Ontario Yoga & Nature Retreat
An End-of-Summer Gathering for Deep Feelers and Quiet Souls in the Kawarthas
Sept. 2-6, 2026 | Lakefield, ON, Canada
Ontario Yoga & Nature Retreat
An End-of-Summer Gathering for Deep Feelers and Quiet Souls in the Kawarthas
September 2-6, 2026
Lakefield, ON, Canada
A place to exhale as summer softens.
Warm sun on the dock. Cool mornings beneath the tree canopies.
Join us for 4 nights at a lakeside lodge in the Kawarthas, on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg.
Welcome the changing season with a long weekend of yoga, ecotherapy, nourishing meals, and community care.
— Ease into quiet mornings by the lake.
— Let your body exhale through grounding movement.
— Awaken your senses with nature and creative play.
— Paddle in the late summer sun or wander among the trees.
— Enjoy real conversation and quiet companionship.
— Honor your pace—rest, move, or get lost in a book.
Rest, joy, community, and time to breathe in your own body—this is how we stay whole in changing times.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This is a neuro-affirming, LGBTQ+ inclusive space where diversity is celebrated.
This retreat may be for you if you are:
- Introverted, highly sensitive, or neurodivergent and seeking a space that respects neurodiversity.
- Are engaged in social justice work and need a break to replenish your reserves.
- Are tired of masking or shrinking to fit — and ready to set that down for a few days.
- Crave a community where you don’t have to explain yourself or perform to belong.
- Seek a balance of solitude and connection where you can choose when and how to interact.
The one thing we ask is a commitment to respecting diverse identities, needs, and ways of being.
Exhale as summer softens.
Warm sun on the dock. Cool mornings beneath the tree canopies.
Join us for 4 nights at a lakeside lodge in the Kawarthas, on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg.
Welcome the changing season with a long weekend of yoga, ecotherapy, nourishing meals & community care.
Ease into quiet mornings by the lake.
Let your body exhale through grounding movement.
Awaken your senses with nature and creative play.
Paddle across the water or wander the forest.
Enjoy real conversation and quiet companionship.
Honor your pace—rest, move, or get lost in a book.
Rest, joy, community, and time to breathe in your body—this is how we stay whole in changing times.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This is a neuro-affirming, LGBTQ+ inclusive space where diversity is celebrated.
This retreat may be for you if you are:
- Introverted, highly sensitive, or neurodivergent and seeking a space that respects neurodiversity.
- Are engaged in social justice work and need a break to replenish your reserves.
- Are tired of masking or shrinking to fit — and ready to set that down for a few days.
- Crave a community where you don’t have to explain yourself or perform to belong.
- Seek a balance of solitude and connection where you can choose when and how to interact.
The one thing we ask is a commitment to respecting diverse identities, needs, and ways of being.
At a Glance
Location
Lakefield, ON
(2 hrs from Toronto)
Accommodations
Lakeside lodge
(single / double rooms)
Trip Length
4 nights / 5 days
(Wed – Sun)
Activity Level
Mild: Accessible yoga; steps/hills on the land
Group Size
9-12 participants
Retreat Cost
Starting at $995.00 USD per person
The Land
The region has been shaped by enduring indigenous knowledge, care, and relationship, across generations. We’ll carry this awareness into our time together in the questions we hold and our practices with the land.
There are also significant cultural sites nearby for those who wish to learn more. More details in the FAQs below.
The Lodge
Located two hours from Toronto and 30 min from Peterborough, the retreat lodge sits on 27 acres of forest and 700 feet of waterfront in Lakefield, ON, in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes.
The lodge has 9 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, multiple living rooms, porches, a library, and common area for yoga.
Guests are invited to roam the trails, enjoy the hot tub, paddle the water by canoe, kayak, or SUP, or visit the tree fort.
Melissa’s eco-arts and yoga retreat was healing for me, due largely to her radiant empathy, careful planning, and competent group facilitation. I arrived as a bundle of nervous anxiety and grief and left feeling hope and joy. That feeling has sustained for the days I have been back home. I am grateful to have been with this group under her guidance and would eagerly do another retreat with her.
– Arlene A.
The Land
The region has been shaped by enduring indigenous knowledge, care, and relationship, across generations. We’ll carry this awareness into our time together in the questions we hold and our practices with the land.
There are also significant cultural sites nearby for those who wish to learn more. More in the FAQs below.
The Lodge
Located two hours from Toronto and 30 min from Peterborough, the retreat lodge sits on 27 acres of forest and 700 feet of waterfront in Lakefield, ON, in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes.
The lodge has 9 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, multiple living rooms, porches, a library, and common area for yoga.
Guests are invited to roam the trails, enjoy the hot tub, or paddle the water by canoe, kayak, or SUP.
Melissa’s eco-arts and yoga retreat was healing for me, due largely to her radiant empathy, careful planning, and competent group facilitation. I arrived as a bundle of nervous anxiety and grief and left feeling hope and joy. That feeling has sustained for the days I have been back home. I am grateful to have been with this group under her guidance and would eagerly do another retreat with her.
– Arlene A.
Accommodations
The lodge features 9 guest rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds.
- Top Floor: 4 rooms share 2 bathrooms
- Ground Floor: 5 rooms share 2 bathrooms
The main floor also has a bathroom, and every floor offers shared common areas to relax.
While one room is wheelchair-accessible, the land may not be. Please reach out to discuss.
We kindly ask that male guests book single occupancy or reach out prior to booking a shared room.
The lodge features 9 guest rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds.
- Top Floor: 4 rooms share 2 bathrooms
- Ground Floor: 5 rooms share 2 bathrooms
The main floor also has a bathroom, and every floor offers shared common areas to relax.
While one room is wheelchair-accessible, the land may not be. Please reach out to discuss.
We kindly ask male guests to book single occupancy or reach out before booking a shared room.
Pricing + Registration
- A $300 non-refundable deposit is due at registration.
- 50% of the balance must be paid by July 4, 2026.
- Remaining balance must be paid by August 3, 2026.
Later payments will be charged to the card you use for your deposit, unless you indicate otherwise.
Rooms assigned first-come, first-served.
Single Occupancy: $1,495.00 / person
(private room for one guest)
Double Occupancy: $995 / person
(for one person in a room for two)
Bring-a-Friend: $1,890.00 / room
(two booking together; $895 / person)
What's Included
- 4 nights lakeside accommodation
- 11 nourishing, chef-prepared meals
- Daily yoga classes (1–2 sessions / day)
- Guided ecotherapy or sharing circles (3 sessions)
- Access to kayaks, canoes & paddle boards
- Access to hot tub, hiking trails, and tree fort
- Basic art supplies for free time
NOT Included
- Flights and/or ground transport to retreat
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Gratuity for chef (optional, but recommended)
- Additional activities and services.
Sample Schedule
Wednesday, September 2
4:00-5:00 – Arrive & Relax
5:30-7:00 – Opening Circle
7:00-7:30 – Welcome Dinner
Thursday, Sept 3 – Saturday, Sept 5
8:00-9:00 – Nourishing Breakfast
10:00-11:00 – Slow Flow Yoga
11:00-12:30 – Ecotherapy or Discussion
12:30-1:30 – Lunch
1:30-5:00 – Free Time
5:00-6:15 – Restorative Yoga
6:30-7:30 – Dinner
Sunday, September 6
8:00-9:00 – Breakfast
9:00-10:00 – Closing Circle
11:00 – Say Goodbyes
*We’ll observe silent mornings until breakfast time.
*After dinner, you’re welcome to soak in the hot tub, enjoy alone time, or if conditions permit, we may have a campfire.
Cancellation Policy
Read the FULL policy and terms: Yoga Retreat Agreement
Our cancellation policy helps ensure fairness and consistency for all clients while supporting the sustainability of our retreats. Adhering to this policy allows us to cover costs related to administrative work, processing fees, non-refundable partner expenses, and the efforts required to refill cancelled spots.
Trip Cancelled by Participant
- Deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable.
- If cancel more than 60 days before the retreat, we will issue a full refund of any payments made (excluding your deposit).
- If cancel 31 to 59 days before the retreat, 50% of payments made may be applied to another retreat (excluding your deposit). You forfeit 50% of your payment in addition to the deposit.
- If you cancel within 30 days of the retreat, you forfeit your entire payment.
Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if minimum registration is not met. In this case, we will fully refund all payments, including your deposit. We recommend booking flights only after the retreat is confirmed.
We may make reasonable itinerary changes or postpone the retreat if necessary for the safety and well-being of participants. If the retreat is postponed due to circumstances such as pandemics, weather, political unrest, or other unforeseen conditions, all payments will be applied to the same retreat on future dates.
Read the FULL policy and terms: Yoga Retreat Agreement
More FAQs below!
Join us for rest, connection, and resilience!
September 2-6, 2026
Join us for rest, connection, and resilience!
September 2-6, 2026
Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.
The first time I traveled with Melissa, I had never experienced being with people similar to me and it was life-changing. My nervous system was able to calm down, possibly for the first time ever. The experiences are always meaningful, conversations are real, and there’s so much laughter!
Melissa is way more than just a trip organizer, she goes above and beyond to connect people together and creates an atmosphere of open-mindedness with other travelers, local people, and local experiences.
FAQs
How to Get There
Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the retreat. For those outside the region, you will need to rent a car at the airport. We may be able to connect you to other guests who wish to carpool, but cannot guarantee this.
Location
Kingfisher Bay Retreat
150 Fraser Estates Lane
North Kawartha, ON K0L 2H0
705.313.5112 (text or call)
- 30 minutes from Peterborough
- 1.5 hours from East Toronto on Highway 28
- 2 hours from Toronto and YYZ
Airports
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the nearest major airport. From here, the retreat is 2 hours by car.
Regional Airports:
- Peterborough Regional Airport (YPQ): 20-30 min
- North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB): 1 hour, 15 min
- Sudbury Airport (YSB): 1 hour, 45 min drive
Check-in / Check-out
Check-In: Wednesday, September 2nd at 4:00 PM
Check-Out: Sunday, September 6th at 11:00 AM
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, lost/delayed baggage, emergency evacuation, and emergency medical care abroad.
We’ve partnered with InsureMyTrip to compare plans. They have many travel insurance plans and a recommendation engine to help you find the right plan. They also provide support before, during, and after your trip should you need assistance, including help with filing a claim. (We may receive a small commission if you book through the link provided. You may purchase a policy through any provider you prefer!)
You might consider “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, which covers your trip in the event you are unable or choose not to attend for any reason. CFAR insurance typically reimburses 50 or 75 percent of your trip cost if you need to cancel for reasons not otherwise covered and requires the following conditions:
- Purchase the policy within 14-21 days of first trip payment.
- Insure all prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure.
- Cancel more than 48-72 hours prior to your departure date.
Physical Accessibility
Property Accessibility
The lodge offers one wheelchair-accessible room, located on the same floor as the dining room, living room, porch, and other common areas where we can gather as a group.
Getting around the land and down the to the dock is not wheelchair-accessible.
Depending on abilities, there is a railing along the main steps down to the dock. However, there are also uneven parts of the ground without railings to hold.
If you’d like to talk through whether this retreat is a good fit for you, please reach out to discuss!
Yoga: I teach from a trauma-informed lens and prioritizes physical accessibility and personal agency. My classes invite you to befriend your body-mind, support your nervous system, and build self-trust. Expect slow-paced movement with options so that you can explore what feels supportive for your body. No experience with yoga is necessary.
Other Activities: All program activities will be held onsite in gathering spaces that consider varying mobility needs.
Places of Interest
A 20-minute drive away is Kinomagewapkong (Petroglyphs Provincial Park), home to the largest concentration of indigenous rock carvings in Canada and a place of spiritual significance to Anishinaabe communities.
Other nearby you may wish to visit:
- The Whetung Ojibwa Centre at Curve Lake
- Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
-
The Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough
-
Liftlocks in Peterborough
Weather
In early September, you can expect mild to warm days with average highs around 20–24°C (68–75°F) and cooler evenings dropping to 10–14°C (50–57°F). The humidity starts to decrease, making the air feel crisp. While sunny days are common, there’s always a chance of rain showers.
Food, Alcohol & Drugs
Food: The retreat chef, Renato, will prepare three fresh, nourishing meals each day. He can accommodate most dietary needs and restrictions with advanced notice. Please be sure you’ve informed us and made any change to your dietary considerations at least 30 days before the retreat.
Alcohol & Drugs: To support a safe environment and supportive dynamic, we ask guests to refrain from consuming alcohol or other drugs. This helps maintain a clear container for the group and respects participants who may be in substance use recovery.
Packing
The following is a general list and may not be all-inclusive:
- Daypack
- Hiking shoes
- Flip flops / sandals
- Slippers
- Jacket or fleece
- Hoodie / long sleeve shirts
- Short sleeve shirts
- Full-length pants
- Shorts
- Socks / underwear / bras
- Pajamas
- Comfy clothing for yoga
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp / flashlight
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Repellent
- Medications
- Ear plugs
- Ear buds
- Book, journal, pens
- Art materials (optional)
Still have questions?
Book a free 20-minute phone chat or email Melissa at info@melissanoelrenzi.com.
Travel sensitively, connect with kindred spirits, and empower your quiet strengths
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