2027 Adventures & Retreats open for registration November 5th, 2026!
Our Extreme Adventures, like hiking the 75 km West Coast Trail, challenge us physically and mentally, pushing our limits and showing us what we’re capable of.
ICD also offers Family and Youth Retreats, shorter duration camps designed for families, kids, and teens to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and discover new challenges alongside the ICD community. Whether you’re testing the waters or ready to take on something bigger, there’s an adventure waiting for you!
The Ultimate Challenge: Conquer the West Coast Trail!
75 km. 8 days. One unforgettable adventure.
Take on one of Canada’s most iconic hiking adventures! The legendary West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island offers 75 km of rugged wilderness, breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, towering old-growth forests, hidden beaches, suspension bridges, and plenty of challenges along the way.
Over eight days, you’ll navigate muddy forest trails, climb wooden ladders, scramble across rocky shorelines, and camp beneath the stars. It’s a demanding adventure that will test your strength and determination while rewarding you with incredible scenery, lasting friendships, and a sense of accomplishment you’ll never forget.
As an ICD adventure, you’ll take on the challenge alongside others living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Together, we’ll build confidence, share experiences, problem-solve the challenges of diabetes during intense physical activity, and support one another every step of the way.
Is this adventure for you?
This expedition is designed for physically fit, adventurous teens and adults living with T1D who are ready for a serious challenge. Participants should be prepared for long days on rugged terrain and able to carry a loaded backpack weighing up to 30% of their body weight.
Ready to push your limits and discover what you’re capable of? If you have questions or concerns about whether we can adequately support your individual needs on this expedition, please reach out. We’d love to work with you to help make this an incredible experience.
Bring your determination. Find your people. Conquer the West Coast Trail!
French River Familly & Youth Adventures
Five days of paddling, hiking, camping, and unforgettable memories!
Explore the breathtaking wilderness of French River Provincial Park on a five-day backcountry adventure! Whether joining as a family or as a youth participant, you’ll paddle, hike, camp, and discover the beauty of this historic 65-mile waterway, just an hour north of Parry Sound.
Learn to navigate whitewater, build backcountry skills, explore hidden waterways, and take on new challenges along the way. More than just outdoor adventures, these trips bring together people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who understand the journey. Build friendships, develop real-world diabetes management skills, gain confidence, and discover what’s possible when you step outside your comfort zone.
Is this adventure for you?
These trips are designed for active, adventurous participants who are ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of a backcountry experience. Participants should be comfortable with physical activity, paddling, hiking, and camping in a wilderness setting. Sleeping arrangements and accommodations will be organized to support the needs of each group.
Grab your paddle, embrace the adventure, and discover just how far you can go!
Southwestern ON Family Retreat
Fingal, ON
Sugar Valley Youth Retreat
Coldwater ON
Winnipeg Family Retreat
Headingley, MB
Bow Valley Family Retreat
Bow Valley, AB
Sugar Valley Family Retreat
Coldwater ON
Adventure & Retreat FAQs
ICD offers outdoor adventures and retreat experiences designed to help people living with T1D build confidence, develop real-world diabetes management skills, and connect with others who understand their experiences.
Extreme Adventures take participants outside their comfort zones through challenging activities like multi-day hikes and extended canoe trips. Family and Youth Retreats offer shorter, two- or three-day experiences with opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and build connections in a supportive environment.
Our programs are designed for people living with T1D, their family members, friends or other supporters.
All types of insulin pumps, looping, CGMs, injections, or other diabetes management methods are welcome. Let the ICD team know about any equipment questions, backup plans, or special considerations before the trip.
You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you should be prepared for the physical demands of your chosen program.
Some trips are designed for beginners – our retreats generally take place in accessible front-country locations. Extreme Adventures may involve long days of hiking, paddling, camping, and navigating challenging terrain.
Each program has different requirements, so review the trip details or reach out to us to find the experience that is right for you.
Our programs combine outdoor experiences with practical diabetes education, mentorship, and peer connection. Participants have opportunities to work through real-life diabetes management challenges during physical activity, learn from others living with T1D, and build confidence in their ability to manage diabetes in new situations.
Diabetes management is integrated into the adventure experience. Participants practise managing blood glucose, insulin, food, and physical activity in real-world situations with support from the program team. Specific support and supervision arrangements vary by program, so participants should review the program information and communicate their individual needs before registering.
Blood glucose fluctuations can and do happen during physical activity, and learning to recognize and respond to them is an important part of our programs. Participants should bring their usual diabetes supplies, fast-acting carbohydrates, and any other required equipment. The team will follow the program’s established diabetes management and safety procedures.
Extreme Adventures can be demanding and may involve long days of physical activity, carrying equipment, camping in the outdoors, and adapting to changing weather and terrain.
Each trip has specific fitness, preparation, and participation requirements.
Preparation may include building your fitness, practising relevant outdoor skills, gathering the required equipment, and developing a diabetes management plan for extended physical activity. ICD will share trip-specific information and preparation guidance to help participants get ready.
We encourage interested participants to contact ICD if they are unsure whether a particular adventure is a good fit.
ICD’s Family and Youth Retreats offer a chance to step away from everyday routines and enjoy outdoor activities, shared experiences, and meaningful connections with the T1D community. Depending on the retreat, activities may include hiking, outdoor challenges, group games, skill-building activities, and unmatched spaces to learn from peers and mentors.
Family Retreats give people living with T1D and their family members an opportunity to learn, explore, and connect together. Youth (ages 13+) in attendance will have the opportunity to break away into exclusive teen-only tracks, stepping up as leaders while tackling activities built just for them.
Youth Retreats provide young people living with T1D a safe, non-judgemental environment to learn from peers and mentors. to build independence, confidence, friendships, and leadership skills alongside peers and mentors.
Yes, our adventures and retreats include meals, camping equipment, or other accommodations.
Packing lists vary by program. Family and Youth Retreats often feature cabin accommodations, so tents and camping gear are generally not required. Extreme Adventures require additional outdoor and camping gear.
All participants should bring weather-appropriate clothing, suitable footwear, personal toiletries, and their diabetes supplies.
Check out our sample outdoor adventure packing list here!
Registered participants will receive program-specific packing instructions, including details about any required equipment and what will be provided.
ICD is committed to making its programs accessible to people living with T1D. Financial assistance may be available through the Empowerment Fund for eligible participants.
Contact ICD or review the program registration information to learn more about available support.
We are happy to help you find the right adventure or retreat for your needs.
Contact the I Challenge Diabetes team with questions about program suitability, diabetes management support, preparation, registration, or accessibility at [email protected]