REWILD:
Women’s Photography and Writing Retreat
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: CANMORE, ALBERTA, CANADA
DATES: SEPT 25-28, 2026
DURATION: 4 DAYS
INSTRUCTORS: KAHLI APRIL + MEGHAN J. WARD*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
WHERE YOU’LL STAY: YOUR CHOICE
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 12
COST: $2,950 CAD + GST
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below under “Price/Payment Schedule.”
Escape to the Canadian Rockies for REWILD: OFFBEAT’s first-ever Women’s Photography + Writing Retreat — an immersive, small-group experience designed to rekindle the heart of your creative spirit. Set in beautiful Canmore, Alberta, during the cozy, golden season of changing leaves and crisp air, this retreat invites you to slow down, tune in, and explore not just how to create — but why.
Guided by Kahli April, a sought-after photographer celebrated for her emotive, nature-inspired work, and Meghan J. Ward, an award-winning author and editor known for her deep, reflective storytelling, at REWILD, you’ll combine both writing and photography to create meaningful results. This is a photo-focused experience, including field sessions, enhanced by writing and prompted journaling, meaning that no previous writing experience is required. Come as you are, with an open mind to play with your creativity.
Together, we’ll explore the role of creativity in our lives—not through rigid techniques, but through curiosity, intention, and inspiration. By minimizing distractions and disconnecting from what you know, you’ll make space to connect with something new—and in doing so, come to know yourself in new ways. A balance of guided workshops and unstructured time will allow you to both learn from others and wander at your own pace—whether that means exploring the trails, capturing golden-hour light, or curling up with your journal in a quiet corner.
Our goal is that you grow as a photographer and develop a deeper understanding of creativity and how writing and reflection can unlock and enrich your craft. You’ll leave with a sense of purpose to carry with you as you step back into your everyday life.
This retreat is designed to be an inclusive and affirming space for all women, including cisgender women, transgender women, and non‑binary individuals who feel aligned with womanhood.
》This retreat is for you if:
You’re a photographer, of any level, looking for a more immersive retreat experience.
You love to write or are curious about incorporating writing into your creative flow.
You yearn for a weekend away to disconnect from responsibilities and focus on yourself.
You feel stuck, either in life or your creativity, and need a boost of inspiration.
》WHAT TO EXPECT:
REWILD will be a casual, supportive and unpretentious environment for creative exploration and personal growth. While not all sessions are mandatory, we highly encourage participants to join us for the full program as the sessions will build upon one another.
This is a chance for you to go as deep as you like, guided by Kahli and Meghan through our program, with some free time to follow your whims where they take you. Our experience tells us: the more energy and interest you devote, the more you’ll get out of this retreat.
》YOUR OFFBEAT INSTRUCTORS*
KAHLI APRIL //CO-LEADER
Kahli is a landscape, night sky, and travel photographer based in the Canadian Rockies. Her imagery emerges from a deep-rooted curiosity and passion for the natural world, guided by a vision that blends artistry of light and emotional depth of place. Inspired by mountains, wild spaces, and travel, she seeks out moments of unique perspective from alpine ridges at sunrise to auroras dancing over frozen lakes. Her work for clients including National Geographic, Disney, Travel Alberta, Parks Canada, and Canon blends storytelling with a deep love for nature. Kahli runs workshops in Canada and around the world, helping others unlock creativity, connect with the outdoors, and carry that sense of wonder into daily life
MEGHAN J. WARD // CO-LEADER
Meghan J. Ward is an outdoor writer, historian and filmmaker based in Banff, Canada, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Meghan has written six books, including a memoir, Lights to Guide Me Home, as well as produced content for films, anthologies, blogs and some of North America’s top outdoor, fitness and adventure publications. She’s a sought-after writing coach and speaker, and has hosted writing workshops and presentations for such groups as the Professional Photographers of Canada, Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, and Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival.
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
Guidance and teaching from Kahli April and Meghan J. Ward.
Location scouting and itinerary arrangements.
Creative materials for writing sessions.
Special venue rental for writing sessions. We promise, you’ll love it.
Most meals:
Two breakfasts.
One lunch.
Two dinners.
Light refreshments and field snacks.
Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.
What’s Not Included:
Travel to Canmore, Alberta.
Local transportation.
National park pass (for Banff locations).
Photography equipment.
Accommodations (we have a special venue code at Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn, please see the “Accommodations” section below).
Some meals (one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner).
Alcoholic beverages.
Travel/medical insurance.
》ITINERARY
The itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1
Starts at 4pm.
Arrive in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and settle into your chosen accommodations before gathering at the cozy Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn for our welcome session. Here, you’ll meet your fellow creatives, learn what to expect for the weekend, and be introduced to the soul of REWILD. Together, we’ll explore the idea of choosing a personal theme to guide your photography and writing journey—whether you arrive with one in mind or discover it with our support. Afterward, enjoy some personal reflection time before coming together again for a group dinner to kick off the retreat.
Day 2
Begin the day with a breathtaking sunrise photography session, capturing the landscape in its quiet, golden light as you wake up with the beauty of the land. After breakfast on your own, we’ll head into the field for a combined photo and writing session that weaves the two crafts together in an enlightening and thoughtful way. In the afternoon, we’ll bring you to a special venue for a light lunch and writing session. You’ll dive deeper into writing techniques designed to open your creative faucets—experimenting with free-flow writing, storytelling, simple poetry, and guided prompts to help you explore your chosen theme. The evening is yours for dinner on your own or with new friends, followed by time to rest, refuel, and reflect.
Day 3
Greet the day with a serene sunrise session, waking up alongside Mother Nature as you capture the early light—coffee and light snacks in hand. Afterward, enjoy a guided morning writing session to build on the momentum from Day 2, culminating in a visioning exercise that uses creativity to imagine the possibilities ahead, all tied to your chosen theme. Following lunch on your own, choose your own adventure: enjoy free time, join Kahli for an editing and demo session, or gather with Meghan for a focused writing circle. In the evening, we’ll reunite for a celebratory group dinner before heading out for one last sunset session, savouring the beauty of the Canadian Rockies as the day draws to a close.
Day 4
On our final morning, we’ll head out for a peaceful walk in nature together, sharing casual conversation and soaking up the last moments of mountain beauty. We’ll gather for a group brunch to reflect on our learnings, explore what REWILD means to each of us after a weekend of photography, writing, and creativity, and share any closing thoughts in a warm group conversation. With new inspiration and connections to carry forward, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart.
Ends at 11:30am.
》ACCOMODATION, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION
To keep this creative retreat as financially accessible as possible, accommodations and some meals are not included, so participants can choose the type of lodging and food that best fits their budget. Mention Promo Code OFFBEAT when booking directly with Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn for a 20% discount.
If you’d like to share a room at Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn, please contact us at support@offbeatphoto.ca so that we might try to arrange this.
This option is not guaranteed, but we will work to connect you with another participant wanting to share.
Transportation is not included. However, prior to the retreat, you’ll be connected with other participants so that you might be able to make car-sharing plans.
》PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: CAD $2,950 + GST
Payment options: Full payment or $850 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with a remaining payment as listed below.
Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $850
Payment #1 $1050 - Feb 1, 2025
Payment #2: $1050 - June 1, 2026
Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
”
“Curiosity, kindness, and light. What more could you want from your guides and other members of your community? Our trip was incredible: people, places, and personalities. From chasing the light in a ditch off the side of the road, to finding horses to rub noses with, even the most seemingly insignificant moments were memorable. And that's the beauty of Offbeat, in a nutshell: finding the impossible in the most improbable places.”
-Dave G.
“The workshop was amazing - great instruction and professionalism by the instructors. They did a great job handling the group's variety of experience and took time to help each one of us individually. They prepared well for a variety of conditions and had great locations scouted out before we arrived. Kris and Paul are excellent instructors and loads of fun!”
- Tracy B.
“I have attended a number of OFFBEAT Workshops and have loved them all. The co-founders are two of the most genuine people I have met and they are both so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They always ensure that you have the best time and are always willing to share their time and experience with you. My photography has definitely improved since learning from these two. I have also only meet decent and friendly people on these workshops. Everybody is there for the common goal - photography and everybody has such fun. I can not recommend Offbeat highly enough.”
— Claire C.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge.”
-Jan L.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
Physical Rating (Easy)
Hiking experience // None necessary.
Pace // Slow.
Distance/Description // <5km/day (3 miles) on well-defined trails, with slight noticeable elevation change, and perhaps slightly uneven terrain.
Footwear // Light hiking shoes or sneakers.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is advised that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage.
Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.
By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.