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Workshops / Workshops / Lake Superior Women's Retreat

Escape to the stunning eastern shores of Lake Superior this fall to reset your creativity, connect with like-minded souls, and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of this inspiring region.​

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Join me and a handful of other women at the one and only Rock Island Lodge in Wawa, Ontario for a women's photography retreat.

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Located at the junction of Lake Superior and the Michipicoten River, this private 7-acre peninsula is the perfect home base for our adventure. With secluded beaches, nearby waterfalls, and close proximity to Lake Superior Provincial Park, endless opportunities wait to be photographed.

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After 7 incredible years of offering the Women's Weekend in Algonquin, I am beyond thrilled to branch out and offer the Lake Superior Women's Retreat! The retreat is timed to coincide with the peak fall colour season, though the weather we enjoy is entirely up to Mother Nature. Our focus will landscape photography as we explore the vast shoreline, hike through the forest, and marvel at the many spectacular waterfalls in and around Lake Superior Provincial Park.​​

Saturday, September 20 - Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Retreat Itinerary

​​As always, Mother Nature is our true guide, as weather has a significant impact on photography. The following is designed to give you a rough idea of how our time together will be spent. Times and details are subject to change based on the forecast.

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Saturday, September 20

4:30 p.m. -- Meet & Greet at Rock Island Lodge

We'll become acquainted, enjoy some refreshments, and review the plans for our time together.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner at the lodge

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Photograph the sunset

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hot beverage & fireside chat at the lodge before turning in

 

Sunday, September 21

5 a.m. A quick bite at the lodge

5:30 a.m. Depart for our morning photo session in Lake Superior Provincial Park

10:30 / 11 a.m. Depart for our next location

11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Photograph landscapes & enjoy a packed lunch on the beach

3 p.m. Make our way back to the lodge, with an optional stop or two along the way

3:00 - 5:30 p.m. Free time to rest or explore on your own

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner at the lodge

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sunset photo session

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Monday, September 22

6:30 - 7:45 a.m. Sunrise & morning landscapes at the lodge (optional)

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast at the lodge

9 a.m. Depart for Lake Superior Provincial Park

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Hike an easy trail in the park that's known for wildlife viewing

11:30 a.m. Head to our next location

12:00 - 4 p.m. Afternoon photo session, and packed lunch on the beach

4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Evening photo session

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner at the lodge, followed by fireside chat

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Tuesday, September 23

Sunrise & morning landscapes followed by breakfast at the lodge

10 a.m. Retreat Conclusion

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Retreat Cost

Due to provincial travel industry regulations, the cost of the workshop is payable to two parties:

1. Helen Grose - for organizing the trip, guiding & photography instruction, and

2. Rock Island Lodge - for providing meals & accommodations

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Workshop Fee:

$875 +hst ​

 

Meals & Accommodation Fee:

This cost is determined by your type of accommodation. Accommodations are booked on a first come, first served basis.

To view the accommodations, please visit Rock Island Lodge

 

  • Single Room in Lodge with 1 queen bed (1 available): $1,076 +hst

  • *Booked {Single Room in Lodge with 2 queen beds: $1,480 ($740 per person) +hst

  • Glamdome 20' diameter with private outhouse, 1 queen bed (1 available): $866 +hst
    Note: the glamdome will have a propane heat source, but no power

  • *Booked {Gold Prospector tent with private outhouse, 1 queen bed: $772 +hst
    Note: the prospector tent does not have a heat source or power

  • Add cot (with sheets) to any of the above options: $386 +hst

  • Meals & site use only, guest supplies own accommodations: $340 +hst

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Please note for the accommodation fee, an additional guest sharing a queen bed is the cost listed above, plus the meal & site fee of $340 +hst

What's Included?

  • Guiding to photo opportunities in and around Lake Superior Provincial Park

  • Individualized photography instruction, tips & techniques, and back-of-camera image review by a full-time professional photographer

  • Specified accommodations

  • All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages during the retreat

  • Gratuity for Rock Island Lodge staff

  • Exclusive use of the lodge during the retreat

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What's Not Included?

  • Travel to/from Rock Island Lodge in Wawa, Ontario

  • Transportation & fuel -- we will carpool during the workshop to share the cost of fuel and park pass, as required

  • Photography gear, appropriate clothing, and anything required for your personal comfort.
    A comprehensive list of suggested gear and personal items will be provided.

Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policies

​​Retreat Fee Schedule:

  • $500 +hst non-refundable payment is due to Helen at the time of registration to secure your space in the retreat

  • The balance (375 +hst) is due July 22, 2025 (60 days prior)

  • Bookings made within 60 days of the retreat require payment in full at the time of booking

 

​Meals & Accommodations Fee Schedule:

  • $340 +hst is due to Rock Island Lodge at the time of registration to secure your room

  • The balance is due June 22, 2025 (90 days prior)

  • Bookings made within 90 days of the retreat require payment in full at the time of booking​

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​Cancellation Policy

Payments are non-refundable. In the event you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, if the retreat is sold out and we are able to fill your space from the waiting list, we will provide you with a full refund. If we don't have a replacement immediately available, you may sell your space to someone else with prior approval from Helen. 

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**All participants are required to sign release/non-disclosure/non-compete waivers for both Helen and Rock Island Lodge, which will be provided for review with your deposit invoice. You will also be required to complete a dietary & medical form for Rock Island Lodge so they may accommodate any special requirements.**

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To book your space in this amazing girls' getaway, please click the button below and complete the registration form.

To enquire about accommodation availability prior to registering, please email Helen at info@helengrose.ca 

What can you expect during the workshop?​

  • A fun couple of days of adventure & connection with a great group of women who will probably become fast friends!

  • A mix of photography skill levels.

  • Full days focused on photography in a casual and welcoming environment.

  • Photographing the sunrise, sunset, landscapes & waterfalls -- whatever Mother Nature presents!

  • An inspiring array of landscapes that will help build your portfolio.

  • Hiking short distances at a leisurely pace. Walks include navigating roots and rocks, and some elevation.

  • In-field instruction and back-of-camera critique designed to help you in the areas you wish to improve.

  • A fair bit of driving -- it takes about an hour to get from one end of the park to the other. We drive to various locations in and around the LSPP. We will stop at each location for quite some time to explore fully with our cameras. Carpooling is encouraged.

  • Early breakfasts, packed lunches on the go, and family-style dinners at the lodge.

  • Private use of the lodge common areas.

  • Adventure rain, snow (hope not, but you never know), or shine!

Why Lake Superior?

​I was so captivated by this area during the Voyageur Canoe Photo Tour I offered in partnership with Naturally Superior Adventures and Andrew McLachlan in August 2022, that I knew I had to share it with my best friend. Hudson & I spent 3 incredible days exploring the region in September that same year. I knew then that this would be the location of my next women-focussed photography adventure. It just took a little time for me to pull it together. I hope you join me!​

Space is limited to 8 women, so don't delay!

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