Adventure brief
Nervous System Reset Sauna Retreat
Reset your nervous system with Back2Nature Wellness’s 3-hour retreat at Blackstrap Provincial Park. Through guided meditation, sauna therapy, and a cold plunge in pristine lake waters, find grounding and renewal in Saskatchewan’s outdoors.
Blackstrap Provincial Park, located just outside Clavet, Saskatchewan, sets the stage for a unique wellness journey with Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures. Their Nervous System Reset Sauna Retreat is a focused 3-hour experience blending meditation, heat therapy, and cold immersion to recalibrate both body and mind amid the park’s serene natural environment. The retreat centers around three core components: guided meditation, a wood-fired sauna session, and a cold plunge into Blackstrap Lake.
Blackstrap Provincial Park features steady windswept plains dotted with spruce and poplar trees, and its lake is known for clean, cool waters perfect for a brisk dip after a sauna. This combination of heat and cold exposure stimulates the nervous system to release tension stored deep in muscles and fascia while heightening awareness through mindful breathing practices. Back2Nature Wellness crafts this retreat for a maximum of eight participants, ensuring personalized guidance by an experienced facilitator.
After a calming meditation led to soften mental chatter, the body moves into the radiant warmth of a barrel sauna, where muscle relaxation and toxin release occur naturally. This detoxifying heat shifts the nervous system from sympathetic overload to parasympathetic restoration. The climax awaits in the lake’s cold plunge—an invigorating shock that sparks circulation and fuels mental clarity.
Participants emerge renewed, lighter, and more balanced, poised to carry that grounded calm beyond the retreat. Back2Nature’s approach is deeply rooted in practical, accessible techniques that harmonize well with the shifting seasons of the prairie landscape. This retreat stands out in Saskatchewan’s outdoor recreation scene by bridging active nature immersion with holistic wellness, creating a destination experience unlike typical hiking or fishing trips in the region.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from Saskatoon, this retreat offers a targeted reset, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms on the edge of the Canadian plains.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Bring layered clothingessential
Temperatures can shift rapidly between sauna warmth and lake cold plunge; layering ensures comfort throughout.
- 02Arrive hydratedessential
Sauna use and cold water immersion demand good hydration before and after the retreat.
- 03Use provided robes and blanketsinfo
Back2Nature supplies outdoor robes and blankets—take advantage to stay warm during reflection periods.
- 04Prepare for limited group sizewarning
Spaces fill quickly as maximum group size is eight, so book early to guarantee your spot.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Bathing suit
Necessary for comfort during cold plunge and sauna sessions.
summerEssentialTowels (2)
One for drying off after the plunge, one for warmth or sitting.
EssentialWater bottle
Hydration is crucial throughout heat and cold immersion.
EssentialSlippers or sandals
Protect feet when walking between lake and sauna.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Blackstrap Hill Lookout, offering sweeping views of the park’s prairie landscape, Secluded forest trails near the lake’s south shore
Local fauna
White-tailed deer often spotted along park edges, Varied songbirds such as warblers and sparrows during migration seasons
Historic heritage
Blackstrap Provincial Park was established in 1968 to provide a recreational space on the plains near Saskatoon and includes a man-made reservoir formed from damming a glacial lake.
Mindful exploration
The park emphasizes minimal impact practices, encouraging visitors to carry out waste and respect native flora to maintain the lake’s water quality and surrounding habitats.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- From the sauna exterior looking toward Blackstrap Lake, Along the shoreline near the cold plunge spot, Blackstrap Hill nature trail vantage points
- Subjects
- Contrast of steam rising from the sauna against lake water, Reflective lake surfaces with surrounding forest edge, Meditative moments during guided sessions
- Best times
- Golden hour during sunrise or sunset, Mid-morning with soft natural light
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
What should I bring to the retreat?
Bring a bathing suit, two towels, slippers or sandals, a water bottle, and dress in layers for changing temperatures.
Is the cold plunge mandatory?
While encouraged for full nervous system benefit, participants can opt out or adjust exposure based on comfort.
Are there age restrictions for the retreat?
The retreat is primarily designed for adults; please contact the provider for specific age guidelines.
How many people participate per session?
Groups are limited to eight people to ensure personal attention and comfort.
Is prior meditation experience required?
No prior experience is necessary; guided meditation is provided by the facilitator.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Retreats proceed rain or shine, with accommodations made for comfort; extreme conditions may require rescheduling.