Who Canadian summer language camps are for, what they cost in 2026 and what a day actually looks like for your child.
Sending a child abroad for the first time is a big step. Parents picture the flight, the first night away and the moment they call home. Students picture new friends, new cities and a little more independence. Both feelings are completely natural.
A well-run Canadian summer camp is designed for exactly this moment: structured, supervised and full of English used in real life. Here is what to expect.
Who camps are for
Canadian youth language camps generally welcome students aged about 9 to 17, though each camp sets its own range. Among the camps we feature, the ILSC Junior camp at UBC residence accepts ages 9 to 17, ILSC homestay camps take ages 13 to 17, GV Teen Explorer takes 14 to 17, and CISS Toronto takes 12 to 16.
Families usually choose between two living options. A homestay places the student with a screened host family, while a supervised residence keeps the group together on a university or school campus.
What camps cost in 2026
The published 2026 prices below include accommodation and are in Canadian dollars:
- ILSC Junior Camp, homestay (Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal): 1,995 for one week, 3,190 for two weeks, 5,580 for four weeks.
- ILSC Junior, UBC or McGill residence: 3,115 for one week; the McGill residence option is 9,610 for four weeks.
- GV Teen Explorer, homestay (Victoria, Calgary): 3,150 for two weeks, 5,800 for four weeks.
- CISS Toronto with ILSC, residence: 5,100 for two weeks, 9,050 for four weeks.
ILSC has already published 2027 prices, with homestay camps from CAD 2,100 for one week. Flights and insurance are extra, and we confirm the current season’s price when you book. See the full table on our summer camps page.
A typical day
- Morning: English lessons in small international groups, focused on speaking and confidence.
- Lunch: a chance to practise with classmates from other countries.
- Afternoon: activities such as sports, city visits, arts or games, all led by staff.
- Evening: dinner with the host family or organised residence activities.
- Weekends: excursions to local attractions and nearby landmarks.
Choosing with confidence
For parents, the key questions are supervision, accommodation and who to call in an emergency. For students, it is about the city, the activities and the friends you will make. A good camp answers both sets of questions clearly before you pay a deposit.
Camp places, especially in residence, can fill early, so it helps to plan in the spring or sooner. Explore all our language school options for older students too.
Ready to find the camp that suits your child’s age, personality and budget? Book a free pre-assessment with Canadian Edu Centre and we will guide you from shortlist to departure.