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 cold exposure, heat therapy, programming, education, and community.
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 since expanded to offer transformative experiences like Cold Camp—’Canada’s Ultimate Cold Plunge Experience.’
Arriving at Cold Camp had me feeling like a teenager at summer camp all over again. You walk in as a stranger, unsure of what lies 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 a grounding yoga session, followed by cold and heat therapy. Unbounded’s very own, Lisa Kricfalusi, guided us to exhale as we entered the freezing water, focusing on our breath. Two minutes in the cold, then straight into a wood-fired Scandinavian sauna—a practice rooted in ancient wellness traditions.
That post-cold plunge rush was so addictive, we decided to try a night plunge—something I’d never done before. Stepping into the icy black water under the winter sky is a memory I’ll truly never forget. It’s also taken Break the Ice by Britney Spears to a whole new level (we had it playing in the background to pump us up).
After completing 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 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 group nature walk before jumping back into another cold/heat 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. The 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.
More than just a retreat, Unbounded Cold Camp offered me a recalibration—one I greatly needed. It reminded me of what happens 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.
