Women's Autumn Equinox Hiking & Journaling Retreat

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn." ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

As summer comes to an end and fall begins to paint the landscape, Mother Nature reminds us of the beauty of change.

Our Women's hiking and journaling retreat offers a perfect setting for you to immerse yourself in nature, awaken your senses, and connect with your creativity, all while celebrating the Autumn Equinox.

We'll be out hiking through forests and around lakes, using all our senses while exploring the local area, taking note of the seasonal changes, and observing how we connect to nature.

Our journaling exercises will take place both outside and in our cabin and will explore what we have harvested so far this year, what seeds we want to plant in our lives for next year, and how we can emulate nature's practices to find more balance and let go of things we no longer need.

We'll have a maximum of 8 participants to ensure an intimate group and a restorative experience.

DATES: Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd September 2024

LOCATION: Kio-o Retreat Centre, Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Quebec

(approx 1h30 from Montreal, 2h30 from Ottawa)

**WHAT AWAITS YOU:**

🌲 **Guided Hikes**

We will explore the trails on the 125-acre Kio-o property, passing through forests, around small lakes, and up to scenic viewpoints. We will also hike up to Mont Kaiakop on the third day.

You will be led by qualified 4-season interpretive hiking guides, ensuring a safe and inspiring experience while helping you fully immerse yourself in the landscape.

📝 **Nature Journaling**

You’ll be given prompts and learn journalling techniques that use all your senses to observe what’s around you. Our sessions will help you deepen your connection with nature through exploring and reflecting on your experiences.

🤝 **Community**

Connect with a group of like-minded women who share your love for the outdoors and creative expression. Build lasting friendships and create memories together in this supportive and inspiring environment.

Maximum group size of 8 participants

**PRICE**

$1595 CAD + GST (double occupancy)

$1825 CAD + GST (single occupancy)

A $500 CAD deposit is required to secure your spot. Final balance due by 5th September 2024.

Please note: To avoid the Eventbrite credit card fees, payment can be made by interac transfer to fionamcleanphotography@gmail.com. If you do not have a Canadian bank account and would like to pay by funds transfer, please contact Fiona to arrange this.

Cancellation Policy: If the organizer cancels the retreat (ie due to insufficient participants or any other reason), the deposit and any other funds paid will be fully refunded.

If the participant cancels, the deposit is forfeited. If the cancellation is more than two weeks prior to the retreat, any additional funds paid over and above the deposit will be reimbursed. If the cancellation is 14 days or less prior to the retreat, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

Registration is transferable, so if you do need to cancel, you can find someone else to take your place.

**WHAT’S INCLUDED:**

• Accommodation
• 3 meals per day (vegetarian)
• Daily hikes led by qualified hiking guides
• Guided journaling sessions
• A journal for each participant

**WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:**

• Transportation to/from Kio-o Retreat Centre
• Transportation during the retreat (we will aim to carpool to Mont Kaiakop)
• Travel/medical insurance
• Personal items needed for hiking (participants will receive a list of what to bring)

**YOUR GUIDES**

FIONA McLEAN

Fiona is a qualified 4-season interpretive hiking guide in Canada and a summer mountain leader in the UK. After working as an environmental and transport consultant for over a decade, she decided to turn her passion for hiking, photography and travel into a career. She has hiked in 25 countries including on multi-day treks. She currently splits her time between Scotland (spring and summer) and Canada (fall and winter). Find out more about Fiona at www.scotlandhikesandtours.com or www.fionamcleanphotography.com.

SHERRY McPHAIL

Sherry is a professional writer with 30 years of experience working with non-profit, corporate and government clients, helping them to inform and engage their audiences through compelling copy. An avid outdoor adventurer and keen student of nature, she is also a 4-season interpretive hiking guide who offers Walk & Write workshops that help participants sharpen their lens on the world and themselves through journalling. Find out more about Sherry at www.bigpinehikes.ca.