contact

Category: Day Retreat

Snowshoeing Day Retreat at Mount Orford

snowshoeing at mount orford

Discover the beauty of winter with a guided mindful snowshoe hike in Mount Orford’s forest trails. Learn snowshoeing basics, practice mindfulness and forest bathing, and enjoy moving meditation in nature. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to recharge outdoors and connect with themselves in a deeper way.

A Deep Nature Reconnect at Gault Nature Reserve

Photo of a man standing in the forest at Gault Reserve.

Reconnect with Nature, Reconnect with Yourself with Dr. Moire Stevenson, Clinical Psychologist & Ecotherapy Expert Join us for a rejuvenating day immersed in the natural beauty of Gault Nature Reserve.  This isn’t just a hike in the woods — it’s a professionally designed therapeutic experience rooted in science, psychology, and deep reverence for the natural world. Led by Dr. Moire Stevenson, Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health and a background in biology and biochemistry, this day retreat draws on evidence-based ecotherapy and somatic techniques to create lasting psychological benefit. Through intentional movement, breathwork, mindful reflection, and immersive sensory experiences in nature, you will restore your nervous system, deepen your emotional resilience, and reconnect with your sense of self in a way that few traditional settings allow.   What the Day Will Look Like We begin our day gathered at the park entrance, setting clear intentions and preparing to move through the land with mindfulness and meaning. Throughout our ascent of Mount Saint-Hilaire, Dr. Stevenson will guide you through a curated series of therapeutic nature-based practices designed to reduce stress, enhance clarity, and build emotional strength. Morning Arrival Welcome and orientation with Dr. Stevenson Introduction to the principles of Ecotherapy and Nature-Based Psychology Clarifying your personal focus and intention for the day   Forest Exploration + Therapeutic Rest Stops Breathwork + Interconnection: Engage the body and calm the nervous system with grounding breathwork, followed by a conversation on ecological interconnectedness Forest Meditation: Settle into presence with a guided mindfulness meditation beneath the forest canopy Walking Meditation: Experience meditative movement in sync with nature Ongoing nature stops for sensory activation and guided observation (water listening, bird watching, tactile exploration of natural elements) Midday Insight + Summit Lunch Teaching Session on Empowerment: Overcoming inner and outer obstacles through somatic awareness, novelty and risk-taking Embodiment & Stress Response: Understanding how the body holds stress and how activities in natural settings can help us release it Lunch at the summit: A moment to pause, reflect, and integrate Integration  Contemplative Journaling: Learn how to use writing as a reflective tool during mindful walks Silent Walk for Inner Processing: A peaceful descent through the forest with intentional sensory breaks Reconnection Practice: Exploring how to build a lasting relationship with the natural world Closing Circle Final reflections and discussion with Dr. Stevenson back at the trailhead Tools to carry your experience forward A complete itinerary and preparation checklist will be emailed upon registration. What You’ll Walk Away With By the end of the retreat, you’ll have experienced meaningful emotional grounding and a sense of calm in your nervous system. You’ll leave with a clear, personal intention to support whatever comes next in your life, along with simple, nature-based tools you can use to stay connected and resilient. The day offers space for reflection, learning, and insight—ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply in need of time to reconnect with themselves and the natural world. This retreat is designed to be an intentional pause from the busyness of daily life, allowing you to cultivate presence and connection in a peaceful natural environment. Event Details: What to Bring: Comfortable footwear, sunscreen, bug repellent, rain gear, a packed lunch, and water. Snacks will be provided. Accessibility: If you have reduced mobility or other accessibility concerns, please contact us immediately. Fee: This is a paid event. The fee covers the day pass for the reserve, the guided meditation, breathwork and other therapeutic activities as well as refreshments. For more information on Gault Nature Reserve, visit:https://gault.mcgill.ca/en/https://gault.mcgill.ca/en/the-reserve/

A Day of Mindful Self-Compassion at Oka Beach and National Park

  Spend a day by the water tending to your well-being—mind, body, and heart. This one-day retreat at stunning Oka Beach and National Park combines the restorative power of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) with the calming influence of blue therapy—a nature-based approach that emphasizes the soothing effects of water on the nervous system, mood, and emotional clarity.   Through a gentle blend of guided practices, quiet reflection, and immersive time in nature, you’ll have space to: ∿ Reconnect with yourself in a supportive and peaceful environment ∿ Slow down and regulate your nervous system through breath and movement ∿ Feel restored by water’s natural ability to reduce stress and promote emotional balance ∿ Cultivate greater self-kindness, especially in moments of difficulty or overwhelm ∿ Enjoy a mindful day outdoors, free from distraction, pressure, or expectation   What to expect: We’ll spend part of the day soaking our feet and hands in the warm, shallow waters of Oka Beach—engaging in mindful, water-based practices designed to cool the body and calm the mind. You’ll also enjoy a gentle forest walk, guided through the practice of Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing), where you’ll be invited to slow down, awaken your senses, and experience the forest not just as a place to walk through, but as a living, healing presence.   Your day includes: ∿ Opening circle and intention setting ∿ Guided self-compassion and mindfulness sessions by the water ∿ Shinrin-yoku walk through forest trails ∿ Soothing water meditations in the lake ∿ Time for rest, journaling, and quiet reflection ∿ Mindful lunch – a light sandwich lunch is provided (vegetarian options available) ∿ Closing circle and take-home practices   Ideal for anyone looking to get away for the day and reconnect with nature—whether you’re feeling emotionally drained, navigating stress or burnout, exploring mindfulness, or simply craving space to reset and restore. No prior meditation experience is needed.   What You’ll Walk Away With By the end of the retreat, you’ll have experienced meaningful emotional grounding and a sense of calm in your nervous system. You’ll leave with a clear, personal intention to support whatever comes next in your life, along with simple, nature-based tools you can use to stay connected and resilient. The day offers space for reflection, learning, and insight—ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply in need of time to reconnect with themselves and the natural world. This retreat is designed to be an intentional pause from the busyness of daily life, allowing you to cultivate presence and connection in a peaceful natural environment.   Event Details: What to Bring: Comfortable footwear, sunscreen, bug repellent, rain gear, a packed lunch, and water. Snacks will be provided. Accessibility: If you have reduced mobility or other accessibility concerns, please contact us immediately. Fee: This is a paid event. The fee covers the day pass for the reserve, the guided meditation, breathwork and other therapeutic activities as well as refreshments. A complete itinerary and preparation checklist will be emailed upon registration.

Mindful Kayaking Retreat in Montreal

Mindful Kayaking Adventure on the Saint-Lawrence River A Restorative Day of Movement, Stillness, and Connection in Nature Step away from the demands of daily life and give yourself the gift of presence. This Mindful Kayaking Adventure offers a rare opportunity to spend extended, uninterrupted time in nature, combining gentle physical activity with mindfulness practices that invite deep calm, clarity, and renewal. You’ll be guided along the stunning Saint-Lawrence River, just minutes from Montreal, by Dr. Moire Stevenson, a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in mindfulness, family therapy, and nature-based interventions. Whether you’re completely new to kayaking or have paddled before, this experience is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and transformative. Why This Experience Is Different Extended Time in Nature: Most of us get only brief moments outside—this full-day retreat allows you to truly sink into the healing pace of the natural world. Step Away from Distractions: No phones, no notifications—just you, the water, and the present moment. This is a chance to reset your nervous system and reconnect with what matters. Mind-Body Restoration: Blending gentle movement with stillness, you’ll be guided through proven mindfulness techniques that reduce stress, support emotional well-being, and improve focus. Led by an Experienced Psychologist: Dr. Stevenson brings a warm, trauma-informed approach grounded in both clinical expertise and a deep love of nature. Community and Solitude: Enjoy the peaceful support of a like-minded group while also carving out quiet, reflective space for yourself. No Experience Needed: We begin with a clear and supportive kayaking orientation before setting out on the water. If you have your own kayak, email info@moirestevenson.com for a reduced registration rate. Event Details Location: NAVI Île des Sœurs, Montreal, QC Schedule: Arrive at 10:30 AM | On the water from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, including a mindful lunch break Included: Kayak and safety equipment, mindfulness facilitation with Dr. Stevenson, and a nourishing box lunch What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, comfortable outdoor clothing, and a willingness to slow down Important Notes This is a non-instructional guided experience—you kayak at your own risk. Dr. Stevenson is not a certified lifeguard or kayak instructor. Trained staff from the rental company will be on site with a motorized boat to support participants, and all attendees must sign a waiver upon arrival. Join us for a day of paddling, breathing, and rediscovering your calm, clear self—away from the rush, immersed in nature, and fully present.        

EnglishenEnglishEnglish
EnglishenEnglishEnglishFrenchfrFrenchFrançais