Summer Solstice Weekend

From the Storm we Grow

Friday June 19th to Sunday June 21st, 2026

RAIN or SHINE – Indoor alternative activities offered

Join the CEC for a meaningful weekend of renewal, reflection and resiliency as we honour what was lost, what has changed and celebrate what is and will continue to regrow.

Whether you are a park camper, cabin/cec guest, or were at the park the night of the storm as a volunteer, or first responder – we invite you to return.

 

Schedule
3

WEEKEND EVENT 

FREE SATURDAY DAY/EVENING PROGRAMS

Everyone is welcome to attend on Saturday June 20th for a day and evening of free activities, including

  • Guided Labyrinth and Forest Bathing Walks
  • Educational Programs on Regenerataion, Climate Change and Extreme Weather (What is a downburst?)
  • Nature Crafts and Art Therapy
  • The CEC Story – A presentation about the storm
  • Campfires and Story Sharing
  • Commentrative event to honour the year post storm.

A detailed schedule of events will be shared below closer to the event date.

*A Provincial Park Daily Pass is required if not staying in the campground or a CEC cabin. (Pass is included with any 1 or 2-night cabin stay) 

Cabin Stay

You can reserve cabins at a reduced weekend rate for $200/weekend (2 night stay) + HST (A Free Provincial Park Pass is included)

2 night minimum stay is required for this special weekend event rate, which includes a $200 charitable tax receipt.   

You will be able to reserve up to a maximum of 2 cabin rooms.  A limited amount of pet-friendly cabins are available.

1 night cabin stays are available at our regular rate of $150/night + HST. (no tax receipt provided but complimentary park pass provided) – you must contact education@canadianecology.ca to book single night stays.

Book your weekend stay

Click the link above to reserve your cabin for the weekend.

If you would like to book for 1-night only, please contact education@canadianecology.ca to check on availability.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

FRIDAY NIGHT (open to Park and CEC guests)

Afternoon: CEC Cabin guests can arrive anytime after 1pm on Friday.

8:00 – 9:30 pm:  Sunset Solitude Labyrinth (meet at the Labyrinth in the Park)

Walk the labyrinth as the sun goes down and the transition between spring and summer begins.

An opportunity to reflect in silence as you journey and and out of the Labyrinth.

Return to the CEC for a campfire (weather permitting)

SATURDAY ACTIVITIES (FREE)

Everyone is welcome!  Open for park guests, CEC guests and the public.  Registration is not required but a Daily Vehicle Park Permit is required for all day users.

*Meet at the CEC Main Building for all activities/programs

ALL Day for the Kids!: Nature Scavenger Hunt, Risky Play challenges and more…

Morning Activities (10am to 12pm) 

  • 10am:  Intro to Forest Bathing and a barefoot walk (optional)
  • 11am: Nature Crafts (come make a souvenir!)

*Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of our outdoor shelters or indoor spaces (if inclement weather)

Afternoon (1pm to 4pm)

  • 1pm:  What’s up with Weather?!  – understanding weather terminology (including what is a downburst).
  • 2pm:  Forest regenaration and regrowth walk-about
  • 3pm:  The CEC Story – A year post storm (what happened, where are we at and what is to come)

*Bring a picnic dinner or use our on-site BBQ

Evening (6pm- 10pm)

  • 6:15pm Start:  Commemoration and unveiling of new Rotary Club Plaques to honour Nbissing Sculpture – with song and drumming by the Mattawa Shadow Drummers
  • 7:00pm – CEC post storm update (In CEC Main Building); sharing of stories from the night of the storm (informally): transition to campfire pit.
  • 9:12pm – A moment of Silence around the campfire to honour a year post storm

 

 

SUNDAY NIGHT (open to Park and CEC guests)

9:00 pm:  Join Backroads Bill Steer at the Labyrinth in the Provincial Park for a moment of silence and reflection at 9:12pm.  (The exact date/time of the June 21st, 2025 storm)

YOUR HOSTS

LAURA KIELPINSKI, OCT
Event host AND Forest Therapy Guide

Laura works full time as the Director of Education for the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC) and is a qualified teacher as well.  She is trained as a certified Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) and looks forward to sharing this practice with guests as the CEC.

Her passions and interests include sharing her love of the natural world with all those around her and helping others to find comfort and enjoyment from spending time in the outdoors. She enjoys being active in a variety of outdoor activities (mountain biking, running, canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing) with her friends, family and two children.

Bill Steer
Event Host and Labyrinth Creator

Bill Steer a.k.a. “Back Roads Bill” is a certified teacher and the General Manager and “originator” of the Canadian Ecology Centre.

Bill has incorporated fitness, wellness and mindfulness into his daily routines throughout his entire life with a focus on the “outdoors” as his natural place to “be” with nature.  His passions for being outdoors has led to many adventures, stories and lessons that he is always glad to share around the campfire!

Nature is healing in many ways and Bill is looking forward to being Silent with the Forest with you 🙂