The Ecology Retreat Centre
The Ecology Retreat Centre offers a tranquil, natural setting for WomynSpirit attendees to feel nourished and renewed. Nestled in the magical hills of the Niagara Escarpment, between the Bruce Trail and the Nottawasaga River, the centre is located about 15 minutes from Orangeville.
Main Lodge
ACCOMMODATIONS
WomynSpirit attendees will be accommodated in the Main Lodge or the Bunk House located next to the Main Lodge. Indoor shared bathrooms are found in each building.
Out of caution, in 2022 rooms will be assigned on a single basis, unless friends/family/couples request to share a room. There are 22 single rooms, so participation will be capped at 22, with additional numbers depending on shared room requests.
Bedding is provided by the centre. You will need to bring your own towel, flashlight, toiletries, camera, arts & crafts supplies, ritual wear, journal, drums and other musical instruments. Come prepared for late October weather. This is a women only, alcohol-free, chemical-free, and scent-free event. There is no substance use or smoking allowed in the buildings.
Out of caution, in 2022 rooms will be assigned on a single basis, unless friends/family/couples request to share a room. There are 22 single rooms, so participation will be capped at 22, with additional numbers depending on shared room requests.
Bedding is provided by the centre. You will need to bring your own towel, flashlight, toiletries, camera, arts & crafts supplies, ritual wear, journal, drums and other musical instruments. Come prepared for late October weather. This is a women only, alcohol-free, chemical-free, and scent-free event. There is no substance use or smoking allowed in the buildings.
Dining Hall
The Dining Hall
Hardy vegetarian meals, Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, are served in the Dining Hall, which is wheelchair accessible. Special diets can be accommodated for an additional charge (please see the Special Needs Form on the Registration and Home pages). The Womynspirit Marketplace is set up in Dining Hall for the duration of the weekend and some workshops are also held there. The Creekside Room, also located in the Dining Hall, is used for workshops. There are washroom facilities in the dining hall.
Meeting Hall aka Ritual Space
The Meeting Hall
The Meeting Hall is where the magic happens! This spacious yet cozy hall will be the setting for all three Rituals throughout the weekend, as well as post-ritual drumming, dancing and socializing. The Meeting Hall will also provide a peaceful, quite space for workshops. There are washrooms and limited kitchen facilities in the Event Hall. We regret that this space is not wheelchair accessible.
Special Features
Hiking Trails
You will be welcome to spend time in nature, walking the Centre's hiking trails, enjoying the spectacular fall foliage, sitting by the soothing brook, connecting with the beauty that surrounds you. Bruce Trail hikes are close by for extended hikes.
Labyrinth
Also popular with WomynSpirit attendees is the Centre's 11-circuit "Chartres" labyrinth, built out of white stone by the Labyrinth Society. You can visit the labyrinth on our own, or round up a group of womyn to drum, chant or take a walking meditation together.
Fire Circle
The Centre provides a large fire circle that can be used after Saturday ritual.
You will be welcome to spend time in nature, walking the Centre's hiking trails, enjoying the spectacular fall foliage, sitting by the soothing brook, connecting with the beauty that surrounds you. Bruce Trail hikes are close by for extended hikes.
Labyrinth
Also popular with WomynSpirit attendees is the Centre's 11-circuit "Chartres" labyrinth, built out of white stone by the Labyrinth Society. You can visit the labyrinth on our own, or round up a group of womyn to drum, chant or take a walking meditation together.
Fire Circle
The Centre provides a large fire circle that can be used after Saturday ritual.
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Photo by Verena Schleich
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