Campfires, Cribbage & Connection: Our Rustic Mama Retreat Weekend in Nova Scotia

8 minutes ago

4 min read

As we continue catching up on sharing some of our 2025 adventures, one weekend that truly deserves its own spotlight was our unforgettable trip to Halifax and our time at a Rustic Mama Retreats weekend at Camp Bayside.

This trip wasn’t about rushing around sightseeing or checking attractions off a list. Instead, it became one of those weekends centered around friendship, laughter, movement, creativity, campfire conversations, and reconnecting with people who make life brighter.

And honestly? Sometimes those are the trips that stay with you the longest.

Hello Halifax!

Our adventure officially began when we landed in Halifax, where we were greeted by our amazing friend Pam.

Pam had actually been our neighbour in Brampton years ago before moving to Nova Scotia eight years earlier, so getting to reconnect with her in her new home province made this trip feel extra special right from the beginning.

Joining us for the weekend was also our friend Lesley from Port Dover, who had flown in the day before. Fun fact: Pam, Lesley, and Jean-Luc have all known each other for 28 years after meeting back in college. There’s something really special about friendships that continue through every stage of life, and this weekend became such a beautiful reminder of that.

After picking us up at the airport, we all headed north of Halifax toward Camp Bayside for the retreat weekend ahead. The drive itself already started setting the tone — peaceful scenery, ocean views, and that slower East Coast pace that instantly makes you breathe a little deeper.

Settling Into Retreat Life

Friday evening at Camp Bayside immediately felt warm and welcoming.

We kicked things off with fun icebreaker games that helped everyone get comfortable and start connecting right away. One of the things we’ve always loved about Rustic Mama Retreats is how quickly strangers start to feel like friends.

Dinner that night was the ultimate comfort meal: BBQ chicken, corn, potatoes, and salad — exactly the kind of cozy camp-style dinner that somehow tastes even better surrounded by good company.

Later in the evening, everyone gathered for a painting session where creativity took over the room. It was so fun seeing everyone’s personalities come through in their artwork, and honestly, some people were incredibly talented.

And then came one of the best surprises of the weekend: the fire ban had finally been lifted.

That meant we were able to end the night gathered around a campfire under the stars — laughing, chatting, listening to stories, and fully embracing the cozy retreat atmosphere.

There’s just something about campfires that makes conversations feel deeper and memories feel bigger.

A Full Day of Fun at Camp Bayside

Saturday was packed from start to finish — and by the end of the day, we had walked over 25,000 steps without even realizing it.

After breakfast, the energy kicked into high gear with a step class alongside the ladies attending the retreat. There was so much laughter, cheering, and positive energy filling the room.

From there, things only got more entertaining with line dancing. Let’s just say there was plenty of stomping, spinning, and laughing happening throughout that session.

Lunch was a delicious taco bar, which honestly hit the spot after such an active morning.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was watching Jean-Luc teach cribbage to a group of curious beginners. Seeing everyone learning, asking questions, and getting excited over the game created such a fun atmosphere.

Dinner that evening was a flavourful chicken stir fry before the retreat’s nighttime activities officially took over.

And honestly… the evening may have been our favourite part of the entire weekend.

First came a hilarious round of Name That Tune where the competition level rose very quickly. Then, as if the night couldn’t get any better, the retreat wrapped up the evening with a pyjama dance party that somehow had everyone on their feet dancing, laughing, and fully embracing the fun.

It’s honestly hard to describe the feeling of a weekend like this unless you’ve experienced it yourself. There’s something incredibly refreshing about spending time in an environment where people are simply encouraged to relax, have fun, connect, and be themselves.

Saying Goodbye… For Now

By Sunday morning, it was time to pack up, say our goodbyes, and leave Camp Bayside behind.

And honestly? None of us were really ready for the weekend to end.

We left with tired legs, full hearts, new friendships, countless laughs, and memories we’ll be talking about for a long time.

After leaving the retreat, we continued our Nova Scotia adventure alongside Pam and Lesley — but this special weekend at Camp Bayside truly became one of the highlights of the trip.

Huge thank you to Rustic Mama Retreats for creating such a welcoming, joyful, and unforgettable experience.

Sometimes the best trips aren’t about luxury resorts or packed itineraries.

Sometimes they’re about campfires, music, dancing in pyjamas, and spending time with people who make you feel at home. 💛