Travel Plans

We ask campers from abroad to arrive and leave on the regular session arrival and departure dates if at all possible. If arriving by plane or train, the arrival or departure time should be between noon and 17:00hrs our time (Montreal time). This makes it much easier for us to co-ordinate pick up and departures, since the drive from camp to the airport is nearly 3 hours each way. As we often pick up more than one camper at the airport, there may be a wait of a few hours before the campers depart for the camp and the same case for departures. A staff member will care for them at all times. Upon arrival at camp, or if there is a major delay or problem, we will notify you by e-mail or phone. We would also appreciate the same when your child has arrived at his/her destination when leaving Wilvaken.

Please note: our "camp airport" is the
Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International Airport - Montréal - airport code: YUL

Campers who fly alone to be met by one of our staff should travel as Unaccompanied Young Passengers – the airlines will then be responsible to see that they are met by our authorised staff. Parents should advise us of all travel details (airline, flight number, date, times, etc.) well in advance and should send the camper’s photo if it is their first visit to us. Please let us know the travel details by June 1st or earlier. See Airport Procedures for further information.

Wilvaken will make sure that the camper returns as an Unaccompanied Young Passenger upon completion of his or her stay. There may be a charge for this service by the airline, which we ask that you pay at your end. Please ensure that this is the case especially for children under 14 years. We would also appreciate knowing if you wish your child to travel as Unaccompanied Young Passenger if they are over 14 years old. See Unaccompanied Minors for further information.

Medical Insurance: Your child must have adequate medical and accident insurance prior to coming to Canada as the camp does not carry ordinary accident or sickness insurance for campers. Such travel insurance must be purchased in your country prior to departure. Please make sure that your child comes with a phone number and insurance forms, which will be left with the nurse at camp in case of emergency. If we must visit the clinic or hospital, there will be a charge, which we will cover in the interim, and bill to your personal expenses account. The original receipt will be sent to you so that you can collect from your insurance.

Visas: Depending on your country of origin, a Canadian visa may be necessary for your child's stay at camp. If visas are necessary, please make sure that all is in order prior to sending your child to camp.

Safekeeping of documents: Upon arrival at Wilvaken, passports, plane tickets, travel money, cellular phone and any other special papers must be given to the directors for safekeeping during the stay at camp. All children arriving at camp from outside of Canada must have their passport with them. These will be given in for safekeeping during their stay at camp.