Adventure to Thrive
Join me, Marybeth Paddle Adventurer and Thrive Tours for an Outdoor Escape on the shores of Lake Superior.
Adventure to Thrive is a meaningful 4-day, 3-night experience on the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior.Â
More than just a camping trip, it blends paddling, hiking, storytelling, and Indigenous learning and traditional education to nourish your spirit, deepen your connection to nature, and inspire confidence, clarity, and land-based wisdom
đź“… Dates:
August 13-16, 2027 (4 days 3 nights)
đź“Ť Location:
Gargantua, Lake Superior Provincial Park
🏕️ What’s Included:
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Nourishing meals from arrival to departure
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Fully supported lakeside camp on the shores of Lake Superior, with all camping gear provided
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Paddling vessel and essential gear (kayak or SUP)
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Guided paddling, hiking, and cultural & creative experiences woven throughout the days
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Safe, supportive, substance-free environment
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Small group of like-minded people with no more than 10 participants
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Experienced guide team, including three core guides and additional guest facilitators
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Pre-trip virtual group call to welcome everyone and walk through key logistics
- Shared photo and video album
 🌲 Why Attend?
Recharge, learn and thrive in a supportive community of new friends and experienced guides.Â
This trip is ideal for those looking for meaningful outdoor experiences rather than a technical expedition.
It is a basecamp-style retreat with day trips that combine time on the water and land.
All genders are welcome, aged 18+
To ensure a safe and welcoming space, this is a drug and alcohol-free event
Your hosts from left to right: Marybeth, Brad and Amanda
đź’˛ Pricing:
$1,650 – Early Registration – by March 31, 2027Â (tax included)
$1, 850 CAD – All inclusive (tax included)
What You’ll Experience
- Paddle through crystal-clear watersÂ
- Discover a historic shipwreck resting beneath the surface of Lake Superior
- Deepen your understanding through Indigenous teachings and cultural experiences
- Hike awe-inspiring landscapes and experience unforgettable sunsets
- Stargaze in the dark sky reserve and fall asleep to the sounds of Lake Superior
- Build practical outdoor skills, create space to reset, and reconnect with what drives you.
- Enjoy nourishing, locally sourced meals prepared with care
Not Included:
- Personal gear (hat, toiletries, clothes, etc)
- Transportation to and from Gargantua, Lake Superior Provincial Park. We will be meeting at the parking lot on Gargantua Road and transport you to the waterfront site
- Travel InsuranceÂ
Meet Your Adventure to Thrive Guides & Hosts:
Dean Sayers
Knowledge Carrier and Special Guest
Dean is a former Chief of Batchewana First Nation and a respected Knowledge Carrier whose leadership has shaped community, governance, and the broader work of Indigenous self-determination. He shares teachings on Indigenous rights and history, including UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and he carries them with the kind of weight that only comes from having lived them. We are honoured to have him join us as a special guest.
Kelly Jeffords
Lead Facilitator and Elder Support
Kelly is a lead facilitator with Thrive Tours who carries Anishinaabe teachings, including the medicine wheel and the feather teaching, into the programs she helps guide. She came through extended training and mentorship with the Thrive team and now holds significant ground-level responsibility in delivery. Kelly has a gift for pacing, for reading a group, and for creating room so people can learn at their own speed. Her presence brings warmth, patience, and cultural depth to every gathering she is part of.
Michelle Fernande
Head Cook
Michelle is Amanda’s sister and one of the head cooks at the Elliot Lake Indigenous Friendship Centre, where she provides comfort and nourishment through food to every community member who comes through the door. She brings that same care to the retreat, overseeing every meal so guests are well fed and well cared for from the first morning to the closing brunch. Good food is its own kind of teaching, and Michelle understands that a shared table is where a lot of the real connection happens.
Amanda Robinson
Managing Director and Founder, Thrive Tours
Amanda is the founder of Thrive Tours and the steady hand behind its operations. She leads the company’s direction, partnerships, and program development, and she brings deep care for relationships and detail to everything she touches. Her work has helped make Thrive one of the most recognized Indigenous-led ecotourism companies in the country, with national sustainability awards and Original Original accreditation through ITAC. On the land and around the fire, Amanda creates the kind of space where people feel genuinely welcomed and looked after.
Brad Robinson
CEO and Lead Guide, Thrive Tours
Brad is Haudenosaunee from Oneida Nation of the Thames and carries the spirit name Green Thunderbird. He built Thrive Tours around the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and the Seventh Generation principle, and he weaves that grounding into every paddle stroke, hike, and fire. Brad is a Wilderness First Responder Assistant Instructor, a canoe and kayak instructor, and an ACTRA actor, and he holds a BA in Native Studies from Laurentian University. He has spent decades at the intersection of Indigenous leadership, land-based learning, and sustainable tourism.
Marybeth McLaughlin
Outdoor Guide, Content Creator and Founder of Paddle Adventurer
Marybeth is a paddleboarder, outdoor creator, and guide passionate about helping people build confidence on the water and connect more deeply with the outdoors. Through photography, video, and storytelling, she shares experiences that inspire curiosity, adventure, and appreciation for nature and local cultures. With a background in outdoor recreation, tourism, and event management, she brings both creativity and enthusiasm to every experience she leads. Whether paddling across calm morning water or gathering around camp after a day of adventure, Marybeth creates space for people to feel encouraged, capable, and connected.
Basic/Tentative Itinerary:
Wednesday
Arrival, welcome, time to settle in, dinner, and opening gathering
Thursday
Guided hike and Indigenous art workshop
Friday
Guided paddle with Indigenous teachings and traditional knowledge sharing
Saturday
Brunch and closing circle
Evenings are spent around the campfire, watching the sunset, and stargazing under the dark sky.
Throughout the retreat, there will be optional opportunities for additional hikes, swims, paddles, journaling, or quiet time with a book.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
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A calmer, more confident relationship with time outdoors
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Space to reset, reflect, and reconnect through movement and nature
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A deeper appreciation for place, guided by culture, story, and lived experience
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Practical outdoor skills that support future adventures without overwhelm
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A renewed sense of perspective shaped by quiet moments and shared effort
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Meaningful connections with people who value presence, curiosity, and care
We look forward to spending time with you!
Looking for a Different Trip Format?
If the timing or style of this trip is not quite right, you can explore the Backcountry Paddle Board Trips for a more expedition-style experience, or join the Paddle Adventurer subscriber list for early access to future trips, cabin-based experiences, and new destinations.
Subscribers receive early access before public release and priority registration opportunities.
What Happens Next:
1. Register & share a few details
You’ll complete a registration form with information about your experience, dietary needs, and a bit about you. This helps ensure the experience is well-planned, supportive, and aligned with the group.
2. Secure your spot with a deposit
Your place is confirmed once your 50% deposit is received.
3. Pre-trip connection
Before the trip, we’ll meet virtually to walk through the plan, answer questions, and help you feel prepared and excited for the experience ahead.
4. Leading into the trip
As the trip approaches, you’ll receive key reminders and meeting details so everyone arrives aligned and ready.
If you have questions or aren’t sure if this experience is the right fit, you’re always welcome to reach out before registering.
đź’ł Payment Details
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A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot
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Canadian participants: Payment by e-transfer is preferred
(e-transfer details provided after registration) -
Credit card payments are available and subject to a 3.5% processing fee
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U.S. participants: Payment in USD via Wise is available with a $15 processing fee
Detailed payment instructions and the exact total will be emailed after registration.