Quest For Balance

Yoga & stand-up paddleboarding retreat

Quest For Balance

Yoga & stand-up paddleboarding retreat

Quest For Balance

Yoga & stand-up paddleboarding retreat

Quest For Balance

Yoga & stand-up paddleboarding retreat


Nourish Your Body and Soul with Our Signature Yoga & Stand up Paddleboarding Retreat

It’s a little Yin for your Yang . . . Our favourite yoga retreat runs twice every summer – over August Long Weekend and Labour Day Weekend.


stand up paddling - taking a break for a swim

With the fullness of summer brings the opportunity to meet it with a pause – to simply be, to rest, to integrate all that you’ve experienced, and to take the pace of nature in order to renew the body and mind and find balance.  This yoga retreat at Ontario’s Algonquin Park offers daily yoga sessions in the cradle of our eco-retreat while learning stand up paddleboarding on scenic Kawawaymog Lake.

This retreat is open to all skills levels, from beginner to advanced. What might you experience in savasana under a festival of stars? How might you feel to expand and stretch with the morning sun on the dock, breathing in as the water around you sits in stillness? What might be revealed to you as you explore our edge of Algonquin Park via paddleboard?

algonquin park moose in the river eating lilies canoe trip
waterfall rapids and people at algonquin park near north tea lake

Yoga classes take place in our lakeside studio, on the dock, and perhaps even on blueberry island! Classes for both yoga and stand-up paddleboarding are a fit for all levels of experience.

Want to learn more? Check out Angela Dollar’s story on her Quest for Balance at Northern Edge Algonquin.


August 2 – 5:

Martha Lucier with rattle - co-founder northern edge algonquin

Joanna Sadowski

As an advocate for strengthening mind, body, and spirit connections through yoga and wilderness pursuits, Joanna’s adventures have ranged from extended backcountry canoe trips to dogsled and climbing expeditions, and even Scuba trips in the Great Barrier Reef.

Joanna has also been deeply involved in the yoga community for over 20 years, teaching, facilitating, leading retreats, and continually expanding her knowledge through training.

She loves trying new things, sharing her passions, meeting new people, and learning about their unique stories. Spending time in nature is where she feels most at home.

Sarah Connoly

Sarah Connolly

From a young age, Sarah was captivated by the connection between nature and personal growth, leading her to dedicate herself to fostering resilience in individuals, families, and communities. With over 15 years of experience facilitating wilderness trips, Sarah seamlessly blends outdoor adventures with moments of peaceful reflection, guiding others on journeys of self-discovery and social change.

Beyond her outdoor pursuits, she finds joy in yoga, pottery, and discovering creative ways to bring people together and foster a sense of community.

Todd Lucier; co-founder Northern Edge Algonquin

Lindsay Morris

It was love at first visit when Lindsay arrived at the Edge in 2018. Lindsay is a yoga, barre, and dance teacher who is dedicated to meeting people wherever they are on their wellness journey. Lindsay aims to help guests feel grounded in their bodies and minds, and foster a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.

Lindsay is happiest outside and loves creating special experiences in nature. One of her favourite things about facilitating at the Edge is nurturing a supportive environment where everyone can realize their inner strength and recognize that they are capable of more than they believe. Lindsay lives in Ottawa and works for the federal government, but she loves having a reason to visit Algonquin.

August 30 – September 2:

Courtney at the Edge

Wendy Martin

Wendy is a facilitator of embodiment and movement practices that encompass a wide range, from transformative yoga therapy to vibrant vinyasa flow. But Wendy’s inspiration doesn’t stop there—she has recently tapped into her creative side, exploring artistic expression, natural dye, and pottery.

With her warm and wonderful soul, Wendy continues to delve into her passions, weaving together an eclectic mix of teaching modalities. Join her on a path of self-discovery and embodied movement, while also embracing the beauty of artistic expression.

Courtney at the Edge

Louise Hamelin

Louise’s journey as a yoga teacher began in 2012 when she discovered the transformative practice of SUP yoga. Since then, she’s dedicated herself to sharing yoga’s profound benefits. With certifications as a 200-hour yoga teacher and SUP instructor, Louise has spent over a decade guiding students through their practice.

Her passion lies in fostering a deeper connection between individuals and themselves, harmonizing breath, body, mind, and soul. Through laughter and presence, Louise inspires her students to find joy and tranquility in yoga.


Deposits & Cancellations

In short: Spaces are limited.  When you book a retreat with us, a non-refundable deposit (50% of your overall balance) reserves your space and allows us to plan accordingly. Remaining balances are due 15 days before arrival.

Deposits protect our group-based experiences by acting as a commitment from our guests. If you need to cancel your visit, the timing of your cancellation will determine the level of flexibility we can offer in rescheduling your visit or holding your deposit as a credit to be used in the future. Please refer to our full deposit and cancellation policy for more information on our policies, timelines, and the commitments we make based on your registration.

Meals & Dietary Needs

Edge guests are well nourished and experience mealtime itself as a program element, with storytelling to introduce the seasonal flavours of the region and the relationships with the folk who grew and raised the ingredients close to home. Cooking at the Edge focuses on balancing globally far-flung tastes with provincially produced foods. Meals are served buffet style and are guests often enjoy lakeside dining outdoors when the weather allows it.

Over the years we have met many diverse dietary needs. Guests are invited to identify their dietary needs & preferences as a part of the registration process, and those with restrictions love the options we provide.

Itinerary & Program Timings

We offer unique, tailored experiences that flow as our facilitators respond to the interests of our guests, seasonal conditions, and special opportunities that may arise.

Each retreat at the Edge features healthy doses of dreamtime, adventure, community, creativity, time spent in nature, and a dash of surprise. Guests always have the choice to take solo or rest time in lieu of planned experiences.

While a detailed itinerary is not available, you can count on and prepare for the activities used to describe the flavour of this retreat. Meals are generally served at 8:30, 12:30, and 6pm. When appropriate, optional early-morning or late-night experiences may be offered.

Arrival Time & Directions

Arrival time is between 2 – 3 pm with programming beginning at 3:30.  We encourage our guests to arrive on time and stay to experience the full retreat, which generally ends after brunch on the final day. Please let us know if you expect to arrive after 3.

You can find us easily on Google or Apple maps, or view detailed directions here.

What to Bring

We’ll be spending time both indoors and out in nature, and we invite you to dress appropriately for the season to stay comfortable, warm, and dry. There’s no dress code and most guests wear their “retreat-casual”.

We encourage guests to bring a surprise to share with others – this might take the form of a game or activity, an instrument/song/poem, or a tasty treat.


Deposits & Cancellations

In short: Spaces are limited.  When you book a retreat with us, a non-refundable deposit (50% of your overall balance) reserves your space and allows us to plan accordingly. Remaining balances are due 15 days before arrival.

Deposits protect our group-based experiences by acting as a commitment from our guests. If you need to cancel your visit, the timing of your cancellation will determine the level of flexibility we can offer in rescheduling your visit or holding your deposit as a credit to be used in the future. Please refer to our full deposit and cancellation policy for more information on our policies, timelines, and the commitments we make based on your registration.

Meals & Dietary Needs

Edge guests are well nourished and experience mealtime itself as a program element, with storytelling to introduce the seasonal flavours of the region and the relationships with the folk who grew and raised the ingredients close to home. Cooking at the Edge focuses on balancing globally far-flung tastes with provincially produced foods. Meals are served buffet style and are guests often enjoy lakeside dining outdoors when the weather allows it.

Over the years we have met many diverse dietary needs. Guests are invited to identify their dietary needs & preferences as a part of the registration process, and those with restrictions love the options we provide.

Itinerary & Program Timings

We offer unique, tailored experiences that flow as our facilitators respond to the interests of our guests, seasonal conditions, and special opportunities that may arise.

Each retreat at the Edge features healthy doses of dreamtime, adventure, community, creativity, time spent in nature, and a dash of surprise. Guests always have the choice to take solo or rest time in lieu of planned experiences.

While a detailed itinerary is not available, you can count on and prepare for the activities used to describe the flavour of this retreat. Meals are generally served at 8:30, 12:30, and 6pm. When appropriate, optional early-morning or late-night experiences may be offered.

Arrival Time & Directions

Arrival time is between 2 – 3 pm with programming beginning at 3:30.  We encourage our guests to arrive on time and stay to experience the full retreat, which generally ends after brunch on the final day. Please let us know if you expect to arrive after 3.

You can find us easily on Google or Apple maps, or view detailed directions here.

What to Bring

We’ll be spending time both indoors and out in nature, and we invite you to dress appropriately for the season to stay comfortable, warm, and dry. There’s no dress code and most guests wear their “retreat-casual”.

We encourage guests to bring a surprise to share with others – this might take the form of a game or activity, an instrument/song/poem, or a tasty treat.

Quest For Balance

All-Inclusive Pricing from

$ 1184 +HST

Book Retreat

Custom Dates Available for groups of 10+

What’s Included

  • 3 nights in your choice of shared or private cozy cabin accommodation.
  • Retreat program featuring daily yoga sessions, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons and excursions, and more!
  • Equipment & materials included*
  • Mouth-watering meals and snacks from Day 1 Dinner to Day 4 Lunch (locally sourced and catered to your dietary needs)
  • Time to dream, be creative, rest, rejuvenate & experience a sense of community – Wood-fired sauna, campfires, and more!

What’s Not Included

  • 13% Harmonized Sales Tax
  • Gratuities for the hospitality team, facilitators & guides.
  • Wi-fi access and cellular signal are not available for this unplugged experience.

Explore Accommodation Options

Habitat Cabin Room

Canopy Cabin

Our simple, clear-roofed cabins bring participants closer to nature, just a short walk away from main programming spaces and amenities such as showers and flush toilets. Each canopy cabin features a double bed, ideal for solo travellers or couples.

Shared: $1184 / person

Private: $1284 / person

cabin in algonquin park

Habitat Cabin

Cozy, rustic habitat cabins are located just a short walk away from main programming spaces and amenities such as washrooms and showers. Each offers a loft double bed above 2 single beds, making them ideal for sharing with friends or other participants.

Shared: $1184 / person

Private: Unavailable

Studio Cabin accommodations Algonquin Park

Studio Cabin

Comfortable & spacious eco-friendly studio rooms are located just a minute’s walk away from main programming spaces and showers. These feature a small en-suite bathroom with an incinerating toilet. Both a double bed and a single bed make them ideal for couples or friends.

Shared: $1284 / person

Private: $1484 / person

Studio Cabin Accommodations Algonquin Park

Log Cabin Bedroom

The luxurious and comfortable log cabin is located a bit further from main programming spaces for optimal rest, and features en-suite bathrooms with showers. Each room’s Queen bed can convert into two twin beds, providing flexibility for solo travellers, couples, or friends.

Shared: $1484 / person

Private: $1704 / person

testimonials

“I loved the yoga classes, the delicious healthy food, the SUP Yoga (I wasn’t brave enough yet to try paddle boarding but I did enjoy the SUP Yoga on shallow water), reading in cute little places like the magical meditation hut, waking up to see the sunrise, sunbathing on the dock, and simply admiring the peacefulness of the lake. If you want to explore a different way of living & being by disconnecting fully from the rest of the world (we had to unplug this weekend) and reconnecting with like minded souls (strangers who very quickly became friends) through conversation, laughter, acceptance, and joy…then I highly recommend the Edge for your next getaway into….bliss.”

Tusha Makavita

The staff is attentive, passionate about creating a restful experience for you and have thought of everything. The buildings are spotless and cozy and the facilities are beautiful, well laid out and fit into the natural environment. And the food — the best, most plentiful, creative, delicious, organic local food imaginable… The sauna was the highlight for me, dipping into the lake and back into the sauna all afternoon meant my body was fully renewed. The yoga studio overlooking the lake and the meditation room are peaceful and lay the groundwork for a wonderful transformative retreat.

Anna Hardwick

What a soul-nourishing place Northern Edge is! It was a beautifully designed retreat and the openness and sharing of like-minded women made it a perfect experience. The timing throughout the retreat was wonderfully paced to include meditative time, yoga practice and recreation. The centre itself is a gorgeous design of places to sit and ponder; in groups and in solitude. It allowed for both laughter and intimate heart-felt discussions. Gregor’s food was an amazing treat for the body – every aspect of every meal prepared with care and love – delicious! And the hospitality of the staff was truly heart-warming. Thank you for this retreat – I am wholly nourished!

Marcia Julian

“Northern Edge Algonquin is a transformative off the grid yoga retreat center. Surrounded by nature’s serenity, it provides the perfect setting for deep reflection and personal growth. The dedicated instructors guided us through restorative yoga sessions as they fostered a mind-body connection. The retreat’s sustainable practices and fabulous, locally-sourced food left us feeling rejuvenated, centred, and inspired. Northern Edge Algonquin is a sanctuary for anyone seeking tranquility, self-discovery, and a genuine connection with nature. I highly recommend it to fellow yoga enthusiasts and those in search of a meaningful retreat experience.”

Karen M

“When I signed up, I figured I’d have a pretty good time. But I was astonished by how truly wonderful it turned out to be. And the impact that it had on me, physically, mentally and spiritually. Thanks to Wendy’s and Joanna’s gentle guidance, loving care and slightly wicked senses of humour – I not only had the best vacation I could imagine, but I was able to really relax, gain some much needed perspective, rediscover my love of yoga and the outdoors and overcome some hurdles which turned out to be more mental than physical. Then there’s Greg’s awesome meals. Yummy.  In short, A Quest for Balance completely rocks! Once you experience it, you’ll kick yourself for not doing it sooner.”

Lisa Denvir

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