I felt welcome.
I found calm.
I left renewed.

2022 Retreat Guest

THIS WEEKEND IS FOR YOU:

If you’re craving a break from daily responsibilities and the chaos that surrounds us.
If you need a soft place to land and slow down.
If you need a dose of nature to calm your senses.
If you need space to reflect and breathe a little easier.
If you enjoy movement, good food, laughter, and the company of others needing the same kind of respite.

“Thank you for this lovely weekend! I loved the relaxing yoga classes, the creative activities, the food and all the small touches.”

— 2024 Retreat Guest

The Kāla Connections Weekend Retreat is my favourite way to embrace the transition from fall into the winter season — a gentle exhale before life picks up speed again. Over the past four years, I’ve curated retreats that provided time and space for participants to step away from their busy lives, and settle into mindful movement, meaningful discussions, quiet reflection — with some belly laughs and group adventures sprinkled in!

We’ll gather at Whitewater Village, a private resort tucked along a picture-perfect stretch of the Ottawa River between Renfrew and Cobden. It’s only 90 minutes from Ottawa, yet the moment you arrive, the air feels different — cleaner, calmer — and the rest of the world seems to fade away.

Over two days, we’ll share yoga practices that range from energizing flows to quiet, grounding movement, each one accessible to all levels. There will be fresh, nourishing meals prepared by Rocket Social Club, space for reflection with guided meditation and journaling, and pockets of unstructured time to wander, nap, sauna, or simply watch the light shift over the river.

I’m especially excited to offer a special “Breath for Stress” session — a practical, hands-on exploration of how your breath can become a steadying anchor in moments of tension, overwhelm, or fatigue.

This weekend is about slowing down and deepening connections — to yourself, to others, and to the rhythms of nature. You’ll leave feeling clearer, lighter, and more resourced for whatever the coming season brings.

“Thank you Ellen! It has been a fabulous weekend. Great location, awesome food, the yoga was restorative (and needed). It made for a very worthwhile weekend. I feel connected in many ways!”

— Tania, 2023 Retreat Guest

“It felt like a 5-star resort”

— 2022 Retreat Guest

The Kāla Connections Weekend Retreat Includes:

Accommodation in shared luxurious chalets nestled above the Ottawa River at Whitewater Village.
Yoga and meditation practices in dedicated riverfront spaces at Summerhill Resort:
- a mix of energetic and gentle classes suited to all-levels
- weather permitting, some of our practices may be outdoors!
Six freshly prepared meals:
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners (most dietary requirements can be accommodated)
- tea, coffee & snacks
Access to beachside sauna
Access to kayaks and canoes, weather permitting
Access to nature trails
Group activities (e.g. creativity workshop; group discussion; group hike)
A welcome gift

You Supply:

Transportation, alcohol (if desired), your yoga mat, your favourite yoga props — and most importantly — your authentic self!

Some bolsters, blocks, straps and a few extra mats will be available on-site.

A packing list will be provided to registered participants.

Pricing

Prices start at $599 per person + HST. A $375 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. Book your spot by midnight on August 30, and receive a $25 discount! Discount will be reflected at final billing.

“The balance between activities and personal time meant for a wonderful and relaxing weekend.”

— 2021 Retreat Guest

Sample Program

This will give you a good idea of what to expect. A final program will be provided to participants one week ahead of the retreat.

Friday

5:00 pm: Arrival, check-in & site orientation

6:00 pm: Opening circle/practice

7:30 pm: Dinner

9:00 pm: optional social evening

Saturday

7:45 am: Optional morning meditation

8:30 am: Breakfast

10:00 am: Yoga practice

12:00 pm: Lunch & free time

2:30 pm: Workshop

5:00 pm: Sunset yoga

7:00 pm: Dinner

8:30 pm: Kāla fireside social

Sunday

7:30 am: Optional polar plunge & sauna

8:30 am: Breakfast

10:00 am: Yoga practice & closing circle

12:00 pm: Lunch & Check out

Questions?

Send a message to Ellen: hello@yogakala.ca

Optional Activities

A talented relaxation massage practitioner may be available to offer on-site relaxation treatments at an extra cost. Appointments will be limited and first-booked, first-served. Appointments will be confirmed at least two weeks prior to retreat and will be billed on-site by the practitioner.

Other activities such as group hikes, workshops, use of sauna, watercraft and board games are included in retreat fee.

The cottages are two-story square log construction with an open plan ground floor, three bedrooms and a loft sleeping area. Each room is available for single or double occupancy. High speed internet is provided.

Ground Floor:

living room with wood pellet fireplace and leather sofas
fully equipped kitchen
dining area
1 powder room
King bedroom with ensuite bathroom & jacuzzi tub
screened-in gazebo
deck with Muskoka chairs and propane BBQ

Second Floor:

Queen bedroom

Bunk bedroom
loft area with double sofabed (private, but not a closed room; shared bathroom with second floor rooms)
full bathroom
laundry room
upper deck with views of the Ottawa River