canisbay

BACKCOUNTRY CANOEING & YOGA RETREAT

Dates: Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
Early Bird Pricing (Until June 17, 2026): $325 (incl. tax)
Regular Pricing: $375 (incl. tax)
Skill Level: Beginner
Ages: 18+
Max Group Size: 6 + 2 Guides
Start/Finish: Canisbay Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS

SOLD OUT

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.

It should be noted that this trip is dog-friendly.

ITINERARY

  • 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: 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

  • 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)

  • Tandem canoe
    Personal flotation device
    Boat safety kit
    Paddle
    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

Download the gear checklist below to see what you need to bring. Checked boxes will be supplied by SHE Ventures.

Download

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

  • Transportation to/from Canisbay campground

  • 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 (or add-on included at checkout).



  • Backpack (optional add-on)
    Lightweight tent (optional add-on)
    Yoga mat
    Yoga props (classes will be catered so these are not required)

  • Breakfast (days 2-3)
    Lunch (day 2)
    Dinner (days 1-2)
    Snacks
    Coffee
    Tea

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. 

BACK TO TOP