Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers.
Here are the answers to your questions about Lake Joe’s specialized camp program.
All one-week packages include:
Three meals prepared and served daily by our fantastic catering team
One shared room, equipped with two single beds, a night stand, an adjoining washroom and shelving for personal items
All on-site programming (canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing and sailing)
Daily scheduled land and water activities, and evening programs
Absolutely! We rent the Lake Joseph Centre facilities to groups during the months of May, June and September. Check out the facilities section of our website for more information.
Yes. CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, local CNIB offices across Ontario and the Lions of Ontario work together to provide financial assistance to Ontario residents who would like to visit Lake Joe.
Application for funding assistance is assessed on a "first come, first served" basis to those who qualify (applicant currently receives ODSP or has a recent T4 showing income of $24,000 or less). $100 deposit required from all applicants. The CNIB Lake Joseph Centre will subsidize a maximum of one week for those individuals who qualify.
Lake Joe stretches over 12.5 acres of prime waterfront property on the Northwest corner of beautiful Lake Joseph. CNIB Lake Joseph Centre is a popular destination in Ontario’s beautiful Muskoka Region. Check out a detailed map
Transportation To and From Camp:
By bus, car or rail – however you plan to come to Lake Joe – please note this very important information. For those of you who have not yet made arrangements, please remember that transportation to and from Lake Joe is your own responsibility.
Travelling by Car
There have been changes to Hwy 69. Please instruct your driver to consult driving directions prior to setting out on your trip. Check out a detailed map to Lake Joe.
CNIB Lake Joseph Transportation:
Lake Joe Shuttles:
Lake Joe offers a shuttle service to interested campers at a reasonable fee from the following locations: Sudbury (Canadian Tire South), and Toronto (Yorkdale Mall). The fee is $90 (return trip).
As a special promotion for the last two weeks of Summer (August 19-25 and August 26-September 1), Lake Joe is offering additional shuttle service from Hamilton (CNIB Office), and Ottawa (CNIB Office). Due to distance, the shuttle fee for Hamilton is $100 and the fee for Ottawa is $140.
Northland Bus Lines:
Bus service to MacTier is via the Ontario Northland Bus Lines. For schedules, call 1-800-363-7512 (or contact your local bus terminal for departure times).
Lake Joe staff will be at the Northland Bus stop on check-in days to meet all guests who have notified camp in advance of their arrival.
Please note that if you are departing camp by Northland Bus, there will be a $25 fee. This fee includes lunch and the use of the Welcome Centre and grounds. Please note that Northland Bus Lines has changed their scheduling – there is no longer a morning bus departure.
VIA Rail offers transportation to Parry Sound. If you arriving by rail, please be sure to let camp know ahead of time and we will make arrangements for someone to pick you up.
The staff at Lake Joe are selected, trained and insured to deliver recreational programs only. To make certain that your personal needs are attended to, you may require the services of a personal care giver (guide). Arranging for such services is the responsibility of the guest.
All guests must be able to eat, bathe, dress, and toilet independently; or they may bring a caregiver to help them.
All guests must be able to get themselves out of their building should a fire alarm sound in that building; or they may bring a caregiver to help them.
All guests must be able to independently make all of their medical care decisions, or they may bring a caregiver to help them.
Caregivers will need to complete a Pre-Registration Form and submit applicable fees. Caregivers must be at least 18 years old.
Who can come to camp?
Lake Joe wecomes any person who is blind or partially sighted (and their companions) to camp.
Lake Joe is equipped to cater to all special dietary requirements due to allergy, religious and vegetarian specifications. We are a peanut-free centre. Information regarding dietary needs of campers will be collected after registration.
Guests who require assistance with medication must indicate this on their health and dietary form. The Wellness Centre staff will assist with daily health routines. Guests are responsible for brining enough of their medications to last the week at camp. Any medications at camp should arrive:
NOTE: Medications that are not provided in the manner described above and do not contain pharmacy labelling will not be accepted at camp.
Yes, we offer many off-site trips during each one-week stay, at an additional cost on top of the camp fee. The cost of off-site trips varies depending on the excursion, and includes transportation to and from location, a meal (when needed) and admission fee. A complete list of off-site trips can be provided upon your arrival at camp.
Yes. Please be sure to have your companion fill in a registration form as well.
Working dogs are welcome at Lake Joe. We offer a dog relieving area, which will be introduced to you upon arrival.
West Parry Sound Health Centre Hospital is located 43km north of the camp on Hwy 69, and can be reached at 1-800-563-2808. CNIB Lake Joseph Staff are trained in First Aid and CPR.
Yes, our tuck shop features a wide variety of Lake Joe apparel along with hats, postcards, candy and snacks.
A wide selection of Shop CNIB items is now available through the tuck shop! Items include accessible watches, sunglasses, playing cards, white canes and many more!
All bookings are based on double occupancy. Single occupancy may be requested for an additional cost, if available. If you are unable to attend with a partner, friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned.
Still have questions about Lake Joe and our summer camp program? Try contacting us directly!