Families in Nature
Wellness Retreats
Reconnect, reflect & rebalance together
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s Families in Nature & Wellness Retreats invite you and your loved ones to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover what it means to truly be present – together.
Step into the tranquil embrace of nature at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation, where winter’s quiet beauty creates the perfect setting for family connection and personal rejuvenation.
Yoga for You, Curiosity for Them
While you take your Me Time with Nature-Infused Yoga, your family can explore hands-on outdoor experiences designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Both Nature-Infused Yoga and Family Nature Experiences are offered from 10:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 2:30 pm so families can have fun outdoors while you practice mindfulness and yoga. Each program duo is offered on the following dates:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Sunday, January 25th, 2026
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
Sunday, February 15th, 2026
Nature-Infused Yoga: Me Time in the Forest
Begin your experience with a mindful walk through the woods, 15 to 30 minutes of quiet reflection guided by the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature. Each step invites you to slow your pace, breathe in the crisp forest air, and ground yourself in the calm energy of the trees.
As the walk transitions into yoga practice, movement and mindfulness flow together beneath the forest canopy. Seasonal nature soundscapes deepen your meditation, while the earthy stillness around you nurtures clarity and calm. Each session concludes with a moment of stillness—a cup of tea in hand or peaceful time in your personal sit spot—allowing relaxation to settle in fully.
Sunday, January 11th, 2026
Sunday, January 25th, 2026
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
Sunday, February 15th, 2026
All sessions offered at 10:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 2:30 pm, at the same time as Family Nature Experiences
Family Nature Experiences may be 15 minutes longer than the Nature-Infused Yoga practices.
Family Nature Experiences
While you embrace your Me Time, your family can immerse themselves in enriching outdoor experiences guided by professional environmental educators. Children from each family group must be accompanied by one adult.
Sunday, January 11, 2026 – Wilderness Survival Skills
Sunday, January 25, 2026- Land-Based Learning Through Indigenous Teachings
Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Winter Tree Identification
Sunday, February 15, 2026 – Kick Sledding Adventure
Wilderness Survival Skills
Sunday, January 11, 2026
All sessions offered at 10:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 2:30 pm, at the same time as Nature Infused Yoga
Introduces families to basic survival and life skills, including preparation for outdoor adventures, preventing getting lost, and responding effectively if lost. Skills learned include:
- Proper dress and layering for outdoor conditions
- Shelter construction – materials will be determined by weather
- Orienteering scavenger hunt with map and compass (several map options available and geared to skill levels)
Work together as a team to find your way, making these important skills even more memorable.
Land-Based Learning Through Indigenous Teachings
Sunday, January 25, 2026
All sessions offered at 10:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 2:30 pm, at the same time as Nature Infused Yoga
Experience land-based learning guided by a local Indigenous educator whose teachings are rooted in this territory. The session begins with a traditional smudging ceremony, setting a respectful tone and fostering a deeper connection to the land.
Participants will gain knowledge that nurtures respect for the environment and deepens understanding of our shared responsibility to care for it. The session highlights include:
- natural resources found on the land and sustainably harvested to use for fire-starting, along with
- the history and techniques of fire bows used by the First Peoples of Canada,
- incorporating some Ojibway language along the way
Participants of all ages will then have the chance to try this traditional method first hand, along with other hands-on techniques.
Participants can also enjoy hot dog roasting over the open fire they created (additional $3 per hot dog).
Winter Tree Identification
Sunday, February 1, 2026
All sessions offered at 10:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 2:30 pm, at the same time as Nature Infused Yoga
Participants take a guided hike along a marked trail with easy-to-use tree identification guides, exploring 12 tree species with the support from the guide. Once the steps are understood, families can find their own marked trees, or stay with the guide. Equipment available includes;
- Easy to use tree identification guide
- Tree identification map
- Paper booklet titled ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive to document the living and non-living trees that you find
Many people can identify hundreds of corporate logos, but struggle to recognize local plants. This program aims to change that narrative, building confidence in observing, naming, and appreciating trees.
Nature-based games, like ‘Tree Tag’ and ‘Squirrel Game’, heighten curiosity and deepen connections to tree habitats and the animals that rely on them. These playful experiences foster observation skills, ecological awareness, and appreciation for the natural world. Adults attending will learn a lot as well, and should be able to wander off to practice tree identification nearby, while children play engaging games.
Kick Sledding Adventure
Sunday, February 15, 2026
All sessions offered at 10:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 2:30 pm, at the same time as Nature Infused Yoga
Experience the thrill of traditional Nordic travel! After a brief introduction to the history and techniques of kick sledding, participants will glide across snowy trails, exploring a winter wonderland with guidance from an experienced instructor.
Program Highlights:
- Discover the origins and cultural significance of kick sledding
- Build balance, coordination, and outdoor travel skills
- Explore scenic winter trails while staying active and engaged
- Enjoy nature-based games in the forest during breaks
Perfect for all skill levels, however, this is a moderately physically demanding activity, so we take breaks when needed to rest and/or play nature games. This unique program encourages participants to move, learn, and connect with nature—one kick at a time.
Pricing and Details
Nature-Infused Yoga
Ages: Teenagers to Adults
Price: $20/participant
Family Nature Experiences
Ages: Youth 5+ to Adult
Price: $12/participant
Before you pack for your adventures at NVCA, choose the perfect place to stay that suits your needs. Find hotels, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, beautiful campgrounds, affordable Airbnbs, and more options to enjoy your stay in Barrie to the fullest.
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