Wild Calm: Forest Bathing & Restoration Retreat
September 1 - 4, 2025
September 1 - 4, 2025
Imagine a holiday that had side effects of living longer, increased energy, pain reduction, reduced stress and anxiety, improved heart health, lower blood pressure, more connectedness with others and with the earth, and also included chocolate croissants delivered to your cabin door every morning
On your four-day Wild Calm: Forest Bathing and Restoration Retreat at the Lodge at Pine Cove, you will be invited to slow down and experience the forest, the granite, the trees, the water, the stars, through all your senses.
Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, Forest Bathing is neither a hike nor a fitness walk—it’s a gentle, mindful way to restore your connection with the natural world. Walks are slow and short. This practice responds to the disconnection from nature in Japan in the early 1980’s, as people spent more time in cities and in front of screens, and is now recognized as one of the fastest growing wellness trends globally, with robust research supporting the many health benefits.
We all know we feel better after time in nature. Birdsong, the scent of pine trees, the sparkle of sunlight and mystery of shadow, the softness of moss offer us comfort, calmness, restoration. The simple action of inhaling cedar’s woody scent can quiet the mind, reduce tension, and promote a sense of relaxation. During your stay, you will be offered guided walks at different times to get to know the hidden oases of Pine Cove, with lots of free time to enjoy your choice of other wonderful activities as well.
So accept this invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with nature in this guided Forest Bathing Retreat. Luxuriate in the healing energy of the Lodge at Pine Cove. Whether you’re seeking calm, clarity, or a deeper sense of well-being, this retreat offers time and space to rest, reflect and renew.
Your Guide
Beth Foster (She/Her)
ANFT Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Trail Certification Consultant
Having wandered in the woods, waterways and tundra all her life, Beth has learned that, sometimes, you can go further by sitting quietly in one place and listening, smelling, touching, tasting and watching the wonder unfold. As a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Trail Certification Consultant since 2018, she delights in guiding others to an awareness, understanding and deeper appreciation of the healing power of nature as a tool for peace and prosperity, while honouring the connection between humans and the earth. Beth lives in Barrie Ontario Canada and can be found in the woods or at forestbathingwithbeth.com.
2025 All-Inclusive Package Options
The forest is the therapist; the guide opens the doors.
Wild Calm Forest Bathing Fees
1) Deluxe Private Cottage
$1750 + gratuities (15%) + HST (13%)
Enjoy one of our deluxe cottages all to yourself! Cottage with full kitchen & bathroom Tuition + accommodations for three nights + all meals.
2) Private Bedroom & Shared bathroom
$1318 + gratuities (15%) + HST (13%)
3) Shared Bedroom & Bathroom
$1210 + gratuities (15%) + HST (13%)
Shared bedrooms, each room with 2 twin beds. Tuition + accommodations for three nights + all meals.
All cottages include:
Cancelation policy
Retreat Schedule
Registration Form
Useful information
Fishing
The French River, was a larder for millennia, for the First Nations peoples that fished its rich waters. Today, sport fishing is one of the French River’s main activities and attracts fishers for; muskellunge, northern pike, walleye (or pickerel as it is known in Canada), large and small mouth bass and other varieties of fresh water fish. Ask us about hiring a guide, bring your own boat or rent one from us.
Bird Watching
French River is home to many species of birds including; various warbler migrations, sandhill cranes, many species of duck, bald eagles, ospreys, merlins, coopers hawk, merlins, pileated woodpeckers, blue herons and many other varieties. Birding on the French River is a joy.
Hiking
Hike at Lodge at Pine Cove, on our well marked trails. From a 20 minute stroll to a 3 hour hike across the rugged Canadian Shield, you will find plenty of trails to interest you. Beaver ponds, large channels, cranberry bog, huge pine trees and plenty of flora and fauna. Hike Pine Cove and discover the French River.
Kayaking
The French River is an incredible kayaking destination. Huge expanses of flat water that you can paddle for hours, whilst exploring wild shorelines, islands, bays and channels. Bring your own kayak or we can outfit you with one. Discover the French River and it will keep you coming back for more.
Upcoming Events
October 16th - 20th
Body & Soul Retreat
May 26th, May 31st 2024 season
Write on the French
A Creative Writing Retreat at the Lodge at Pine Cove
Early Spring - Summer
Paddle the Canadian Shield
Arrange a kayaking or canoeing event with Lodge at Pine Cove, on the French River.
October 6th - 9th, 2025
Embers of Grief
Grief isn’t something to get over. It’s something we learn to live with, and sometimes, that learning needs space.
October 3rd - 5th, 2025
Wild Soul Retreat
Come Away with me for a weekend of LUXURY in the WILD
September 1 - 4, 2025