Top Vancouver Camps for 2026

Vancouver summer camps and after-school programs by type

Vancouver summer camps are day and overnight programs where kids and teens build skills, make friends, and stay active during school breaks (as seen in spring break camps). Camps in Vancouver range from neighbourhood-based day programs to specialty camps that focus on sports, STEM, arts, and outdoor learning across the city and nearby communities.

Here’s a look at the spectrum of options available in Vancouver kids' camps:

Over the summer, your child will be immersed in camp life that will improve their confidence and leadership skills, among a range of other benefits.

Advantages of attending a camp in Vancouver

Camps are designed to help kids and teens be themselves, explore their passions, and learn something new, all while having fun! Whether your child is excited to go to camp to improve their skills in something they already love or to try something completely new, there’s a Vancouver summer camp that will fit your family’s needs.

A side-effect of learning to be yourself is learning to get along with others. In addition to helping campers develop confidence and independence, camps give kids and teens the opportunity to be social and learn about teamwork. When campers work together and have fun as a group, friendships blossom. In fact, life-long friendships are often a result of days spent bonding at camp.

Another advantage of camp is that kids and teens living in city landscapes such as the Metro Vancouver area get to experience the great outdoors. While many camps offer indoor programming or are based in studios or computer labs, most give campers the chance to get active. Goodbye, nature deficit disorder!

Learn more about the many benefits of sending a child to camp.

Day camps vs overnight camps in Vancouver

Most Vancouver summer camps run during the weekdays and let your child sleep at home. Overnight options are less common in the city core, but you'll find them within Greater Vancouver or just outside in places like Squamish, including outdoor, leadership, and specialty programs.

How do you choose the right camp in Vancouver?

For most parents, the search for Vancouver summer camps is as follows:

• Start with your child’s goal (sport, STEM, arts, outdoors) and your preferred location and schedule.
• Confirm age range, supervision ratio, staff training, and how the camp handles behaviour and inclusion.
• Check the daily structure (indoor/outdoor time), what’s included, and the refund or transfer policy.

As you look closer at your options, though, OUR KIDS suggests other questions you should ask:

Find out how the camp troubleshoots discipline problems. What training do counselors have in dealing with bullying or related issues? How does the camp actively promote healthy, positive interaction?

Knowing your own children’s needs, how do those match up with the camp’s expectations? For example, if your children are prone to shyness, can they stick together with a sibling? What level of personal independence will be expected during participation throughout the camp? 

Be clear about special provisions required for your child, or expected by the camp. For example, do they have a policy concerning allergies or special diets that will affect what snacks your child is allowed to bring? If there are children in the camp with exceptional needs, does the camp have proper staff (like EAs or PSWs) to give proper attention to those kids? 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Vancouver Camps are there?
There are 17 Vancouver Camps that are Our Kids trusted members. In addition, there are 7 options that bus from the area. Use the filters to narrow options by age or type, then click on each organization to read reviews, browse program schedules, and access registration details.

What are the fees to attend Vancouver Camps?
Fees for Vancouver Camps range from FREE to $7,885 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Vancouver Camps start at?
There are programs available for children starting at age 2. Family and adult programs are also available.