Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I bring?
Dress for the weather. Layering clothing is recommended. Some of the rooms may be cooler at times. We provide bed linens, towels and soap. Bring other toiletry items. We have a small supply of toiletries for sale if you forget something. You may bring your own snacks. We do have some refrigeration available for retreatants.
Some people bring their journals, spiritual reading materials, simple activities – e.g. knitting/crocheting.
Can my dietary restriction be accommodated?
Our kitchen staff can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Those with very restrictive diets may bring items to supplement what we can offer. We have some refrigeration available for retreatants. Please discuss your particular needs when you register.
Is the facility fully accessible?
The Main Lodge has both a ramp and an electric lift to get into the building. St. Elizabeth Place has no stairs and it contains an accessible washroom. The Main Lodge has one fully accessible washroom. Let us know of any mobility issues you may have.
Can I bring my child?
We do not have the facility to accommodate infants or small children, especially on a silent retreat. Some teenagers have come on retreat with a parent or guardian and are welcome as long as they intend to enter into the retreat and maintain the silence.
Are you scent free?
We ask that people not wear scents because some individuals are negatively affected.
Are pets permitted?
Certified Service animals are permitted, as required by law. Please arrange this at the time of booking. We are not able to accommodate pets.
Do you provide transportation?
We will provide transportation from the bus station or airport for those taking part in one of our week-long retreats in the summer (June / July). We are not able to provide transportation for any of our weekend retreats.
When do retreats start and when do they end?
Rooms are typically ready by 4:00 pm on Friday evening. Registration opens at that time. Dinner is at 7:00 pm and the opening session begins approximately 7:45 pm. The retreat concludes with lunch on Sunday.
The times are the same for our mid-week retreat beginning on Tuesday evening and ending with lunch on Thursday.
What does it cost and when do I pay?
Weekend retreats are $230.00 per person which includes all meals and snacks. No one is turned away from our retreats because of a lack of finances. You are encouraged to pay what you can. Payment is taken after dinner on Saturday evening. You do not have to pay in advance or make a deposit. We accept cheque, credit card, debit card or cash. The suggested contribution is not considered tax deductible because you are receiving a service. If you contribute more than the suggested amount, that is considered a donation and we automatically send out a tax receipt for donation $20.00 or more over the suggested amount. If requested, we will send receipts for a lesser donation.
- Individual 24-hour retreat cost $120.00
- Day-Away Retreats cost $35.00, including lunch; $45.00 if you request a private room for the day;
- Twilight Retreats cost $35.00, including dinner.
- Serenity Twilight Retreats cost $25.00, including dinner.
- Week-long Retreats: cost $650.00 for the six-day Preached Retreat and $700.00 for the seven-day Directed Retreat
We do not turn people away from our retreats because of lack of funds. If you cannot afford the full amount, pay what you can. This applies to any of the retreats that we offer: Weekend, Midweek, Twilight and Day-Away Retreats.
What if I have to cancel?
Please let your captain know as soon as possible if you have to cancel. Sometimes there is a waiting list to get into the retreat.