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.
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 pre-trip virtual information session.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded (minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee) if 4+ people have not registered by July 16, 2026.
Maximum 1:6 Ratio; Paddle Canada Tandem Lake Canoe Instructor; WFA-Certified
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
Certified RYT200; 1x breathwork session (Saturday); 4x yoga sessions (1x Friday, 2x Saturday, 1x Sunday)
Tarp, Stove, Fuel, Kitchen utensils, SOS satellite device/GPS, Signalling device, Bear spray, Saw, First aid kit, Water purification system, Declination compass, Physical map, Fire starter, Rope, Soap
Transportation to/from Canisbay campground
Lightweight tent (optional add-on); Backpack, 45-60 L (optional add-on); Lightweight tent (optional add-on); Yoga mat; Yoga props
*Optional add-on. Vehicle permit and registration for trip length (~$15 pp/day, payable to Ontario Parks).
*Optional add-on. Breakfast (days 2-3); Lunch (day 2); Dinner (days 1-2); Snacks; Coffee; Tea
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.
