ALGONQUIN
BACKCOUNTRY
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
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: 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
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.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
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Transportation to/from Canisbay campground
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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.