How it works

More than just outdoor activities, these expeditions are an opportunity for participants to meet other young people who share the same realities, to discuss, to understand each other and to build friendships while participating in an extraordinary challenge.

Nothing!

Our expeditions are totally free. We provide ALL the equipment and ALL meals; we take care of ALL activities, ALL accommodation and transportation. Participants even receive an airline or bus ticket to the starting location. It doesn’t get any freer than that…

Lots of great people!

Ten to fifteen young people from across Canada who are living with cancer. Those currently in treatment or living with limitations due to cancer can take part in our Getaway Expeditions, while those in remission for 5 years or less, can participate in our Grand Expeditions.

Old enough to go on an adventure!

We plan expeditions for groups of young people aged 14 to 18, 19 to 29 and 30 to 39.

Again, lots of awesome people!

A doctor, a nurse, a psychosocial worker, professional adventure guides, a blogger/photographer and of course, two On the Tip of the Toes Foundation facilitators.

At locations throughout Canada!

So far, our expeditions have taken us walking in the Arctic, sailing around Cape Breton and the Magdalene Islands, paddling the Pacific coast, dogsledding in the Yukon, shooting the rapids in northern Ontario, trekking in the Rockies, snowmobiling in northern Quebec… the list is almost 60 expeditions long!

Thrilling adventure activities!

The activities vary from year to year: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, sailing and trekking in the summer and dog sledding, snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling in the winter.

Smooth and gradual…

The first nights are spent in a cottage or inn while we get to know each other, master the basics of the planned activity and learn about outdoor equipment and the art of packing. We then leave civilization to get off the beaten track. The level of difficulty and the distances covered increase gradually as the days go by. We often sleep in tents (even in winter, in heated tents) or in a shelter. There are many pleasant moments of sharing and reflection interspersed with the adventure activities.

The registration process consists of four steps:

  1. Complete the application form – select a specific expedition or indicate no preference for a particular project.

  2. Meet with one of our project managers – they will contact you to schedule an online meeting.

  3. Fill out the expedition registration form – this will be sent to you following the meeting.

  4. Obtain a medical form signed by your doctor – this final step confirms your participation in the expedition.

Many healthcare professionals in Canadian hospitals are familiar with the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation and can support potential participants throughout this process.

If none of the currently offered expeditions seem suitable due to scheduling conflicts or any other reason, you can also join our waiting list. We will contact you as soon as our upcoming expeditions are launched.

At this time, we are not accepting applications from individuals with cancer who are receiving palliative care.

Health and safety of participants

As specialists in therapeutic adventure, the health and safety of the youth who take part in our expeditions are a top priority. In addition to the medical team present on each expedition, our facilitators and guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid with SIRIUSMEDx. We use state-of-the-art satellite communication equipment and carry specialized medical gear in the field.

Before leaving on an expedition, there will be a meeting with participants, parents, guides and the medical team to present the details of the travel plan. This meeting is a good place to address concerns and questions about the program.

A physician, a nurse, and a psychosocial support worker accompany and care for the group during the expedition. Although the facilitators and guides are trained in wilderness first aid, it is essential for us to have healthcare professionals present at all times and in all locations throughout the expedition.

The Foundation benefits from the collaboration of a medical advisory committee. Composed of oncologists, emergency physicians, general practitioners, oncology nurses, and psychosocial support workers from across Canada, this committee is responsible, among other things, for establishing the medical criteria that determine participants’ eligibility for the expeditions.

Our first aid kit, developed by the medical advisory committee, includes medications and medical supplies to address a wide range of situations. In addition, our expedition communication systems are redundant and state-of-the-art, allowing us to stay connected to the outside world at all times. Each expedition is equipped with a satellite phone as the primary means of communication, as well as a satellite internet connection module and satellite beacons for sending text messages.

Furthermore, although all expedition equipment provided is of high quality and in excellent condition, we also carry repair kits and spare gear as a precaution.

For each expedition, the Foundation prepares detailed trip and emergency plans, including all relevant contacts for nearby emergency services and hospitals. The time required for a potential evacuation is carefully assessed, and the trip is planned to ensure readiness for any emergency situation. These plans are also shared with an external emergency response team to facilitate any intervention requiring their involvement.

In addition to the medical staff accompanying us on expeditions, the foundation’s facilitators are trained as Wilderness First Responders (80 hours – SIRIUSMEDx), as are the adventure guides who join us.

All three are qualified professionals with diplomas from recognized programs relevant to our practice, such as the ACS in Adventure Guiding, a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Intervention, a Graduate diploma in Nature- and Adventure-Based Intervention, or other psychosocial intervention programs. These programs train certified, versatile adventure professionals skilled in a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as competent psychosocial practitioners. We ensure that our staff certifications are kept up to date.

See our Accreditation, Awards and Recognition page for all our certifications!

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