First-of-its-kind breakup recovery camp happening this month in Ontario

The silence hits hardest after a breakup. The late-night spirals, the songs you can’t stop replaying, the ache of someone no longer there, can all feel incredibly isolating. In those moments, it’s natural to wish everything around you would just slow down, and now there is a place that offers exactly that.

Camp Heartbreak launches this May at Camp Can-Aqua, a lakeside retreat about 2.5 hours from Toronto. The five-day, four-night program is designed for anyone navigating the aftermath of a breakup, separation or divorce. The experience offers a chance to pause, reflect and reconnect, not just with yourself, but with others who are going through something similar.

The retreat is the first of its kind in Canada. It was founded by Greg Chociej, who recognized that emotional pain from heartbreak is often overlooked, even though it can feel just as profound as any other form of grief.

After losing both parents to cancer in his teens and later experiencing the end of a major relationship, he set out to create a space where people could move through their pain with honesty, support and shared understanding.

Each day, Camp Heartbreak follows a rhythm of guided therapy, outdoor activities, and restorative rest. Participants rotate between expert-led sessions, creative workshops, and classic summer camp offerings like canoeing, yoga, archery, aerial ropes, woodworking, photography and cold-plunge swimming.

Evenings include optional programming such as talks, music, fireside reflection or quiet time under the stars.

Meals, snacks, coffee and tea will be available throughout the day. A detailed menu will be shared closer to the event dates.

A key part of the retreat is The Next Chapter, a group therapy program co-led by a team of experienced facilitators. The sessions are structured but supportive, helping participants rebuild after loss with tools rooted in resilience and clarity. Some sessions include movement therapy, mindfulness, creative writing and emotional processing.

According to its website, Camp Heartbreak notes that nearly 40 per cent of Canadian marriages end in divorce, and more than 2.7 million Canadians are currently divorced — highlighting the growing need for supportive communities like this.

Retreats run May 22 to 26 and May 29 to June 2. Shuttle transportation is also available from downtown Toronto. For more information on pricing and registration details, you can visit campheartbreak.com.