Step Away. Deeply Listen. Return Renewed
Women on Water
A Reflective Paddle Weekend
August 28–30, 2026 | Widgawa Lodge & The Killarney Wilderness
Embark on a sacred adventure into the wilderness of Killarney to listen to your soul.
Is it too busy and loud to hear your own voice?
You are the pillar for everyone else.
You’re the one everyone counts on to manage the schedules and hold the emotional space.
But lately, you feel like you’re running on autopilot.
It’s hard to find your direction when you’re constantly on for everyone else.
You’ve been socialized to give until there’s nothing left, leaving you stuck in a cycle of doing, fixing, and performing.
Your to-do list has become so loud that you can no longer hear what your own heart actually needs.
Whether you’re standing at a major crossroads or just feeling a longing for something more, you know deep down that a shift is needed. You can’t keep going like this.
You need the noise to stop so you can hear what's next.
This weekend is designed to be the silence you’ve been searching for.
This is an intentional journey where the physical rhythm of paddling through Killarney’s backcountry supports your invitation to look inward. As we navigate the water together, the wilderness becomes a guide, leading you into the somatic and reflective depth of a ceremonial quest.
You will return with a renewed spark of wonder, nature’s guidance for your journey, and the clarity to claim your soul’s wisdom for what you need in your life.
What is Women on Water?
This is a chance to get away from the mundane and put magic back in your life.
This experience is a collaboration between Widgawa Lodge, Sarah Earley, and Angela Herzog. Together, we weave our range of expertise in psychotherapy, somatic practice, and wilderness leadership with the ancient skills of Rites of Passage.
By blending intentional ceremony and ritual with professional wilderness guidance, we provide a safe, curated container for your exploration. From the gear and logistics to the emotional holding of the circle, every detail is designed to support your journey across this threshold.
The Outer Journey: The Physical Foundations
Accommodations: Two nights of forest camping under the canopy of the ancient forest at Widgawa Lodge.
The Saturday Quest: A guided day trip to the pristine, inland Nelly Lake, involving both canoeing and hiking through Killarney’s rugged backcountry.
Nourishment: Two breakfasts and one Saturday evening dinner are included. We ask that you bring your own bagged lunches and favorite snacks for the trail.
Equipment: All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, and PFDs) is provided. Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal camping gear (tent, sleeping system, and clothing).
The Inner Journey: A Map of the Wilderness Quest
To step away, listen deeply, and return renewed, we follow the ancient three-part arc of change. The forest and the waters of Killarney act as our guides as we move through this ceremonial threshold together.
Friday: Severance (The Departure)
The Focus: Leaving behind the noise.
After arriving and setting up camp under the canopy of the ancient forest, we gather for an intentional opening ceremony. This is our time to sever from our daily roles and responsibilities, identifying what to leave behind so we can fully land into the wild. Together, we will then set our intentions for the weekend, and clarify the question that will guide your explorations all weekend.
Saturday: Liminality (The In-Between)
The Focus: Stepping into the unknown.
This is our day on the water. We will paddle and hike to inland Nelly Lake, carrying a single, potent question for our lives. The day is a blend of play and adventure, with sacred time for silence and reflection to allow the water and wild to speak to your question. See Paddle itinerary here
Sunday: Integration (The Return)
The Focus: Gathering the wisdom.
On our final morning, we gather for an integration circle to harvest the insights from our time on the water. Together, we will witness what nature revealed and explicitly name what you are "claiming" to bring back to your daily life. We will close our ceremonial container with a final ritual and a festive brunch celebration, sharing one last meal as a community before mindfully transitioning home—renewed.
Return Renewed
You aren't just returning with a lower heart rate; you are returning with a different way of meeting your life. When you step back across the threshold on Sunday, you will carry home:
A Digital Nervous System Reset: Experience a real break from the constant-notification loop. Without the distraction of pings and scrolls, your brain can finally quiet down, allowing your sensory system to fully re-orient to the rhythm of the forest.
Reclaimed Internal Authority: For the woman who has been the anchor for everyone else, this journey is a return to your own inner authority. You will move from the cycle of "doing and fixing" for others to a place of informed choice and agency for yourself.
An Expanded Compass: You will return with a compass that no longer relies on the "shoulds" of the outside world. By learning to use the natural and spiritual world as your guides, you will leave with an expanded capacity to navigate your life from a place of internal listening.
The Wisdom of the "Liminal" Question: The insights you receive on the land and waters aren't just temporary thoughts; they are new internal maps. You will return with more clarity on your next chapter and the confidence to claim it.
A Community of Being: You will return with the rare experience of being part of a safe, raw, and authentic circle of women. In our time together, we drop the masks and the need to perform. Through shared adventure and the sacred act of being witnessed by others, you will remember what it feels like to be real, seen, and held in your most honest self.
Meet your Guides
Angela Herzog, MA, RP, SEP
Angela is a Registered Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner who traded the "four walls" of traditional therapy for the woods and waters of Manitoulin Island. Her work is dedicated to helping people move through burnout and life transitions by un-learning the pressures of productivity and returning to their own natural rhythm . Blending clinical expertise with specialized training in Ceremony and Rites of Passage, Angela creates safe, playful containers for deep internal re-wilding and soulful transformation. More details here
Sarah Earley HBSc, BEd, MEd
Sarah is an outdoor experiential educator, forest therapy guide, and facilitator whose work is rooted in a deep respect for land, relationship, and the learning that happens when we slow down. Drawing from experience in outdoor education, backcountry tripping, and nature-based facilitation, she creates spaces that are thoughtful, grounded, and open; inviting people to notice, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways. Her approach weaves together movement, quiet, and time outdoors as a way of fostering reflection, connection, and renewal. Sarah is also trained in wilderness first aid.
Widgawa Lodge: Darren and Krista
Nestled on the border of the Killarney wilderness, Widgawa Lodge is more than just an outfitter; it is a gateway to the ancient forest. With its historic charm and direct access to the pristine waters of the Whitefish River and Nelly Lake, Widgawa provides the perfect home base for our journey. Owners Darren and Krista have created a space that honors both the history of the land and the spirit of adventure, making it a supportive and welcoming location for our group to land. More Details here
Nelly Lake: The Jewel of the Backcountry
Nelly Lake is the "crown jewel" of the Killarney wilderness. Here is why it is an unforgettable backcountry destination:
Crystal-clear water: Incredible visibility reaches up to 30 metres deep.
Unique geology: White quartzite bedrock creates stunning turquoise hues.
Paddling through clouds: The water mirrors the sky perfectly.
Deep reflection: The pristine clarity aids our reflective group work.
Untouched silence: A rare, peaceful sanctuary
The Journey to Nelly Lake: Saturday Itinerary
We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience. Here is how we reach this hidden paradise:
Water taxi: A scenic 30-minute boat ride starts our morning.
Trail hike: A short 1.5-kilometre walk through the forest.
First paddle: Canoes wait for us at the shoreline.
Lake crossing: We paddle together for one hour.
Portage hike: A 2.2-kilometre hike leads to our final destination.
Nelly Lake arrival: Fresh canoes await for swimming and exploring.
Want to see the beauty for yourself? You can explore more about the history and the journey to Nelly Lake on the Widgawa Lodge website.
Is something stirring inside you?
If you are reading this and feeling:
Hollowed out from prioritizing everyone else's nervous system over your own.
Disconnected from the spark of wonder and adventure you used to know.
Lonely for a raw, authentic community where you don't have to wear a mask.
...then the water is calling you.
This weekend isn't just about a canoe trip; it’s about give yourself the space to slow down, listen and be held.
Investment & Registration
Total Retreat Investment: $475
Fee Includes:
2 nights of immersive forest camping
All canoe and safety gear rentals
2 hearty breakfasts, Saturday dinner, and Sunday integration brunch
Professionally curated therapeutic programming
Please Note: This special pricing is exclusive to our inaugural year. Rates will increase for future retreats so secure this one-time price today!
The Sign-Up Process:
Reserve Your Spot: A non-refundable deposit of $225 is required to secure your place in the circle.
Complete the Paperwork: Once your deposit is received, you will be emailed your Welcome Package, which includes:
The Readiness Questionnaire
Liability & Health Waiver
"Nourishing Your Journey" Packing List (What to Bring)
Final Balance: The remaining balance of $225 is due by July 28th (30 days before the retreat).
Finances & Accessibility:
We believe sacred adventures should be accessible. If the full investment is a barrier for you, payment plan options are available upon discussion. Please reach out if you would like to explore this
Is Woman on Water Right for you?
This retreat is a journey of both the body and the spirit. To ensure this experience is nourishing for you and the group, please reflect on the following:
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Paddling Comfort: You don’t need to be an expert, but you should have enough experience to feel "at home" in a canoe for a few hours, even if the wind picks up.
The "Wild" Side of Rest: Camping involves navigating uneven trails, sleeping in a tent, and embracing the elements. Are you prepared to manage your own physical comfort in the woods?
The Saturday Quest: Our journey to Nelly Lake involves a full day of paddling and hiking. Do you feel confident in your stamina to contribute to the physical effort of the day?
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The Capacity for Internal Safety: While we are here to support one another, participants should feel generally comfortable navigating their own emotions and anchoring into their own sense of safety during solo time or group ceremony [1].
Exploring Your Inner Landscape: This weekend is an invitation for personal growth. Are you open to meeting whatever arises with curiosity, non-judgment, and self-compassion?
Holding a Safe Container: Sharing circles require mutual respect and confidentiality. Can you listen from the heart and witness the "bloom" of other women without trying to fix, advise, or judge?
Honoring Your Boundaries: We deeply value agency and choice. Are you ready to practice listening to your nervous system and prioritizing what your body actually needs
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Embracing the Unplanned: Nature doesn't follow a schedule. If it rains or the wind changes our route, can you stay grounded and find the playfulness or meaning in the shift?
How to Register + Pay
Ready for your sacred adventure?
Reserve your spot in the canoe today:
Here’s what to expect:
Complete your simple registration form
Submit your $225 deposit through etransfer at hello@angelaherzog.com
Receive a confirmation message letting you know we’ve received your spot reservation.
Welcome Package will be sent which includes: The Readiness Questionnaire, Liability & Health Waiver, Packing List
Final Balance: The remaining balance of $250 is due by July 28th (30 days before the retreat).
The wilderness awaits…..
Frequently Asked Questions
We are here for you. Please reach out with any questions at all. We want to ensure you feel fully supported, prepared, and comfortable as you step into this sacred experience.
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As a small, curated retreat with limited space, cancellations significantly impact our planning and ability to hold the container.
Deposit: The $225 deposit is non-refundable and holds your space.
30+ Days Before (Until July 21st): If you cancel before this date, you will receive a refund of any balance paid (minus the deposit).
Within 30 Days (After July 21st): Due to fixed costs with the lodge and facilitators, no refunds can be issued after this date.
Note: If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another woman, provided they meet our physical and emotional readiness requirements.
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We gather Friday evening between 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM for setup and our opening Severance Ceremony. Saturday is our full-day "Liminal Quest" to Nelly Lake. Sunday includes our Integration Circle and Brunch, wrapping up by 2:00 PM to allow for mindful travel home.
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Yes! For those traveling from afar, there are options to extend your stay at Widgawa Lodge or at a nearby location. Please mention this in your inquiry so we can provide you with the specific options available to our group.
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We will regularly assess weahter conditions to ensure proper conditions for paddle. Indoor pavillion and closer canoe routes are back up plans, if needed
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Once the group is finalized, we will facilitate a connection for those interested in carpooling from the Sudbury or Guelph/Toronto areas. While we can't guarantee a ride, we do our best to help you find one!
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A baseline level of comfort is required for the Nelly Lake journey (see our "Is This Right for You?" section). If you’re unsure, let’s chat! We want you to feel empowered and safe, not overwhelmed by the physical elements.
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Your physical safety is our priority. Sarah Earley holds current certification in Wilderness First Aid and serves as our medical lead. For our day trip to Nelly Lake, we carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and a satellite communication device provided by Widgawa Lodge to ensure we have a reliable link to support, even when we are off-grid.
What about water safety?
We maintain a high standard of safety on the water. All participants are required to wear a properly fitted Life Jacket (PFD) at all times while in the canoes. We move at a steady, mindful pace as a group, ensuring no one is left behind and that everyone feels supported by the collective rhythm.
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Widgawa Lodge offers clean, basic facilities including a diverting toilet in the forest. There can be access to lodge amenities upon request. This is "forest camping," so expect a rustic, earthy experience!