Heartbreak can turn your world upside down, no matter your age or stage in life. Going through it alone often makes it harder. Not everyone can connect with friends and family for that emotional support. Sometimes what you really need is to be around people who just get it. That’s the idea behind Camp Heartbreak, a first-of-its-kind healing experience that brings broken hearts together for a week of healing.
If you find yourself riding this wave, this might just be the thing for you. Immerse yourself in a week-long retreat where people come together to heal, reflect, and support one another. Located at the Can-Aqua grounds, it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Toronto.
You’ll get to enjoy 160 acres of gorgeous Canadian wilderness with two private lakes, cabins, and campfires. There’s also a maple syrup production facility.
What is Camp Heartbreak?
Camp Heartbreak is described as Canada’s “first immersive retreat dedicated to healing heartbreak.” It’s a five-day, four-night getaway designed to help people navigate the toll of a breakup.
“I’ve gone through a lot over the years and have a pretty interesting personal take on what trauma is and what it can feel like,” shares founder Greg Chociej with Curiocity. “I lost both my parents to cancer when I was a teenager, five years apart. I was lucky enough to get lots of therapeutic support. Still, much of my identity has become based around pondering solutions to all of the emotional upheaval these losses caused.”
Chociej adds that once he started dating and falling in love, he realized that there was a gap in the way Western society dealt with mental healthcare related to romantic heartbreak.
“Whereas the grief after death was always treated with the utmost respect and kindness, the pain of heartbreak was always treated as more of a minor and temporary inconvenience,” he shares.
After dealing with heartbreak and seeing friends experience the emotional toll, the desire to find resources to help cope with the pain fueled the eventual concept of Camp Heartbreak. “I really just wanted to create something that could help others going through it,” adds Chociej.
What to expect
That being said, Camp Heartbreak approaches this pain in several different ways. One of the programs, The Next Chapter, is run by Ellen Feldman and Jennifer Donison. Feldman is a psychotherapist, and Donison is a divorce specialist.
This group therapy program is described as “a compassionate space where participants can process their emotions, regain confidence, and move forward with clarity and purpose.”
Though the therapy aspect of this camp is more than rewarding, what would a summer camp be without some outdoor fun? Expect canoes, beach volleyball, hiking, arts and crafts, board game nights, sound baths, and more.
“If someone wants to follow the itinerary to the script, that’s great; we’ve built a balance of all programming to achieve the best results from a healing perspective,” mentions Chociej. “If someone chooses to approach the itinerary with more openness and sort of choose their own adventure each day, that’s great too!”
The end goal is that whoever experiences the summer camp feels restored at the end of it all.
Food and sleep
Now for the nitty gritty. You will be fed! There’s a daily menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and some sweet treats. If you have food restrictions, make sure to mention them in your application.
As for sleeping arrangements, there are all-women, all-men, and mixed cabins of mostly four, six, or eight bunks. There are also single-sleep spaces for those who would prefer this option.
How do I sign up?
The first retreat runs from May 22 to 26, 2025. There’s also a second session from May 29 to June 2, 2025. The full experience is priced at $1,298, plus taxes.
“We cannot currently process instalment payments, but please do get in touch if the finances of it all are what’s holding you back,” shares Camp Heartbreak.
Considering we are only about a month away from the first week, if this is of interest, apply online ASAP.
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pack your bags, head into the woods, and remember that even in heartbreak, there’s still room for connection, growth, and maybe even a little joy.
Camp Heartbreak
When: May 22 to 26, 2025, and May 29 to June 2, 2025
Where: Camp Can-Aqua — 503 Beaver Lake Dr., Cardiff, Ont
Cost: $1,298, plus taxes
Recent Posts:
This Ontario village has a park on the edge of a bluff known for breathtaking sunsets
A new cruise departing from Ontario will visit two stunning castles
Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
Read articles
