EMBRACING GRIEF
A Nature Grief Retreat in Algonquin Park
May 6-9, 2027
FOR ADULTS GRIEVING THE LOSS OF SOMEONE THEY LOVE
What to expect:
This retreat is designed to offer a balance of gentle structure and spaciousness. Each day includes opportunities for guided group connection, quiet reflection, time in nature, and rest.
There will be space for sharing, but you are never required to speak. You are invited to move at your own pace, and to listen to what your body and heart need moment to moment.
This is a small, intimate group, allowing for a more personal and supported experience (limited to 12 participants).
🌈 This retreat is a 2SLGBTQ+ affirming space. People of all genders, identities, and sexual orientations are welcome here 🙏.
This retreat is for you if you are:
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grieving the death of someone you love
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craving rest, nature, and care
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longing for a safe place to let your grief through
This retreat may not be the right fit if:
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you are in immediate crisis or require acute mental health support
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you are not open to being in a shared group environment
If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to reach out and we can explore together whether this feels like the right kind of support for you.
Where it's located:
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Northern Edge Algonquin, a peaceful off-grid retreat centre in Algonquin Park, surrounded by beautiful forests on Kawawaymog Lake (3.5 hours North of Toronto)
What's Included:
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Three nights accommodation
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Outstanding chef-prepared meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and refreshments
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Guided grief support and group experiences
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Restorative yoga
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Forest bathing
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Sound baths
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A co-created grief ritual on our final evening to honour your loved one(s), your journey, and what you are carrying
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Time for reflection, rest, and connection
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Access to beautiful trails, waterfront, and retreat amenities
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Opportunities to enjoy swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, and quiet time in nature
Who are the Retreat Facilitators?
Brigitte Lebel (she/her)
Brigitte brings a deeply compassionate presence to grief work, shaped by both lived experience and years of supporting others through profound loss. After the sudden death of her daughter Kamila in 2021, nature became an essential part of her healing—offering refuge, steadiness, and a place where grief could be felt without needing to be contained.
Rooted in her work as a psychotherapist and grief retreat facilitator, she creates spaces where people can bring their grief with honesty and tenderness. With warmth, insight, and heartfelt presence, Brigitte weaves together therapeutic guidance, meaningful ritual, and connection to nature.
Ali Steer (she/her)
Ali brings a gentle, grounded presence to her work, supporting people in slowing down, reconnecting with themselves, and finding compassionate ways to move through what they’re
As a teacher, psychotherapist, yoga instructor, musician, and wilderness guide, she has spent years creating spaces where people can build resilience, confidence, and emotional awareness. She offers a space that is inclusive, welcoming, and deeply respectful, supporting people through life’s transitions.
Wendy Martin (she/her)
Wendy is known for her poetic presence and calming voice that gently guide people inward toward what matters most. Her work blends yoga, somatic and creative practices—including sound, writing, natural dye, and pottery—offering grounded, intuitive experiences that support nervous system ease.
With warmth and care, she weaves together movement, creativity, and connection, supporting spaces of embodied presence and belonging.
We will be present throughout the retreat, gently guiding and supporting the space as it unfolds.
🌟 Testimonials from previous grief retreat attendees 📝
"Brigitte's grief retreat was one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced. She brings so much love and realness to the work of grieving in community, and she also creates space for everyone's unique healing process to unfold. I feel so blessed to have come across her work and to have taken part in such a beautiful experience."
"This grief retreat was exactly what I've needed. Rest, connection, and real nourishment. The community that formed so quickly and effortlessly created a powerful container to hold all of our collective grief. It worked to heal something deeper than my present-day grief, and I will always cherish this experience and the people I met."
"The retreat created a small, comforting and nurturing community through our shared loss. It gave me camaraderie with other grievers, which helps me not feel alone in my grief.
Exercises like shuttle writing helped me to express difficult emotions and to feel seen and understood. Smaller informal conversations had the same benefit. The retreat encouraged me to feel and express difficult emotions. It allowed a break from everyday pressures that prevent me from processing my grief.
The program was a good mix of challenging therapeutic exercises and healthy, relaxing activities like yoga, sound baths, saunas and swimming. We were eased into the challenging parts. Brigitte, Ali, Joanne and Wendy are talented facilitators.
The nature setting was beautiful and peaceful. The food was incredible, farm-to-table and prepared with flair and care by Greg and Jesse – not what I was expecting in the middle of the forest.
There was so much laughter as well as tears! I am not a group person, but the bond with my new friends is a true comfort and support."
"Grounding into nature has a comforting calm of connectivity and peace. This beautiful retreat helped me believe that i am not alone and immensely supported and understood. Also, I was surprised to learn that I have something to give to others to help them. It doesn't matter if someone is a stranger, if I see someone hurting I will offer to hold space for them, as we are all connected. I learned how to create space to feel my grief, and still experience all the beauty in this world. I felt our collectives supportive presence while walking into work this morning. I am so grateful for everyone. I will always carry and hold close to my heart all of you!"
"Brigitte and co-facilitator Ali gifted me with a weekend that was both restful and powerful, allowing me to embrace my grief in the safe & supported peaceful environment of the Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre.
Their compassionate and gentle way-of-being allowed me to be courageous and to trust in the process - a good balance of structure and quiet time - and I came away all the better for it, armed with new rituals and practices to lean into, as I journey forward alongside grief. Apprehensive at first? Yes!! But, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, be brave, and share your grief story in this way. You'll end up feeling grounded, connected to community, supported, and cared for. Thank you, with all my heart, Brigitte and Ali!"
Retreat Investment
Your retreat investment includes three nights of accommodation, nourishing chef-prepared meals, restorative wellness experiences, grief support programming, and the opportunity to step away from daily demands and reconnect with yourself in nature.
Throughout the weekend, you will enjoy exceptional meals thoughtfully prepared by the Northern Edge's culinary team. Many past guests describe the food as one of the highlights of their stay.
Accommodation Options
Shared Canopy or Habitat Cabin $1,684
Shared Studio Cabin $1,804
Shared Dreamer's Hill Bedroom $1,984
Private Canopy Cabin $1,934
Private Studio Cabin $2,124
Private Dreamer's Hill Bedroom $2,224
*Prices are per person and subject to HST.
Learn more about accommodation options here.
A Note About Shared Accommodations
Shared accommodations are thoughtfully designed for comfort and connection. If you are attending with a friend or family member and would like to share a space, please let us know during registration.
Registration
Space is limited to 12 participants to ensure an intimate and supportive retreat experience.
Join the interest list to receive updates and be among the first to know when registration opens.