Surviving the Downburst: How Trauma Changes the Way You See the Outdoors

In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, psychotherapist Brigitte Lebel shares her harrowing experience surviving the June 2025 downburst at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

What began as a peaceful camping trip quickly turned into a traumatic night of fallen trees, injuries, rescue efforts, and hours of uncertainty.

Brigitte reflects on what it was like to stay calm in the middle of the chaos, return to the park afterward, and process the trauma that followed.

Brigitte's episode on To North Bay With Love: https://www.northbayecho.ca/a-conversation-about-grief-care-and-community/

0:00 Intro

5:33 Surviving the Storm

15:15 Returning to the Park

23:17 Trauma, PTSD & Self-Blame

37:34 Mental Health, Grief & Acceptance