Back2Nature experience

Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures invites you on a five-day, four-night SUP & Qigong Wilderness Expedition designed for intermediate paddlers seeking both adventure and deep connection with the natural world.

Five Spirits SUP & Qigong Wilderness Expedition

in Saskatchewan’s North

Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures invites you on a five-day, four-night SUP & Qigong Wilderness Expedition designed for intermediate paddlers seeking both adventure and deep connection with the natural world.

This guided journey explores the pristine waters of Otter Lake, French Lake, and Ducker Lake in Saskatchewan , covering approximately 10-18 km of paddling per day , with scenic portages that lead to some of the most breathtaking campsites in the region, including areas near cascading waterfalls and rich wildlife habitat.

Paddling by stand-up paddleboard offers a unique and immersive way to experience this wilderness, allowing you to move quietly through the landscape, observe wildlife along the shoreline, and fully engage with the rhythm of the water.

Each morning begins with a guided Qigong practice, with a focus on each of the Spirits each day , supporting the release of stagnant energy, cultivating vitality, and grounding your body for the day’s journey ahead. These practices help regulate the nervous system, enhance awareness, and deepen your connection to both your body and the land.

This is a fully guided, all-inclusive experience .

The first night is spent gathering in a local lodge to get our bearings and provide an overview of the trip. The next four days and four nights, you’ll camp in remote locations, share nourishing meals, and settle into the simple, meaningful rhythms of wilderness living.

This is a participatory expedition , and guests are expected to assist with setting up camp each evening. Evenings offer space for mindful campfire conversations, oracle card reflections, and soulful connection under the stars.

All meals are provided.

This expedition is ideal for those who feel called to combine physical challenge with presence, nature immersion, and inner exploration, returning home grounded, strengthened, and renewed.

Guided by Kyla Bouvier, an experienced stand-up paddleboard and touring guide, she designs experiences to feel both safe and spacious. You’ll receive clear instruction, steady support on the water, and a calm group rhythm that helps you settle in and enjoy the journey.

Nourishing, backcountry friendly meals and snacks to support energy and recovery. Food is simple, satisfying, and thoughtfully chosen to feel good in your body after time on the water.

Travel by stand-up paddleboard through Otter, French, and Ducker Lakes, accessing remote shorelines, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich areas in a way that is both immersive and quietly powerful.

We will begin each day with a guided Qigong practice, focusing on a Spirit each day, and allowing you time for reflection and inquiry during your day of paddling. Qigong is designed to release stagnation, restore vitality, and support physical and emotional balance throughout the expedition.

Enjoy a fully guided five-day, four-night expedition with rental of a Touring Stand-up Paddleboard and camping gear, allowing you to focus on presence, adventure, and connection.

Overnight wilderness camping in beautiful northern natural settings. We keep the flow organized and comfortable so you can rest well, connect with nature, and let your system downshift.

Arrive & Meet

We will all stay together in the Churchill River Canoe Outfitter’s Otter Lodge in Missinipe, SK the first night, to provide you with an overview, meet your fellow paddlers and prepare!

4:00-5:00pm

Set Off Paddling

This day we set off onto French Lake for the first day of paddling!

Paddling Distance of ~10 km

1 Portage

Paddling

Paddling Distance of ~16 km

2 Portages

Paddling

Paddling Distance of ~9 km

1 Portage

Paddling

Paddling Distance of ~15km

No Portages

“Expeditions don’t just cross wilderness, they cross old versions of you.”

Description

Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures is excited to offer this Wilderness Stand-up Paddleboard Adventure in Saskatchewan’s Wild North, setting off from Missinipe, for a four-day, four-night expedition. This experience is for intermediate paddlers who are looking for a more challenging retreat in the remote wilderness of Saskatchewan. This Expedition combines both adventure and wellness, with days spent reflecting on the water, on your board while also immersing in the teachings of the Five Spirits through Qigong practices each day. The total paddling distance for the entire trip is approximately 50 km, averaging 15 km per day. Paddling will be located on lakes, with various weather and water patterns. You’ll have the option to paddle standing, kneeling or sitting, however, we recommend standing as much as possible. We will camp at established remote campsites along the way, setting up and taking down camp each day. This expedition is all inclusive, with all of the paddling gear, camping gear, accommodations and food included. This expedition is designed for those who are seeking connection and adventure. This experience is a great next step up from our Overnight SUP Camping Adventure on the South Saskatchewan River.

Vibe

“I’m desiring a wilderness adventure with a hint of wellness sprinkled in” “I’m looking for an adventure that I can join solo or come with a friend and meet like-minded paddlers” “I’ve been wanting to grow my range of outdoor adventures and challenge myself more”

The Five Spirits

Shen (Heart Spirit) - Conscious Awareness Hun (Liver Spirit) - Vision & Imagination Yi (Spleen Spirit) - Intention Po (Lung Spirit) - Shadow Zhi (Kidney Spirit) - Will and Physical Vitality/New Birth

Location

This Expedition starts and ends in Missinipe, Saskatchewan, located approximately 5 hours north of Saskatoon. The first night of the expedition will be spent in the Paddler’s Lodge in Missinipe, orienting and preparing for the expedition.

Cost & Inclusions

$1,854 CAD + tax/person Limited to 6 adventurers per trip Cost includes: 4 days of guided stand-up paddleboarding

1 night stay in the Paddler’s Lodge in Missinipe, SK (the night before the expedition begins)

4 nights stay wilderness camping

Shuttle to launch location

Rental of a Touring Stand-up Paddleboard, PFD, and leash

Rental of camping gear (personal tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, chair, headlamp)

Guided Morning Qigong Practices

Water filtration during the trip

Backcountry toilet

Meals (supper on Day 1, breakfast, lunch and supper on Days 2, 3, 4 and breakfast and lunch on Day 5)

Certified Paddle Canada instructor and Guide to support your adventure

Opportunities to relax and enjoy some alone time in nature

Safety equipment (First Aid Kit and Emergency InReach)

Dates

Sunday, September 13th to Thursday, September 17th Timing Details: Day 1 - You’ll meet your guide in Missinipe, SK around 4pm Day 5 - We will be back in Missinipe between 4-5pm. Please note: Accommodation is not included on the last day

What to Pack

You’ll receive a detailed Information Package with a packing list upon signing up!

Level of Difficulty

Level 3: Intermediate Paddlers – You should understand how to hinge at the waist to increase the power of your stroke and to paddle efficiently, this will help with paddling long distances in varying water conditions. If you’re unsure what this means, please reach out and book a lesson prior to this experience! Previous long distance paddling experience or a previous overnight paddling experience with Back2Nature is recommended prior to this trip. You will have the stamina to paddle 15 km in a day, with breaks! As always, you’re welcome to switch between standing, kneeling and sitting on these trips, however, due to the distances that will be covered, we recommend standing for the majority of the paddle for maximum power and glide from each stroke. Breaks will be frequent on these trips to allow for rest. Prior to this trip, you should have experience paddling 2 hours in one trip.

Weather

Prior to the expedition, the Back2Nature team will be monitoring the weather forecast. Paddling locations and routes may change, depending on weather forecast and details.

FAQ

What should I wear paddling? You can wear a swim suit underneath a base layer (we recommend a merino wool short sleeved or long sleeved top). Then pack with you a fleece or wool sweater and a rain jacket. As for bottoms, we recommend wearing a quick dry material of shorts, capris or pants and bringing with you a pair of rain pants. As for your feet, we recommend submersible footwear that you can get wet. What if I run out of water? No worries, we have you covered with a filter that we refill water bottles right from the lake! Do you supply life jackets? Yes, we have various sizes of PFDs/life jackets that we provide, along with a whistle attached! Can I still join if I’ve never paddled before? On this trip, we recommend you have paddling experience, since we will be covering long distances over multiple days. Do I need to stand for the whole trip? Absolutely not! You can stand, kneel or sit down for any duration of the paddle, however, we recommend that you stand for the majority of the time to cover the long distances of paddling required. What about a bathroom during the trip? A backcountry toilet kit will be available at camp that includes a small trowel to dig a hole in the ground to dispose of your bodily contents and proper sanitary measures for hand washing.

Book Your Wilderness Expedition