**REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Step into the quiet wisdom of winter and reconnect with yourself through nature and creativity.

This half-day wellness retreat begins with a guided Forest Therapy experience at Hersey Lake. Led by certified guide Aimée Lavoie of Bunchberry Nature Treks, you’ll gently wander through the forest, awakening your senses. This restorative sensory practice supports stress relief, immune health, and creates spaciousness - priming your creativity.

From the forest, the journey continues into a guided Artful Expression painting session with Owl’s Nest / Le Nid. Drawing inspiration from your time in nature, you’ll be invited to welcome whatever arises and translate your inner experience into art. No artistic experience is required—this is about expression, not performance. Art becomes a gentle container for sensations, thoughts, feelings, and emotions to be acknowledged and expressed.

This small-group gathering is rooted in trauma-informed care, offering a supportive, welcoming space that meets each person where they are.

Wellness investment on a sliding scale: $80-$110

Retreat Details

Forest Therapy
• Duration: ~1.5 hours
• Location: Hersey Lake Conservation Area, Boychuk Drive, Timmins ON
• Meet at the covered pavilion behind the parking lot
• Includes a local wildcrafted beverage and small amenities

Artful Expression (Art Therapy–Inspired)
• Duration: ~2 hours
• Location: Owl’s Nest Coaching & Wellness Studio / Le Nid
(173 Spruce Street North, Timmins ON)
• Includes all art materials and wholesome snacks

Travel between locations is required. Carpooling is encouraged.

About your Guides

Aimée Lavoie, founder of Bunchberry Nature Treks, has been a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) since 2021. They combine their guiding experience with their naturalist knowledge and years of experience in community work to offer welcoming and enriching forest therapy sessions.

Michelle Mailloux, founder of Owl's Nest Coaching & Wellness Studio / Le Nid, is a certified somatic healing professional who combines her 25+ years of supporting individuals of all ages with her own lived experience to provide trauma-informed holistic wellness services by weaving together movement, mindfulness and creativity.