Your One Wild and Precious Life:
Five Days on Island Time

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

Your One Wild and Precious Life: Healing on Island Time

Your days are your own on the island.

You’re invited to join optional writing sessions, where you’ll be guided to uncover stories from your past, envision the unfolding of your future, or just hang out with your creative muse. We’ll write to celebrate our authentic voices, to dig beneath our illusions, to affirm our truths. If it feels right, we may share our prose, but we’re not honing our craft. Instead, in a safe, gentle space, we bring our wisdom to the page.

Or, you can spend time on the dock, absorbed in watching the loons swoop down to Wapwekka Lake’s surface. Or, put your feet up with a favorite book, savor a luxurious nap, or get lost in conversation with a new friend.

We’ll end our days with evenings around the campfire, or free-dancing, storytelling, and star gazing under the vast Canadian sky.

The retreat is your own “island time.” Say goodbye to interruptions and stress, and welcome the time for your own inspiration and dreams. Dwell in the beauty of your own thoughts; feel yourself restored and revitalized in nature’s magnificence.

This is also a time to join with other women in a gentle, heart-centered space to share and process emotions as they emerge. Your retreat leaders bring years of experience working with individuals in recovery, facing transition, or grappling with large life passages. Writing, nature, and a community of deep-listening may invite us to explore challenging emotions. The retreat provide a safe environment for these moments.

As Mary Oliver asks, “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Please join us on the island to explore this question for yourself.

Nourishment Without the Hassle

Retreat life provides a peaceful simplicity. There’s no need for planning, shopping, cooking, or cleaning—just delicious, home-cooked meals designed to comfort and nourish.

At Northern Echo Lodge, you can enjoy cozy breakfasts, fulfilling lunches, and relaxed dinners in the lodge. Each day is rounded off with freshly baked goods, wholesome soups, lakeside coffee, and delightful evening treats by the fire.

Retreat Highlights

Nature-based renewal including swimming, canoeing, forest bathing, campfiires, and stargazing
Heart centered connection in a small, intimate circle with meaningful conversation laughter,and deep listening
Freedom and spaciousness - a retreat with unstructured "island time" to follow your own rhythm, inspiration, and heart.

Schedule

🌿 Day 1 - Arrival & Landing gently

Dinner welcomes you with warmth and grounding.
After travel, your body is met with familiar, comforting food that helps you settle in and arrive fully.

This is your exhale.
Your first step into the quiet rhythm of the lodge.

A gentle opening evening of connection, intention setting, and quiet reflection under the northern sky.

🌊 Day 2 - Remembering Who You Are

Breakfast begins the day softly — nourishing but not heavy.
Lunch is clean and balanced, supporting steady energy and clarity.
Dinner becomes slightly lighter, allowing the body to feel more spacious and at ease.

As the day unfolds, you may notice a subtle shift —
more presence, more openness, less noise.

🍄 Day 3 Lightness and Awareness

Breakfast is simple and light.
Lunch is intentionally minimal and served earlier in the day.

By dinner time, the focus has shifted inward.

Food steps back so your experience can come forward.
The body is left clear, supported, and unobstructed — ready to let go.

Later, gentle nourishment is available to help you return, softly and safely.

🌅 DaRebuildingy 4 — Integration, Grounding and

Breakfast feels comforting and steady — a return to the body.
Lunch offers deeper nourishment, helping you reconnect and restore.
Dinner is warm, grounding, and supportive without being heavy.

This is a tender day.
Food becomes an anchor — something you can rely on as you begin to make meaning of your experience.

🌻 Day 5 — Closing Connection and quiet joy

Brunch, is light and easy. Your closing meal, carries a gentle sense of brightness and completion.

There is more conversation now.
More connection.
A quiet, shared understanding.

You leave feeling nourished in a way that goes beyond the physical.

Meet Your Facilitators

Sarah Priestman

Lead Retreat Facilitator

Hi! I’m Sarah Priestman will be leading the writing sessions. She’s an essayist, world traveler, seasoned backpacker, and will share her love of dance, healing, and writing. For more information about Sarah: www.sarahpriestman.com

Glenna Barber

Co-Facilitator

Hi, I’m a transformational women-centered coach, entrepreneur, and mentor dedicated to helping women rise into clarity, confidence, and aligned leadership. As co-host of multifacited retreats at Northern Echo Escapes, I create grounded, supportive spaces where meaningful change can take root.

Drawing from my own long-term recovery journey and years of business leadership, I integrates emotional resilience, personal accountability, and spiritual depth into her work. Being passionate about supporting women of all ages in moving beyond survival patterns and into purposeful, empowered living.

When women heal and lead from wholeness then families, businesses, and communities transform.

You're Not Alone!

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, worn out, or just needing space to reconnect with yourself… this is for you.

Come away for a weekend of writing, rest, and renewal centered around one powerful question: What will I do with my one special life? Whether you are navigating transition, healing old wounds, or longing to reconnect with your creative voice, this retreat offers a place to write into what matters most.

If you’re feeling the pull… trust it.

Gratitude for Their Guidance and Soul Work

“Hey Glenna!

We had such a great time with y’all!! Long way home with many delays and layovers. We did not get home till Monday night almost midnight. We were so impressed with all your cooking and creations. You sure have an amazing talent! Hope the fires are under control and that y’all have a great summer! We’re in the 90’s here with heat index in the 100’s! 🥵.

Take care!”

Sharon Malone
Arkansas

“Thank you for inviting me and giving me this opportunity to experience this community. Big hugs.”

Caleigh
Saskatoon

“Thank you for everything, Glenna! My higher power was looking out for me when I met you”

Chandra
Saskatoon

“Glenna

thank you again for making this retreat so magical – literally in every way!. I felt I was on a true sabbatical….discovering more about myself and the world all at once!You are a healer and a true connector! Your food alone warms our bellies and souls! Thank you for working so hard and making it so very perfect!I love you beyond words and cannot wait until the next one.

Glenna — you’ve introduced me to such a richness that makes you you! Thank you, not just for all the food and hospitality, but for enriching my life on what it means to be from Saskatchewan! I cannot wait to return!

I❤️you! “

Sarah
Virginia

“Glenna,

You are the essence of Welcome. Thankyou for the authentic invitation to this retreat – I felt it and responded. It was a gift to be here. Thank you.

Dearest, dear Glenna,

As I sit to write this, I feel that words are insufficient to describe my gratitude to you. Your welcome that night on Zoom touched my soul. I am someone who questions every “large purchase” I make… and I never questioned this.

That was you. You attended my soul and held me in your embrace. I felt it before I arrived, and know to your mat as I stepped off one plane.

Our time together has been beautiful. You are so attentive — to words, to non-words, to spirit, to dance…

You created sacred space and — even while attending to all of the logistics and feeding us this manna from heaven 🙂 — also managed to be truly present and loving, living, being.

I love that I have this connection with you now and always… and look forward to our continued years to come.

With love + gratitude,”

Christine
Virginia

“Thank you, Glenna. I love you! “

Anna
Saskatoon

“Thank you.. I made huge steps on this trip. “

Chris
Saskatoon

“Northern Echo Escapes – A Soulful Retreat for Rest and Connection

Northern Echo Escapes is a hidden gem for anyone seeking peace, reflection, and a deep breath away from the noise of everyday life. While many guests came for the fishing, I came to refresh—and I found exactly what my spirit needed.

The scenery is stunning: quiet woods, a shimmering lake, and cozy cabins that feel like a warm hug. I spent mornings journaling on the deck, watching the light dance through the trees, and sipping tea by the wood stove as the fire crackled. Even sitting by the kitchen window offered a calming view of nature’s rhythm.

The hosts were exceptional—not just welcoming, but genuinely engaging. Brock was easy to talk to, Kelly kept the mood light with his great sense of humor, and Glenna’s cooking was unforgettable. Every meal—from appetizers to dessert—was like a comforting feast, made with love and care.

Though I didn’t come to fish, I found joy in casting from the dock, canoeing with a dear friend, and simply being present. I connected with other guests over meals and meaningful conversations. One of the most special moments was a fall solstice ceremony under the stars—a beautiful way to honor the season and the stillness.

Northern Echo Escapes is more than a destination—it’s a place to recharge your body, clear your mind, and rest your spirit. Whether you’re fishing or simply finding peace, this retreat offers something truly special”

Betty N
Saskatoon

“Sabrina has experience with nearly every aspect of the challenge of being human. Her commitment to her recovery is long and deep. She leads recovery sessions with her intuition using a variety of lenses, including the talents brought by all participants in the group. I felt seen and included and stronger at the retreat’s closing. 🙏”

Becky C
Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Northern Echo Lodge located?

Northern Echo Lodge is located on beautiful Wapawekka Lake in north-central Saskatchewan, Canada. We are surrounded by boreal forest, pristine water, the great Canadian Shield and wide open skies — a true off-the-grid feeling with intentional comfort.

How do I get there?

Guests typically travel by car to our meeting point and then continue by boat to the lodge. Detailed travel instructions are sent upon booking, and we help coordinate arrivals to make the journey smooth and stress-free.

What types of retreats do you offer?

We host:

Recovery and renewal retreats
Women’s emotional wellness retreats
Book study and spiritual growth retreats
Stargazing and nature-based retreats
Private group booking

We also welcome individuals or groups who wish to rent the lodge for their own gatherings, workshops, or restorative stays.

Do I have to be in recovery to attend?

Not all retreats are recovery-based. Some are specifically designed for women and men with special interests while others focus on wellness, reflection, leadership, or life transitions. Each retreat clearly outlines who it’s for.

What is included in the retreat fee?

Most retreats include:

Accommodation
All meals and snacks
Guided workshops and facilitation
Nature activities (canoeing, kayaking, forest bathing, etc.)
Use of lodge amenities

Specific inclusions are listed on each retreat page.

What are the accommodations like?

The lodge offers comfortable shared and limited private rooms. Think cozy cabins, warm wood interiors, lake views, and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. It’s rustic elegance — grounded in nature, yet thoughtfully prepared.

What kind of food do you serve?

Meals are nourishing, hearty, and thoughtfully prepared. We prioritize fresh and local ingredients, balanced nutrition, and comforting flavours. Dietary needs can often be accommodated with advance notice.

Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?

Cell service is limited. Wi-Fi availability varies by retreat. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to unplug, reset, and reconnect with themselves and nature.

What should I pack?

You’ll receive a detailed packing list before arrival. In general:

Comfortable layered clothing
Indoor slippers
Outdoor footwear
Swimwear (seasonal)
Journal and personal items

Nature here invites practicality and comfort.

What activities are available outside of workshops?

Depending on the season:

Canoeing
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Forest bathing
Stargazing
Quiet rest and reflection time

There is always space for both activity and deep rest.

How many guests attend each retreat?

We intentionally keep retreats small (typically around 12–16 guests) to foster connection, safety, and meaningful conversation.

Can I come alone?

Yes — many guests arrive on their own. In fact, coming solo often allows for deeper reflection and connection.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary by retreat. Details are provided at the time of registration. We recommend reviewing these carefully before booking.

Can we book the lodge for our own private group?

Yes. Northern Echo Lodge is available for:

Private retreats
Women’s gatherings
Leadership off-sites
Recovery workshops
Small wellness events

We are happy to explore how the space can support your vision.

Retreat Details

Dates

July 30-August 03, 2026

Duration

5 days, 4 nights

Group Size

16 participants maximum

Price

Returning Guests: 999.00 CAD per person + tax.
Early Birds (until June 15): 1,199 CAD + tax
After June 15: 1,349 CAD + tax
(transportation from the Landing, lodging, meals, wine with dinner and facilitation all included)

Returning Guests: 815.00 USD per person.
Early Birds (until June 15): 975.00 USD inc
After June 15: 1100 USD inc
(transportation from the Landing, lodging, meals, wine with dinner and facilitation all included)

Your One Wild and Precious Life:Five Days on Island Time