Camp Canna

With events in Ontario and Alberta, Tripper Magazine caught

up with Camp Canna co-founder Alexis Dickson to talk about

how she's redefining cannabis tourism and creating spaces

where weed lovers can relive the magic of summer.

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Tripper Magazine: Hi Alexis! Camp Canna has caught the attention of cannabis consumers across

Canada. What is Camp Canna, and how is it different from other cannabis events?

Alexis Dickson: The vibe, hands down. Camp Canna isn't a trade show or an expo. It's a full-blown

summer camp for adults! It’s a weekend that's all about making friends and feeling like a kid again. There's so much more to Camp Canna than just cannabis. We're doing crafts, playing games, competing in sports, and just living in the moment. You can learn archery, climb a rock wall, try beach yoga, or chill around a bonfire, all while hanging out with other cannabis consumers from all walks of life. So many people come to Camp, all with different careers, lifestyles, cultures, and beliefs, but one thing in common— we love weed.

How did you come up with the idea for an adults-only stoner summer camp?

It was my grandmother who inspired the idea. She hosted an annual summer festival in western

Canada, and friends from all over would gather for a fun weekend together. There were games, live

music, and a great community of people, so we looked forward to every year. As I got older, I dreamed that one day, I would take over the tradition and carry on her legacy. But instead of an alcohol-centric event, I wanted it to be cannabis-friendly.

I've always been a social cannabis consumer, and when we legalized it in 2018, I was ready to host the cannabis festival of my dreams. Unfortunately, the new legislation didn't include any details on tourism and placed tight restrictions on public cannabis consumption, so I had to wait for the regulations to catch up.

Fast forward to 2021. I remember sitting in the car in my driveway, scrolling on my phone and seeing an article about an alcohol-sponsored adult summer camp and thinking: Why can't we have this for cannabis? I had waited long enough and decided to take matters into my own hands. That same day, I called the RCMP, AGLC, and Red Deer County officials and said, “I'm hosting a

cannabis summer camp. Help me make this legal and I'll do everything I can to ensure it's a positive experience for everyone.” I saw it as an opportunity to shape a framework of what I thought cannabis tourism could look like— dignified events in safe, welcoming spaces where cannabis consumption was welcome.

“The first Camp Canna launched in Alberta in

August 2022. It hasn’t been easy, but it was everything I

dreamed of. And since then, it's grown into something

even bigger than I ever imagined.”

Have the regulations changed since?

Every year, it gets easier. Initially, we couldn't even promote Camp Canna because of regulations. I

literally stood in dispensary parking lots, handing out flyers and telling people about this crazy

cannabis festival I was hosting. Four years later, we have a public permit, an on-site dispensary, and a whole community of consumers and legal brands joining us from across the country to be a part of Camp.

Truly, the most significant success is we now have on-site sales, which is huge for any cannabis event. People can legally purchase cannabis at the venue, and it's 100% thanks to the cannabis community in Alberta.

After Alberta's success, you brought Camp Canna to Ontario. How are they different?

Both camps offer something special! I always encourage people to experience both if they can.

Alberta is where it all began. It's more of a traditional camping experience. You bring your tent or trailer and anything you need to spend a weekend camping outdoors.

Ontario, on the other hand, is more like an all-inclusive glamping retreat, and you are completely

taken care of. Campers stay in cozy cabins and enjoy a private lake, and we have an in-house chef

preparing fantastic food for every meal.

If you're coming from out of town, Ontario is more manageable for travellers who want to experience Camp Canna without packing all the camping gear and food. That said, there is something about the magic that happens in Alberta.

Alberta isn't the first place that comes to mind when I think of cannabis destinations. What's the weed scene like there?

Alberta's cannabis community is incredible. Camp Canna wouldn't exist without their unwavering

support. When you have a supportive community, any crazy ideas you come up with are possible.

We've been able to push legislation forward and create dignified cannabis experiences that challenge the stigma. I've seen the shift in how people value the cannabis community in Alberta. More venues are open to cannabis-friendly events, which is amazing because Albertans want dignified spaces to consume cannabis at events.

Why is dignified consumption so necessary for cannabis consumers?

Drinking is always celebrated and normalized, but as a cannabis consumer, I’m forced to hide.

Cannabis is legal, but I'm still invited to events where there is zero hospitality for cannabis

consumers— including cannabis events, and I refuse to accept that.

“Cannabis tourism isn't just about legal access. It's about

creating spaces where consumers feel respected. It's

about enjoying cannabis openly and proudly without

judgment. Six years into legalization, we're no longer

standing by dumpsters in back alleyways.”

More and more events are happening, and the community is here for it. People want cannabis-

friendly experiences, and my goal is to keep building these events and pushing for more across

Canada. We should be celebrating, not hiding the plant and the community it brings together.

How do events like Camp Canna fit into cannabis tourism?

Camp Canna is proof that people all over Canada and the world are looking for cannabis-friendly

experiences beyond access to dispensaries. In Alberta last year, I noticed this woman around

Camp all weekend. She had this amazing energy, like she genuinely came with the best vibe. We were hotboxing a parachute at the end of the weekend as a final send-off, and I finally got a chance to ask her where she was from. She explained that she was from Australia and flew to Canada specifically to attend Camp Canna.

My jaw hit the ground. I couldn't believe someone from Australia decided to fly across the world just to be there. She told me that she had been manifesting this in her life, and it was absolutely worth it.

Cannabis tourism is happening. I can see it in my attendance and in the explosion of events. Camp Canna is already an international cannabis tourist destination for anyone to experience legal Canadian weed, and it truly makes me so proud.

Meeting international travellers while hotboxing a parachute! Wow. What other activities can campers look forward to?

We have so many activities! There really is something or everyone. Mindfulness and wellness

sessions like yoga and sound baths, competitive games, archery, high ropes, a slow-pitch

tournament, and the Cannalympics. There are live bands, laser shows, karaoke, guided

nature walks, and even educational sessions with cannabis experts. You can lounge on the beach,

cheer for your team, or make a friendship bracelet in the mess hall. The weekend is all about having fun and feeling good.

Do you have any other standout Camp Canna moments?

So many! But one of my favourites was a hot summer day in Ontario. Everyone was swimming in

the lake, like kayaking and tubing, and a bunch of people swam out and started a sesh circle on top of the huge floating inflatable slide. Like everyone was having the best afternoon in the sun.

I decided to try paddle-boarding for the first time and found myself just floating in the middle of this clear, gorgeous lake in the Haliburton highlands. All trees and blue sky, while catching wafts of weed and hearing everyone laughing and having fun. That moment was magic and that feeling of pure, wholesome summer fun— it’s what Camp Canna is all about.

Any advice for first-time campers?

If you're curious, just come. My favourite feedback from first-time campers is that they didn't realize how much they truly needed to come to Camp. It's a place you can make genuine friendships and connections in a world that often makes that difficult. Here, it happens effortlessly.

Push yourself a little outside your comfort zone and try something new. Whether paddle-boarding or striking up a conversation with a stranger, I promise you'll leave with memories and friends that will last a lifetime.

Last thing, how can people get tickets?

Tickets and all the details for Alberta and Ontario are at campcanna.ca or follow us on Instagram for updates @camp.canna

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ALEXIS DICKSON @camp_canna

Alexis is a cannabis advocate and co-founder of Camp Canna and Blunts and Beans. She advocates for dignified consumption, elevated social responsibility and education for consumers to build a thriving cannabis tourism industry in Canada.