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Breaking the Ice—Literally: My Incredible Experience at Unbounded Cold Camp
This past February, I had the opportunity to experience Unbounded Cold Camp—a wellness retreat centred around nervous system regulation through cold exposure, heat therapy, breathwork, and rewilding.
Located in the tranquil Kawartha Lakes, Cold Camp is part of Unbounded, an experiential lifestyle brand founded by Nick McNaught, Lisa Kricfalusi, Ron Batuigas, and Zach Ramelan. Originally known for their Toronto cold-plunging pop-up at Stackt Market, Unbounded has expanded to offer transformative experiences like Cold Camp, which challenges participants to explore the power of primal therapies in the wild, pushing themselves beyond perceived limits.
Arriving at Cold Camp had me feeling like a teenager arriving at summer camp all over again. You walk in as a stranger, unsure of what was ahead, and leave with friendships forged through shared experiences. And nothing bonds people faster than voluntarily plunging into a frozen lake in the middle of winter. Yes, you read that right—ice-cold lake plunges, which involve cutting fresh ice before stepping in.
The retreat kicked off with grounding yoga, setting the tone for what was to come. Then, we dove straight into Unbounded’s signature hot/cold therapy circuit—cold plunging followed by a sauna or hot tub. Unbounded’s very own Lisa Kricfalusi coached us to exhale as we stepped into the freezing water, focusing entirely on breath. Two minutes in the cold, then straight into the sauna—a practice rooted in ancient wellness traditions.
That post-cold plunge rush was so addictive, we decided to do a night cold plunge, something I can truly say I’ve never done before. Stepping into the icy black water under the winter sky was a memory I’ll never forget and now adds a whole new layer of meaning to Britney Spears’ hit song Break the Ice (which we had playing in the background to hype us up).
After completing both hot and cold therapy circuits, we gathered for a nourishing meal from Impact Kitchen, which offers delicious gluten/dairy-free dishes. As we ate, Lisa led us through a discussion about longevity, a topic I hadn’t really thought about before. Hearing the incredible women at the retreat share what longevity meant to them and how they want to take care of their bodies and minds made me stop and reflect. Longevity and wellness are not just about physical practices; they’re about diving into personal growth, sharing wisdom, and lifting each other up.
The last activity of the day was a breathwork session led by Tiz McNamara. His voice, paired with live music, was the perfect way to close the day. The next morning, we eased into the day with a quiet nature walk before jumping back into the hot/cold circuit. Unbounded also offers a gorgeous hot tub overlooking the lake and a red light therapy room designed to reduce inflammation and promote cellular healing. I should also mention that our accommodations were cozy cabins with full kitchens that made it easy to settle in and fully embrace the experience.
The Science Behind the Cold and Heat
Cold exposure isn’t just about mental resilience—it has profound health benefits. Studies have shown that cold plunging can reduce inflammation, boost circulation, enhance immunity, and elevate mood by triggering endorphin release. It also helps strengthen the nervous system by training the body to handle stress more effectively.
Heat therapy is just as powerful as the transition from icy water to a sauna or hot tub; it isn’t just about comfort, but a scientifically backed practice that promotes cardiovascular health, relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and helping detoxify the body. Heat exposure has also been shown to aid in muscle recovery, reduce stress, and even increase longevity by improving heart function.
The contrast between cold and heat amplifies the benefits, creating a cycle that boosts resilience and leaves you feeling completely reset. Personally, I came to Cold Camp with lingering inflammation around an old ankle injury, and after the retreat, the pain was completely gone.
More than just a retreat, Unbounded Cold Camp offered me a recalibration. One I greatly needed, along with the reminder of what can happen when you step outside your comfort zone. I can do hard things, and so can you.
That’s the magic of Unbounded Cold Camp: it attracts people who crave growth, who lift each other up, and who walk away changed.
Ready to challenge your limits and recalibrate? Find out how to join Unbounded Cold Camp and step outside your comfort zone today by visiting their official website.
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