What to Pack for the Retreat on the Rideau (Hint: Not Much)

Packing for a trip can be weirdly stressful. What if you forget something? What if you overpack? What if you underpack and spend the whole weekend freezing in your one thin cardigan? And then there’s the “What is everyone else wearing?” panic. Let’s shut that down right now with this Retreat on the Rideau packing list.

I want you to feel as relaxed coming into this retreat as I hope you’ll feel leaving it. So here’s the 411 on everything you need and what you don’t need to stress over.

Let me make this easy for you. If you’re coming on the Retreat on the Rideau, you’re not just getting a Le Boat experience, you’re getting a hosted escape where the details are handled. I’ve got your meals, drinks, bug spray, first aid, and all the tiny things we usually forget when left to our own devices.

All you need to bring is your clothes, your essentials, and your “I’m here to relax and connect” energy. You can do that, right?

Retreat on the Rideau Packing List

👚 Clothes & Personal Essentials

• Comfy clothes for lounging and cruising
• Something light for yoga (or just for moving around in)
• A sweater or jacket for evenings on the deck
• Swimsuit (we might just find a spot to dip)
• Casual dinner outfit (no need for fancy—think cute and comfy)
• PJs, underwear, socks
• Non-slip shoes for ondeck, and shoes you can walk comfortably in onshore
• Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
• Hat to protect you from the sun

Note: It’s September in Canada, which means we could get summer sun or full-on fall vibes (sometimes both in the same day). Pack in layers—you might be lounging in your swimsuit at noon and bundled in cozy clothes by 6pm with a blanket and a glass of wine.

🛍 Toiletries

• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Hairbrush + ties
• Your go-to face care and hair care products
• Sunscreen
• Medications or supplements you use daily
• Curling irons and hair dryers are welcome—unless you’re going for a “messy hair, don’t care” vibe, in which case, we fully support that too.

🙌 Optional Extras

• A book you’ve been meaning to read ( I mean, you can try)
• A journal
• Noise cancelling headphones if you want a moment to yourself
• A shopping bag

💡 Pro Tips

• Pack in a soft-sided bag. There’s limited space on board and duffels or weekender bags are easiest to stow.
• Don’t overthink your wardrobe. No one is judging. This retreat is about connection and fun, not fashion shows.
• A reusable water bottle to keep hydrated.
• If you get seasick, pack motion sickness medications, ginger remedies, and/or acupressure wristbands.

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🙅‍♀️ You do not need to bring:

Extra snacks or drinks (unless you have a favourite, or plan to have more than 4 alcoholic beverages a day, we’ll have a stocked boat)

Bug spray (I got you)

First aid items (covered)

Cleaning supplies (cleaning? No ma’am)