Overnight Field Trips

An Experience They Won’t Forget

Light up their year with a trip to one of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Overnight Centres!

INQUIRE ABOUT BOOKING

Immerse your students in nature at any of our three easy-to-access centres nestled in the wilderness only a short drive from Toronto.

Bring curriculum to life, bond as a class, and develop student independence and maturity, all while making memories they will truly never forget.

students explore a forest trail on an overnight field trip on an outdoor education centre

students gather around a campfire at an overnight camp at a TRCA outdoor education centre
students learn to snowshoe at a TRCA overnight camp
students enjoy fat biking on the trails at Albion Hills Field Centre

With unique and private access to environmental resources like snowshoeing, skiing and hiking trails, bikes and canoes, kettle lakes, pontoons with floating classrooms, rich, lush forests, babbling streams, and nights around the campfire, this will be one of their cherished school memories.

Thousands of teachers and schools have trusted TRCA to help them bring more life to learning. With over 60 years experience delivering programs to hundreds of thousands of students, we have curated the best experiences across five exciting trip themes.

Where Are You Located?

Albion Hills Field Centre
Albion Hills Field Centre
Claremont Nature Centre
Claremont Nature Centre
Lake St George Field Centre
Lake St. George Field Centre

With three sites that make us a 45-minute (or less!) drive to anyone in the GTA, but nestled in nature preserves that feel a million kilometres away from the bustling city centres, we have the spot for you and your class!

Learn more and find the centre closest to your students:

Albion Hills Field Centre – Caledon
Claremont Nature Centre – Pickering
Lake St. George Field Centre – Richmond Hill

What Will Our Students Do There?

student learns to cross-country ski on a winter trail at Albion Hills Field Centre
a low ropes exercise helps students to learn team building
a student explores a forest ecosystem on an overnight field trip to a TRCA outdoor education centre

Choose a trip theme and our expert teachers will design the perfect trip to highlight the best programs for that season, align with your curriculum goals and celebrate the interests of your students.

All themes are available at all three centres year-round and are designed by OCT-teachers based on the Ontario curriculum.

Explore Our Trip Themes:

1. Biodiversity
a student on a overnight winter field trip examines a deer antler
a student on an overnight field trip studies the diversity of local plant species
a student on an overnight field trip holds up a crayfish discovered during a stream study

Bring curriculum to life as you explore the rich biodiversity of Albion Hills, Lake St. George, or Claremont!

Students will spend their days immersed in nature where, in a real world context, they will assess the benefits of flourishing biodiversity, understand the consequences of diminishing biodiversity, and identify human impacts on biodiversity.

They will deep-dive into ecosystems, discover how Indigenous worldviews play a critical role in environmental sustainability, all while strengthening their own connection to the land and to their role as members of the community of living things.

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Schedule a Call for Support
See our FAQs

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

DAY ONE
Morning Arrival, welcome, settle in!
Lunch (Monday arrivals)
Afternoon Program Biodiversity Investigation
Dinner
Evening Program Night Hike
Lights out
DAY TWO
Wake and Breakfast
Morning Program Stream or Lake Study
Lunch
Afternoon Program Instincts for Survival
Dinner
Evening Program Campfire
Lights out
DAY THREE
Wake and Breakfast
Morning Program Ephemeral Art
Lunch + Say Goodbye

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS & OPTIONS

We will customize your itinerary with the following programs:

  • Amazing Race
  • Animal Detective**
  • Biodiversity Investigation
  • Bio-wild Geocaching
  • Bird Study**
  • Campfire
  • Ephemeral Art
  • Farm Program
  • Humber Water Story
  • Insect Study**
  • Instincts for Survival
  • Nature Photography
  • Night Hike
  • Pond Study*
  • Stream Study*

*Season dependent
**Location dependent

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Science and Technology
Grade 4: Habitats and Communities
Grade 5: Conservation of Energy and Resources
Grade 6: Biodiversity; Space
Grade 6-8: STEM Investigation and Communication Skills; STEM Skills: Applications, Connections, and Contributions
Grade 7: Interactions in the Environment; Pure Substances and Mixtures
Grade 8: Water Systems
Mathematics
Grade 4-8: Measurement; Data Literacy; Probability
Health & Physical Education
Grade 4-8: Active Living
The Arts
Grade 4-8: Visual Arts
Geography
Grade 7: Natural Resources around the World: Use and Sustainability
Grade 8: Global Settlement: Patterns and Sustainability
Social Studies
Grade 4 and 6: People and Environments

 

2. Outdoor Recreation
students take part in a team building exercise during an overnight field trip at Lake St George Field Centre
students go hiking on a forest trail during an overnight field trip
a student on a field trip rides a fat tire bike on a trail at Albion Hills Field Centre

Step away from the classroom and into the wild, where students build confidence and connection through movement, exploration, and shared adventures.

With space to unplug, breathe deeply, and move their bodies, students discover the joy of active living while developing coordination, perseverance, and connection to the land.

Outdoor Recreation is more than play: it’s a pathway to stronger minds, healthy lifestyles, and lasting memories.

Start Your Booking Now
Schedule a Call for Support
See our FAQs

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

DAY ONE
Morning Arrival, welcome, settle in!
Lunch (Monday arrivals)
Afternoon Program Group Dynamics and Low Ropes Challenge
Dinner
Evening Program Evening Hike
Lights out
DAY TWO
Wake and Breakfast
Morning Program Hiking, Biking, or Paddling
Lunch
Afternoon Program Learn to Camp
Dinner
Evening Program Campfire
Lights out
DAY THREE
Wake and Breakfast
Morning Program Capture the Flag
Lunch + Say Goodbye

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS & OPTIONS

We will customize your itinerary with the following programs:

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Disc Golf
  • Evening/Night Hike
  • Group Dynamics/Low Ropes
  • Instincts for Survival
  • Mini Olympics
  • Nature Hiking
  • Paddling/Canoeing
  • Photo Orienteering
  • Score Orienteering
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wide Games
  • Wilderness Survival

 

3. The Perfect Middle School Trip
a student takes part in a stream study during an overnight field trip to Claremont Nature Centre
students take part in a stream study during an overnight field trip to Claremont Nature Centre
a student explores the forest during an overnight field trip to a TRCA outdoor education centre

With 60 years of experience delivering exceptional overnight field trips, we offer more than just a great time: we provide a vital part of middle-school education.

Whether you’re building relationships, confidence, connection to nature, or looking for new ways for every student to shine, these trips will engage adolescents in their own development, as they navigate through and find their place in the natural world.

Start Your Booking Now
Schedule a Call for Support
See our FAQs

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

DAY ONE
Morning Arrival, welcome, settle in!
Lunch (Monday arrivals)
Afternoon Program Group Dynamics and Low Ropes Challenge
Dinner
Evening Program Night Hike
Lights out
DAY TWO
Wake and Breakfast
Morning Program Nature Photography
Lunch
Afternoon Program Humber Water Story
Dinner
Evening Program Bat or Frog Watch
Lights out
DAY THREE
Wake and Breakfast
Morning Program Indigenous Studies
Lunch + Say Goodbye

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS & OPTIONS

We will customize your itinerary with the following programs:

  • 26-Point Orienteering**
  • Amazing Race
  • Animal Detective**
  • Bat Program* **
  • Bike the Hills
  • Bio-wild Geocaching
  • Bird Study**
  • Campfire
  • Canoeing* **
  • Camping
  • Clue Murder Mystery
  • Cross-Country Skiing*
  • Day/Evening/Night Hike
  • Environmental Impact Study**
  • Environmental Stock Exchange**
  • Farm Program**
  • Fish Management* **
  • Forestry/Plantation Management**
  • Indigenous Studies**
  • Insect Study**
  • Instincts for Survival**
  • Mini Olympics
  • Nature or Ephemeral Art**
  • Nature Photography
  • Owl Prowl**
  • Photo Orienteering**
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Snowshoeing*
  • Stream or Pond Study*
  • Trail Guide
  • Treasure Mapping
  • Watersheds**
  • Wetland Wonders and Wanders**
  • Wide Games
  • Wilderness Survival

*Season dependent
**Location dependent

 

4. STEM in the Wild

Adapted to the curriculum and grade level of your class and curated to your specific interests and goals, this overnight camp offers your students the chance to explore STEM through nature!

Provide the unique setting needed to nurture confidence and challenge problem-solving and soft skill development in practical applications, while advancing the scientific, technological and mathematical concepts they need to succeed.

Start Your Booking Now
Schedule a Call for Support
See our FAQs

 

5. Natural Leadership

Bring out the natural leader in everyone with this focused trip that builds confidence, resiliency, adaptability, empathy, integrity, and strong communication skills.

The natural setting and shared living experience are the perfect environment to challenge students’ self-awareness and foster optimism and patience, free from the interruption of screens or socials.

Arrive as students and leave as leaders.

Start Your Booking Now
Schedule a Call for Support
See our FAQs

 

Food and Accommodations

MEALS

students on an overnight field trip enjoy a hot lunch in the dining area at Lake St George Field Centre
a TRCA outdoor education centre kitchen staff member prepares a meal for overnight field trip students
students on an overnight field trip enjoy a hot meal in the dining area at Lake St George Field Centre

Homecooked, healthy meals are served three times a day! Prepared by our professional cooks in our commercial kitchens, meals deliver the perfect balance for every appetite.

Dietary restrictions will be accommodated and arranged for your group in your pre-trip planning process.

Meals will not be repeated during your visit, so everyone can enjoy the variety!

View a Sample Menu

ACCOMMODATIONS

ALBION HILLS FIELD CENTRE

  • Albion Hills’ private accommodations sleep up to 42 students and 4 teachers/chaperones.

View the Photo Gallery

CLAREMONT NATURE CENTRE

  • Claremont’s private accommodations sleep up to 54 students and 4 teachers/chaperones.

LAKE ST. GEORGE FIELD CENTRE

  • Lake St. George has two private dorm buildings:
    • Bond Dormitory accommodates 34 students and 4 teachers/chaperones.
    • Snively Dormitory accommodates 34 students and 4 teachers/chaperones.

Both buildings can be booked for larger groups with a minimum number of students per dormitory.

View the Photo Gallery

How Much Does It Cost?

students explore a forest trail on an overnight field trip
a student explores a stream at Claremont Nature Centre on an overnight field trip
a student explores a forest trail on an overnight field trip

Rates are determined by a variety of factors, including time of year, length of visit, how many meals are included, and the portion size of those meals.

Our pricing is inclusive of:

  • Lodging/Accommodations
  • Programming and activities (5 programs), developed by OCT-certified teachers
  • Meals (Monday-Wednesday: 7 meals | Wednesday-Friday: 6 meals)
  • Dedicated pre-trip planning support
  • Overnight support from our overnight teaching assistant
  • Dedicated visitor services support for billing, Superintendent and Principal communications, and approvals

These prices reflect our most popular and commonly requested/booked experiences. However, customizations for specific upgrades can be discussed during your pre-trip planning process. Just ask!

High Season Rates for 2025-2026 School Year

Elementary (K-8) Monday to Wednesday: $240.00/student (includes lunch on Monday)
Wednesday to Friday: $230.00/student
Secondary (9-12) Monday to Wednesday: $246.00/student (includes lunch on Monday)
Wednesday to Friday: $235.00/student

Low Season Rates* for 2025-2026 School Year
(September and January only)

Elementary (K-8) Monday to Wednesday: $164.00/student (includes lunch on Monday)
Wednesday to Friday: $153.00/student
Secondary (9-12) Monday to Wednesday: $170.00/student (includes lunch on Monday)
Wednesday to Friday: $160.00/student

*Low season rates are exclusively available to publicly funded schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What resources are available to my students?

All three centres have:

  • Nut-sensitive facilities with fully staffed commercial kitchen with dining hall
  • Low-ropes challenge courses
  • Campfire areas for group campfires
  • Class set of cross-country skis/equipment and snowshoes
  • Accessible buildings (specifics vary by location)
  • Groomed and maintained trails
  • Potable drinking water
  • Free parking

Additionally, Lake St. George Field Centre offers:

  • An ecologically significant kettle lake for boating and environmental programs
  • Solar-powered pontoon boat (seasonal availability)
  • Fleet of canoes, with paddles (seasonal availability)
  • PFDs for all participants
  • GPS GreenCheck certification courses

Additionally, Albion Hills Field Centre offers:

  • Class set of mountain bikes/fat bikes for all-season biking
  • Authentic 1840s log house for heritage programming
  • Centreville Creek for stream studies
  • Access to an adjacent farm for farming and agriculture programs

Additionally, Claremont Nature Centre offers:

  • Duffins Creek for stream studies
  • Wood burning fireplace for cozy evenings
  • Authentic 1840s log house for heritage programming
What is your cancellation policy?
How do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

Please be sure to indicate any dietary restrictions on the provided intake forms, and discuss anything serious with the booking team. We provide meals that suit the needs of each individual, as long as needs are communicated in full and on time.

Do you offer halal or Kosher meals?

While we do not serve foods that would conflict with dietary restrictions such as Kosher or halal, we try to offer acceptable alternatives.

When we cannot offer a Kosher or halal ingredient, a vegetarian or vegan meal will be provided, as appropriate.

Do you have epi-pens for students with anaphylactic allergies?

Anyone with an anaphylactic allergy must provide their own epi-pen. Youth under the age 18 must carry it with them at all times for the duration of their visit; adults with anaphylactic allergies are encouraged to do the same.

Do you have accommodations for those identifying as non-binary?

Yes, we can accommodate students who are gender non-binary, with advance notice.

Can you accommodate those with mobility needs?

Yes, we can make accommodations for visitors with mobility needs, including use of an all-terrain wheelchair.

Do staff working with students have first aid training?

Yes, all staff have CPR-C first aid training and certification.

Do staff working with youth have vulnerable sector screenings?

Yes, all staff on site have passed vulnerable sector screenings from their local municipality.

Do kitchen staff have specific training?

Yes, all kitchen staff have food handler’s certifications in addition to vulnerable sector screenings and first aid certification.

Are field centres open to the public, or publicly accessible?

Lake St. George Field Centre and Claremont Nature Centre are private facilities, not open to the public.

Albion Hills Field Centre is private, and located at the far end of Albion Hills Conservation Park, which is open to the public.

How is privacy handled in the dormitories?

Each dormitory bedroom has it own door that closes completely, but for safety reasons the doors cannot be locked.

Student washrooms include shared sinks, private toilets in stalls, and each shower is individual with floor-length curtains.

How are dorms divided?

The entire dormitory area in each centre is divided into two sections with a divider door separating the two sides. Each section has its own shared washrooms.

Is it possible for a child to have a private room?

Yes, teachers are requested to assign rooms as they see fit, in which case a single room could be provided to a student in most cases.

Can you swim at any of the centres?

No, there is no swimming at any centre during the school year. Swimming is not permitted in Lake St. George as it is ecologically protected.