Are Summer Camps Becoming Too Expensive?

Are Summer Camps Becoming Too Expensive for Canadian Families?

Summer camp has long been a rite of passage for Canadian kids — offering outdoor adventures, friendships, sports, arts, and a much-needed break from school routines. But for many parents in 2026, the cost of summer camp is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Between rising registration fees, transportation costs, extended care charges, and the pressure to book camps months in advance, many Canadian families are wondering whether summer camps are still affordable.

That’s why we’re asking our members: Are Summer Camps Becoming Too Expensive for Canadian Families?

Vote now and share your thoughts with other Canadian parents.

For some families, summer camp remains an important investment in social development, independence, and childcare support during the summer months. For others, the costs are beginning to feel out of reach — especially for families with multiple children.

In many parts of Canada, parents report paying hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars for a few weeks of camp coverage during summer break. Specialty camps, sports camps, and full-day programs can add up quickly, leaving families searching for more affordable summer activities and childcare alternatives.

At the same time, summer camps continue to provide meaningful benefits for children, including:

• outdoor activity and exercise
• social interaction
• confidence-building
• reduced screen time
• opportunities to learn new skills

As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, conversations around affordable childcare and accessible summer programming are becoming more important for families everywhere.

We’ll share the results of this poll in a future article featuring insights from Canadian parents, summer camp trends, and expert commentary.