~ Thompson Island ~
Full Day Wellness Adventure on Lake Superior
DATES FOR SUMMER 2026
June 24
July 29
September 23
Duration: 6 hours
Depart 9 am
LOCATION
Thunder Bay, Ontario
LED BY
Yoga & Breathwork Teacher, Registered Physiotherapist, Wellness Mentor
Catharine Tombs
& Greg Heroux of Sail Superior
Set on the rugged shores of Lake Superior just off the coast of Thunder Bay, Thompson Island offers a rare and unforgettable wilderness experience where nature, stillness, and adventure meet. Accessible only by boat, this remote island sanctuary invites you to step away from the pace of everyday life and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Northwestern Ontario.
Surrounded by crystal-clear water, boreal forest, cobblestone beaches, and dramatic Superior shoreline, Thompson Island is known for its iconic wood-fired sauna, cold plunges into Lake Superior, scenic hiking trails, and peaceful protected harbour. The island carries a deeply restorative energy — one that naturally encourages you to slow down, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with yourself through the elements.
This one-of-a-kind wellness experience blends yoga, sauna culture, nature immersion, and locally inspired food in a setting that feels both grounding and awe-inspiring. Practice yoga on the dock overlooking Lake Superior, savour a traditional shore lunch featuring local smoked fish, explore forested trails and hidden beaches, and experience the invigorating ritual of sauna and cold-water immersion in one of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes.
More than a day trip, Thompson Island offers an opportunity to unplug, reset your nervous system, and experience the healing power of nature in a truly meaningful way. Whether you’re seeking a novel experience, connection, or simply time to breathe, this Lake Superior wellness adventure invites you to experience the magic of Northern Ontario in a way few ever do.
‘
Guided tour to Thompson Island from Prince Arthur’s Landing on Sail Superior’s ‘Rocket’ (~ 60 min)
Guided yoga and meditation practice on the dock
A locally inspired shore lunch featuring smoked fish
Optional cold plunges into Lake Superior
Access to the island sauna
Guided nature hike to lookout and around the island
Time to hike, explore the beach, relax, and enjoy the island
What is included in the experience?
“Lake Superior doesn’t just show you beauty; it invites you to become part of it.”
What makes Thompson Island unique?
A famous community-built dock and wood-fired sauna
Hiking trails leading to dramatic cliffs and panoramic lookouts
It’s a protected nature reserve with billion-year-old volcanic rock formations called gabbro dikes and sills.
Old-growth boreal forest, mossy trails, and cobble beaches
Views toward Isle Royale National Park on clear days
A protected harbour called Wray Bay tucked into the island
The island supports rare Arctic-alpine vegetation — plants normally found much farther north.
The Spirit of Lake Superior
There is something deeply humbling about being in the presence of Lake Superior.
Known as Gichigami — “The Great Sea” — by the Anishinaabe peoples, these waters carry a quiet power that is difficult to describe until you experience it for yourself.
Vast, wild, and ever-changing, Lake Superior invites us to slow down, listen, and remember our place within the natural world. The rhythm of the waves, the scent of cedar and pine, the cool northern air, and the stillness of the surrounding wilderness create a profound sense of perspective and presence.
For generations, these waters and shorelines have been places of travel, nourishment, reflection, and reverence. Today, Thompson Island continues to offer that same invitation: to step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with something simpler, quieter, and more essential.
There is a reason people leave Lake Superior feeling changed.
Perhaps it is the way the cold water awakens the body.
The way the sauna softens the nervous system.
The way the horizon reminds us to breathe more deeply.
Or the way nature gently returns us to ourselves.
This experience is designed not only as a wellness retreat, but as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the elemental beauty and restorative spirit of Northwestern Ontario — through movement, stillness, community, ritual, and time spent in relationship with the lake itself.
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes. The yoga practice will be gentle, accessible, and suitable for all experience levels, including complete beginners.Absolutely! I commend you for your courage in be willing to try something new and listening to the nudge that is calling you to register.
-
Absolutely. Many guests come on their own and find the experience to be both grounding and deeply connecting. Wellness in Bloom experiences are designed to foster warmth, community, and a welcoming atmosphere.
-
Please ensure you bring:
Comfortable clothing for movement
Bathing suit
Towel
Layers for changing weather conditions
Hiking or walking shoes
Water bottle
Sunscreen and hat
Yoga Mat
Water Bottle
-
That won’t be a problem, please just be sure to let me know what you need.
-
This is more than a wellness day — it is an immersive Lake Superior experience that blends movement, sauna culture, nature immersion, local food, and meaningful rest in one of Northwestern Ontario’s most breathtaking wilderness settings. Thompson Island offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with yourself through the elements.
-
This experience is open to all genders who feel called to experience a day of nature, wellness, and restoration on Lake Superior.
-
The hiking trails on Thompson Island are beautiful, rugged, and nature-immersive. Participants can expect:
uneven natural terrain
forested paths with roots and rocks
some elevation changes
narrow trail sections
occasional steep or uneven footing
The trails are part of the island’s wild and untouched charm, but they do require a moderate level of conditioning and comfort walking on natural terrain. Hiking is optional, and guests are always welcome to move at their own pace, rest, or simply enjoy time by the water, sauna, or dock instead.
-
Transportation to Thompson Island takes place aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) operated by Sail Superior. The ride is immersive, adventurous, and offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Lake Superior up close.
Guests can expect wind, waves, spray, and motion depending on lake conditions. While the boats are designed for safety and stability, participants should feel comfortable travelling on open water and experiencing a more active boat ride than a traditional cruise-style vessel.