Labyrinth Building as a Spiritual Practice


August 13-16, 2026

Exciting News: Cathedral of the Trees of Rise Above Guest House is building a Labyrinth and you are invited to be part of it

Thanks to seed money from Cathedral of the Trees and a generous donation from an anonymous donor, as well as an offer to match funds in a soon to be launched donation campaign we have the required funds to begin the hard landscaping for a Labyrinth at Rise Above Guest House (when the snow melts).  Additionally, this means we can offer this August 13-16, 2026 retreat at a reduced rate.

Wild Church Leadership Training 2026


August 28-30, 2026

Back due to popular demand…

This leadership training is for anyone wanting to learn more about leading spiritual practices in nature. We especially encourage anyone who will lead or hopes to lead a wild church service in Algonquin Park in the summer to attend.

In light of the unraveling of business as usual in our world, we, here at Rise Above Guest House, deliberately choose to deepen our relationship with our vision and mission that invites all who come here to connect with the healing cycles of the Land. In this leadership retreat, through conversation, mutual learning and guidance we will participate in spiritual practices in nature that will strengthen our connection to land and provide you with tools to guide others.

Self-Directed Retreats


Solo or Group

Solo and Group Retreats

These may be scheduled at your convenience and our availability – inquire here on this contact form

Solo Retreat: You may wish to book one of our cabins and allow the peaceful surroundings to ease your burdens, reboot your nervous system, and recharge your mind and body as you walk the land and forest, rest on the cabin porch, or gaze at the dark night sky beside your private campfire.

Or book one of the rooms in the house which similarly allows you access to the trails in the forest, views of the dark night sky, campfire area near the big house, and excellent wifi for remote work options. As well, guests in the house have access to the spacious second floor and library where you might find inspiration to delve into the art or writing project that has been calling to you.

Group Retreat: For a 1 day event or workshop (without overnight accommodation) you can reserve our second floor meeting space and, of course, make use of many outdoor spaces for gathering including a screened in gazebo and the bonfire area. Inquire here for pricing.

For a multi-day event you can rent everything – the main house with large gathering space, large kitchen and dining area, and all cabins. Click Here for Retreat Pricing. For all group retreats, your hosts, Marilyn and Svinda, remain onsite with their own private accommodation in the main Guest House.

Meals: All accommodations have a self-catering option for meals. You can bring your own food and prepare it for yourself. Or for group retreats you can rent the large kitchen for your own meal preparation and/or for groups of 6 or more we can recommend a local caterer. Please indicate on the contact form if you would like to explore this option.

Other services provided upon request and for a fee:

Spiritual Direction

Shiatsu

Guided Forest Therapy