunboat Flotilla with British commando, under Lieutenant Commander T. G. Fuller as senior officer, which had been lying in wait for whatever might turn up.
It could have come from the pages of Hornblower - swift and spirited action with deadly intent - and inside nine minutes the boarders were in control, prisoners secured, and the entire group under way with the White Ensign of the Royal Navy aloft. Surprise had been complete and no casualties occurred on either side. When daylight came, Fuller had a chance to look around his prize. She turned out to be a lovely little brigantine which, although heavily armed and under power when captured, had been built at Trieste as the sail training ship Libeccio for the Italian Navy.
Returning to Ottawa after the war, with the Distinguished Service Cross and two bars, Tom Fuller settled down once more to sail at Britannia. One day in 1951 when cruising up the Ottawa River to Quyon, Fuller noticed a sad looking steel hull, obviously abandoned, leaning against a tree. It was the old Pattee from which engine and boiler had been removed together with much of the deck. Scuttering through damp leaves in the hold, possibilities were considered. It might just do for a houseboat, possibly with a mast, perhaps even with a sail. Then suddenly a vision of the pretty little Libeccio flashed back. Was it possible, could it be done?
The Upper Ottawa Improvement Company had no further use for the hull and Fuller bought it at scrap value and towed it home to Britannia. The certificate of registry showed that the G. B. Pattee II had been built at Quyon in 1904 to replace a previous tug of the same name (without numeral) which dated from 1882 and was named for one of the founding directors. So far, so good. But how did they build a steel hull, of conventional form, with round bilges and curved plates, at Quyon?
Obviously they could have done almost anything in wood but the furnacing of ship plates would have needed outside help and plant. Years later the riddle was solved. Although registered as built in Quyon, the vessel was assembled there from plates and angles prefabricated in Scotland. Not all Clydeside shipyards launched ocean liners. Many specialized in much smaller types and some, which never actually launched a ship, sent mail-order vessels, ranging from Nile passenger steamers to small barges, to all parts of the world. Once the plates and angles were erected in the yard, the whole thing was taken to pieces, painted red and green for port and starboard, numbered from forward to aft, and shipped to the buyer in boxes with bags of rivets and bolts.
Such a firm was Alley & Maclellan Ltd of Glasgow (long since defunct) which was situated amidst structural engineering plants more than a mile from the River Clyde. Their catalog shows tugs for service in Canada, strengthened for ice. One is clearly the embryo Pattee II. The first step in the conversion of Tom Fuller's derelict was to research the technicalities of masting and rigging. Following this preliminary and with the help of enthusiastic friends, the chrysalis of the tug was transformed into a brigantine yacht with clipper bow, a figurehead (female, undraped, and a story in itself) painted gun ports, and the elegant masts and yards of a square-rigger. The space formerly occupied by the original single cylinder steam engine and wood burning boiler (unlike the hull these were made in Montreal) became the saloon, and a hefty diesel engine was tucked away at the foot of the companionway. The name, suitably piratical to fit the legend, became Black Jack.
The Black Jack proved to be successful as a yacht which has given immense pleasure to the owner, his wife Jeanne and family, and to countless friends on the Ottawa River. This graceful brigantine is traditionally part of the summer scene on Lake Deschenes. Now a sail training vessel for kids aged 12 - 14, Black Jack still plies the upper Ottawa between Britannia Bay and Fitzroy Harbour, teaching leadership, teamwork, and sailing to Ottawa's youth.
Does Tall Ships Adventure have good reviews?
We've collected reviews from past attendees. Read 4 reviews of Tall Ships Adventure here.
What types of programs does Tall Ships Adventure offer?
Tall Ships Adventure runs: overnight camps. Programming specializes in: Credit Courses, Sailing/Marine Skills, Adventure (multi), Leadership (multi), Travel. Browse the program calendar for rates and dates.
What age does Tall Ships Adventure start?
Tall Ships Adventure has programs for children aged 12 to 18.
How much does is cost to attend Tall Ships Adventure?
Fees to attend Tall Ships Adventure range from $990 to $5,000/session.
Does Tall Ships Adventure offer support for children with special needs?
Tall Ships Adventure does not offer support for children with special needs.
Does Tall Ships Adventure offer busing?
No, Tall Ships Adventure does not offer transportation.
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Tall Ships Adventure. They will be in touch with you shortly.
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Tall Ships Adventure. They will send you information about this session:
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
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