ALGONQUIN
BACKCOUNTRY
YOGA RETREAT
Dates: Check back soon for 2026 dates
Cost: $449.99 +hst
Skill Level: Beginner
Ages: 18+
Max Group Size: 6 + 2 Guides
Start/Finish: Canisbay Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS
We’re heading into the backcountry for a chill weekend of paddling, camping, and lakeside yoga at beautiful Canisbay Lake in Algonquin Park. No portaging, no pressure — just good vibes and plenty of time to slow down.
You’ll learn the basics of backcountry canoe tripping along the way — how to paddle, pack a canoe, and set up camp. This is a no-portage adventure, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed introduction to backcountry canoe camping.
This retreat includes four 45-60 min yoga sessions and a guided breathwork practice to reset your mind and body. It’s time to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with yourself and others.
ITINERARY
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11:00 AM – Arrival at Canisbay Lake Campground
Meet at the Canisbay access point for introductions and a gear check. Learn the basics of canoe handling, paddling techniques, and how to safely load your canoe.12:30 PM – Paddle to Backcountry Site
Enjoy a relaxed paddle across Canisbay Lake to reach our campsite.
Note: Breakfast and lunch are not provided this day — please eat beforehand.2:00 PM – Arrive + Set Up Camp
Get hands-on experience with setting up your equipment. Learn essential backcountry skills including bear safety, water filtration, and cooking with a camp stove.4:30 PM – Free Time
Swim, connect with your fellow campers, relax, or explore the camp area before dinner.5:30 PM – Firewood Collection
Help collect deadwood for the evening campfire and learn basic wood processing techniques.6:00 PM – Dinner
Group meal and lakeside downtime.7:30 PM – Evening Yoga (Slow Flow)
Unwind with a gentle, grounding yoga practice to stretch out from the day’s paddle.8:30 PM – Fire-Building Workshop + Bonfire
Learn practical fire-building techniques, then enjoy snacks, games, and group fireside chats. -
7:30 AM – Wake Up + Breakfast + Coffee
Ease into the morning at your own pace and enjoy a group breakfast.9:00 AM – Morning Yoga (Vinyasa Flow)
Energizing movement to wake up the body and set the tone for the day.10:30 AM – Optional Swim or Free Time
Jump in the lake or relax with a book by the water.12:30 PM – Lunch
Light group lunch before the afternoon paddle.1:30 PM – Explore Canisbay Lake
Practice paddling techniques while exploring quiet corners of the lake.3:00 PM – Tarp Shelters Workshop
Learn practical tarp setups plus useful camping knots (taut-line hitch, prusik, bowline).
4:00 PM – Firewood Collection
Help collect deadwood for the evening campfire.5:00 PM – Dinner
Group meal at camp.6:30 PM – Yoga Nidra + Breathwork
A restorative session combining guided rest and mindful breathwork.8:00 PM – Group Journaling + Optional Share Circle
Reflect on the day and connect through open sharing (optional) by the fire.
9:00 PM – Bear Hang Tutorial
Learn different techniques for safely storing your food in the backcountry. -
7:00 AM – Wake Up + Breakfast + Coffee
Enjoy an easy morning.8:00 AM – Morning Yoga (Strong Slow Flow)
Final lakeside session to stretch and ground before departure.9:00 AM – Tear Down Camp
Pack up camp gear and load the canoes.10:30 AM – Paddle Back
Paddle back toward Canisbay Campground.
12:00 PM – Return to Access Point + Wrap-Up
Unload, debrief, and say our goodbyes.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Maximum 6:1 ratio
Certified Wilderness First Responder
Paddle Canada Tandem Lake Canoe Instructor -
Certified RYT200
1x breathwork session (Saturday)
4x yoga sessions (1x Friday, 2x Saturday, 1x Sunday) -
Basic paddle strokes
How to properly load a canoe
Water treatment and purification
Food preparation and storage
Bear safety and camp set-up
Hands-on gear demonstration -
Backcountry camping permit (~$13 pp/day paid to Ontario Parks)
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Tandem canoe
Personal flotation device
Boat safety kit
Paddle
Tent (note that all tents are double occupancy)
Tarp
Stove
Fuel
Kitchen utensils
SOS satellite device/GPS
Signalling devices
Bear spray
Camp saw
First aid kit
Water purification system
Adjustable declination compass
Physical waterproof map
Fire starter
Biodegradable soap
Polycord -
Breakfast on days 2 and 3
Lunch on day 2
Dinners on days 1 and 2
Snacks
Coffee
Tea
Download the gear checklist below to see what you need to bring. Checked boxes will be supplied by SHE Ventures.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
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Transportation to/from Canisbay campground
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Breakfast and lunch day 1
Lunch on day 3 -
Vehicle permit and registration for trip length (~$15 pp/day, payable to Ontario Parks).
SHE Ventures can add vehicles to the reservation online prior to trip departure, but license plate numbers must be provided and applicable fees sent via e-transfer. -
Backpack (backpacks can be rented for $12.50/day)
Yoga mat
Yoga props (classes will be catered so these are not required)
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made 30+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to trip departure.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 4+ people have not registered.