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A first women’s retreat in Ontario usually means three to five days away from your regular life with a small group of women, following a gentle rhythm of guided sessions, shared meals, time in nature, and plenty of space to rest. Nobody expects you to arrive knowing what to do, and you’re welcome to take part as much or as little as feels right for you.
I’ve been running retreats with Reconnect Retreats at Sharbot Lake for about five years, and women often ask me the same few questions before their first one. They want to know what the days actually look like, whether they’ll be asked to share more than they’re ready to, who else will be there, and what to pack. This guide answers those questions as plainly as I can, using our three-day weekend retreat as the example.
What does a day at a women’s retreat look like?
Most retreats move between guided sessions and open time, so the days feel full without feeling rushed. Here’s how our fall weekend at Sharbot Lake is laid out, which gives you a realistic picture of the pace.
On Friday, check-in opens at 4 p.m. and the evening stays gentle, with a nourishing dinner, an opening circle where everyone sets an intention, a body awareness meditation, and a sound bath to help you settle in.
On Saturday, the morning begins with stillness, breath, and movement before breakfast, followed by an experiential workshop. The afternoon includes free time for the sauna, a kayak, a hike, or simply rest, and later we come back together for a session on how the nervous system works, somatic breathwork, art, and an evening gathering by the fireplace.
On Sunday, we share breakfast, reflect on the weekend together, close the circle, and check out by 11 a.m.
The free time is part of the design rather than a gap in the schedule, because rest gives what you’ve experienced some room to settle. Our five-day immersive retreat in June follows the same morning-to-evening rhythm and adds summer experiences such as swimming, a group hike, a fire and cacao ceremony, and a blindfolded dinner, more art expressive workshops, guided sessions and more.
Who comes to a women’s retreat?
Women come to retreats at many different stages of life and for many different reasons, and you don’t need a particular reason to come. Some arrive with a friend, and many come on their own, which makes it easier to connect because plenty of others are in the same position. As one guest, Shaye, wrote after her weekend, “I went alone and it was the best decision.”
Our groups are kept small and women only, so there’s room for everyone to be seen without feeling like part of a crowd.
Do I have to share or join every activity?
You don’t have to, because every practice is guided and adaptable, nothing is mandatory, and you’re always welcome to sit out a session, take a walk, or rest in your room instead.
Sharing in circle is an invitation rather than an expectation, so it’s completely okay to pass or simply listen. You also don’t need any previous experience with meditation, breathwork, or somatic practices, since everything is explained as we go.
Where will I stay, and what’s the food like?
Our retreats are held in three lakeside cottages on the shores of Sharbot Lake in eastern Ontario, named Grey Owl, Red Fox, and Blue Heron. Most rooms are shared between two guests, and a few private rooms are available if you’d like your own space or want to share with a friend.
All meals are prepared by our private chef, Irine Dubinski, who is also a wellness practitioner and cooks with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dietary needs and allergies are accommodated, and you’ll share yours with us after you register.
For the November 2026 weekend, shared rooms start at $1,099 per person and private rooms start at $1,829 for one guest, with HST, workshops, facilitation, meals, and accommodation all included. Payment is made in two parts, with programming fees going to Reconnect Retreats Inc. and accommodation booked through Origin Travels Inc., our TICO-registered travel partner, and we send full instructions when you register.
How do I get there, and what should I pack?
Sharbot Lake is about 3 hours from Toronto by Highway 7, about 1.5 hours from Ottawa, and about 3.5 hours from Montreal. We don’t provide transportation, but there’s parking on site, and after you register you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group where guests can arrange ride shares.
For a fall weekend, it helps to pack for both cozy indoor time and cool days outside:
- Comfortable layers you can move and stretch in
- A warm sweater, jacket, hat, and socks for evenings and time outdoors
- Shoes or boots that can handle a muddy trail
- A swimsuit if you’d like to use the sauna
- Slippers or soft shoes for inside the cottages
- A journal and pen
- A reusable water bottle
- Any medications or personal items you rely on
You might also decide ahead of time how much you’d like to use your phone during the weekend. Some women find it easier to settle in when they check messages only once or twice a day, though how you handle it is entirely up to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a women’s retreat?
Most women’s retreats in Ontario run from a weekend to about a week. At Reconnect Retreats, the weekend retreat is three days and two nights, with the next one on November 20 to 22, 2026, and the immersive retreat is five days and four nights, with the next one on June 17 to 21, 2027.
How much does a women’s retreat in Ontario cost?
Prices vary widely depending on length, accommodation, meals, and the training of the facilitators, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s included. Our weekend retreat starts at $1,099 per person and our immersive retreat starts at $1,789 per person, with HST, all workshops, private chef meals, and lakeside accommodation included.
Can I go to a retreat on my own?
Yes, many women come on their own, and the small group size makes it easy to connect while still leaving space for quiet time.
Do I need experience with meditation or breathwork?
You don’t need any experience, since every practice is guided, explained as we go, and adaptable to what feels right for you.
Can I use my health benefits for a retreat?
The retreat isn’t a clinical service, but some women have claimed a portion of the cost through extended health benefits that cover wellness retreats, so it’s worth checking directly with your provider.
What happens if I can’t attend after booking?
A $500 deposit reserves your spot, and all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so it’s a good idea to check your calendar carefully before you book.
If you’re comparing retreats, my guide on how to choose a trauma-informed retreat walks through the questions worth asking.
About the author
Veronica Mirzac is the founder of Reconnect Retreats Inc. and has led women’s retreats at Sharbot Lake, Ontario, for about five years. She is dual certified in Somatic Life Coaching and Nervous System Regulation through the Mind Body Food Institute, is a psychosomatic practitioner, certified breathwork facilitator and yoga teacher, and is completing professional training in Compassionate Inquiry, the approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté and Somawise with Dr. Luke Sniewski.
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