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Workshops / Workshops / Lake Superior Women's Retreat

Escape to the stunning eastern shores of Lake Superior 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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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 be on 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 19 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Space is limited - book today!
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 19

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 20

6:00 - 6:45 a.m. Breakfast at the lodge

7:00 a.m. Depart for our morning photo session in Lake Superior Provincial Park

12:00 p.m. Depart for our next location

12 - 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a packed lunch on the beach

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Afternoon photo session

2:30 p.m. Make our way back to the lodge

3:30 - 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 at the lodge or nearby location

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Monday, September 21

7 - 8:15 a.m. Sunrise & morning landscapes at the lodge

8:15 - 9 a.m. Breakfast at the lodge

9:15 a.m. Depart for Lake Superior Provincial Park

10:15 - 11:45 a.m. Hike an easy trail in the park that's known for wildlife viewing

11:45 - 12:15 p.m. Enjoy a tailgate hot beverage & packed lunch

12:30 - 3 p.m. Afternoon photo session

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Second afternoon photo location

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

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sunset photo session at the lodge or nearby location

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Tuesday, September 22

7 - 8:15 a.m. Sunrise & morning landscapes

8:15 - 9:15 a.m. 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 trip organization, guiding & photography instruction, and

2. Rock Island Lodge - for providing meals & accommodations.
Please note: you may select an accommodation provider of your choice, in which case the meal & site fee is due to Rock Island Lodge, and the accommodation fee is due to the provider of your choosing per their fee schedule.

Please also note that all fees are subject to HST.

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1. Workshop Fee:

$895 +hst ​

 

2. 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. We will do our best to update this page as accommodation options are booked.

 

  • Single Lodge Room with 1 queen bed (2 available): $1,113

    • Add a cot for an additional guest for $​397

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  • Double Lodge Room with 2 queen beds (1 available): $1,506

    • The cost for 2 guests is split - $753/person

    • Add a cot for an additional guest for $​397

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  • GlamDome with 1 queen bed (BOOKED): $947

    • Beachfront 20’ diameter geodesic dome

    • No heat or power (power is available in the lodge)

    • Private bio outhouse (think outhouse, but less stinky!)

    • Campground shower building

    • Add a cot for an additional guest for $397

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  • Gold Prospector Tent with 1 queen bed (1 available): $824

    • 14x18 canvas tent on wood platform​

    • No heat or power (power is available in the lodge)

    • Private bio outhouse (think outhouse, but less stinky!)

    • Campground shower building

    • Add a cot for an additional guest for $397

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  • Goose Dome with 2 cots (1 available): $596

    • Smaller dome on wood platform​ with vertical walls & smaller window

    • No heat or power (power is available in the lodge)

    • Bio outhouse (think outhouse, but less stinky!)

    • Campground shower building

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  • Book your own accommodations: $361

    • You are welcome to book your own accommodations, choosing from one of the nearby motels or AirBNBs.​ This meal & site fee is payable to the lodge.​​​

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, as booked & paid to provider

  • All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages during the retreat as paid to providerr

  • 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 recommend carpooling during the workshop to share the cost of fuel and park pass, as required

  • Ontario Parks Daily Vehicle Permit for entry into Lake Superior Provincial Park

  • 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 ($395 +hst) is due Friday, July 31, 2026 (50 days prior)

  • Bookings made within 50 days of the retreat require payment in full at the time of booking

Cancellation Policy: All payments are non-refundable. In the event you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, if the retreat is sold out prior to your cancellation and we are able to fill your space immediately from the waiting list, we will provide you with a full refund less $100+hst processing fee. If we don’t have a replacement immediately available, you may transfer your space at your cost to someone else with prior approval from Helen.

 

​Meals & Accommodations Fee Schedule:

  • 50% of meal & accommodation fee is due to Rock Island Lodge at the time of registration to secure your room. Please note that those booking their own accommodations will make arrangements with their establishment of choice and follow their payment schedule

  • The balance is due Friday, July 31, 2026 (50 days prior)

  • Bookings made within 50 days of the retreat require payment in full at the time of booking​

​Cancellation Policy: Full refund less $250 for cancellations up to 50 days prior. Full refund less $500 for cancellations up to 20 days prior. No cancellations less than 20 days prior.​

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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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