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.
2026 will be the final year at ERC, 2027 will carry us to a new location located near Alliston, Ontario.
2026 will be the final year at ERC, 2027 will carry us to a new location located near Alliston, Ontario.
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.
Rooms are shared unless a single room is requested - subject to an additional charge and availability. Please choose this option in your registration form.
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.
Rooms are shared unless a single room is requested - subject to an additional charge and availability. Please choose this option in your registration form.
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 for the duration of the weekend. The Creekside Room, also located in the Dining Hall, is used for workshops. There are washroom facilities in the dining hall.
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.
Accessibility
The Ecology Retreat Centre has some limitations around accessibility. Please communicate with our team to explore your needs and we will support how we can.
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.
Accessibility
The Ecology Retreat Centre has some limitations around accessibility. Please communicate with our team to explore your needs and we will support how we can.
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Photo by Verena Schleich
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