Photo credit Marilyn Zehr of Rise Above Guest House
Root, Rise & Reconnect
Nestled in the back country forests of Monteagle Valley near Bancroft Ontario, Root & Rise is a queer wellness retreat created by and for queer folks. We invite you to step into our curated space to breathe deeply, move freely, and be fully during a restorative weekend of embodied practices, creative expression, and collective care.
Photo credit Marilyn Zehr of Rise Above Guest House
Rise Above Guest House May 1st – 3rd, 2026
Photo credit Marilyn Zehr of Rise Above Guest House
Informational overview
What this retreat is about
Root & Rise is a place to reconnect with ourselves, the land, and community within a safer, conscious environment. By gathering together to integrate body, mind, and spirit, our goal is to cultivate the resilience needed to build a present and future in which we can truly thrive.
Who this space is for
This retreat was created for queer folks of all racial and cultural backgrounds who want to imagine new ways of building community outside of the constraints of colonial capitalism. We are committed to cultivating a sober-friendly, trauma-informed, and accessibility-conscious space where everyone feels genuinely welcomed and supported.
What you will leave with
Our intention is that folks will leave with a stronger connection to themselves, a felt integration of body, mind, and spirit, and a deeper sense of belonging in community. Despite our ongoing experience navigating collective grief from a fractured world, when we gather in community we can find healing within ourselves and with one another. With land we are reminded that we are not alone, and we can shape a more just and life-giving future.
The land in which we gather
This retreat takes place on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg Algonquins, which is known to be unceded. It is with deep humility that we acknowledge the Indigenous people who are, and have always been, defenders, protectors, and stewards of these lands since time immemorial. We honour their connection to all mineral, plant, and animal life while understanding that we are being called into deeper accountability to learn and unlearn settler colonial paradigms.
Retreat offerings
Activities on site
Each day offers a gentle itinerary of activities punctuated by spaciousness for integration and rest. Offerings include:
- Chef-made meals with fresh ingredients
- Guided yoga and somatic experiencing
- Free time to explore the land and enjoy the sauna
- Creative workshops including journaling and the exploration of queer joy
- Nature immersion and forest bathing
- Evening bonfires and a 5-rhythms dance
No prior experience is necessary for any of our activities. All bodies, abilities and experience levels are welcome.
Photo credit Marilyn Zehr of Rise Above Guest House
Accommodations & Nourishment
Shared and private sleeping options
Rise Above Guest House offers a private room in the main house, along with three off-grid glamping cabins that hold up to three to four people each, plus additional camping sites. Each cabin includes outdoor composting toilets, battery packs for lights and charging phones, linens for beds, potable water, and access to the guest house showers including bath towels. Our house chef offers hand-prepared meals with fresh ingredients each day that are meant to enrich both your body and soul. Each participant will be invited to fill out a questionnaire upon registration to provide their desired accommodations arrangement, individual dietary and accessibility needs.
Photo credit Marilyn Zehr of Rise Above Guest House
Costs & How to Register
Photo credit Marilyn Zehr of Rise Above Guest House
We’ve structured pricing to reflect the different accommodation options while keeping the retreat accessible to as many people as possible. Our capacity is limited to maintain intimacy. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to us here. We are committed to making this gathering accessible wherever possible.
$650 — Guest House "Forest Room"
A queen-sized bed with private entrance, bathroom and kitchenette.
$550 — Hillsview Log Cabin
A two-floored log cabin with a double mattress in the loft of the cabin and a queen fold-out mattress on the main floor.
$450 — A-Frame Cabin
A bed in a shared cabin space, with cozy indoor accommodations.
$350 — Campsite
Bring your own tent and enjoy camping on the land.
$250 — Local / Commuter Rate
For neighbours and folks in the local area who want to join the retreat programming while staying off-site.
To register, click the button below to fill out a questionnaire to allow us to know your preferred accommodations arrangement, individual dietary restrictions and any accessibility needs we should be aware of.
Have questions?
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, or if you have logistical questions, please reach out to us.
Root & Rise — A Queer Wellness Retreat