Frequently Asked Questions
Retreats
I have food sensitivities. Am I going to be able to eat retreat meals?
Yes, we are able to accommodate many dietary needs, such as gluten-free, dairy free or vegan. We serve primarily organic vegetarian cuisine in a buffet-style. Please ensure that you communicate your dietary information clearly to your retreat host.
Meat and fish can be served with special arrangements with the retreat leader.
I teach yoga, dance, movement, and/or meditation. How do I bring my students here?
We have regular spaces available on the farm for weekly classes as well as retreats and events. If you are interested in bringing your class or retreat here, please contact us.
Can I do a personal retreat?
Please take a look at our 'Events' calendar, if there isn't a retreat happening (think winter), get in touch and we'll see if we can help make it happen.
Spaces
Can I rent your facilities for a special event?
Given our busy retreat schedule the answer is more than likely…. maybe. Please contact us to discuss the nature, scope and date of your event. Check out our Instagram feed for an idea of things that have happened around the farm.
If you’re interested in hosting a wellness retreat or hosting a corporate retreat, please reach out.
Can I rent accommodation on the farm?
Our accommodations are for retreats only, however, we do offer Farm Stays during the winter months. Subscribe to our mailing list to learn more.
Farm Stand
Where can I buy your produce?
We have a Farm Stand near the Gatehouse where we sell our produce. Operating hours vary throughout the year.
P.S. Don't forget to buy one of our legendary cookies!
P.S.S. You can also pick up our book and learn some of our favourite recipes!
Can I get bulk orders?
Yes. We do sell bulk quantities of certain crops. Please contact us to find out more.
Do you sell seed?
We do sell our seeds! We have a good selection of our favourite open pollinated vegetable and flower varieties at our Farm Stand. We have been saving some of these varieties for over 20 years!
The Community
Can I volunteer at your farm?
We do have volunteers on the farm every year. Positions open up in the Spring of each year. If you’re interested in volunteering please follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our mailing list.
Do people live on the farm?
They sure do. Our community is made up of around 25 people (and children) most of whom are longtime residents of the farm. There are also a handful of dogs and cats to keep us company.
Can I live on the farm?
If you’re curious about the farm and the community and want to learn more, follow us on Instagram and Subscribe to our mailing list. Come and attend a Stowel Lake Farm hosted workshop or join us for a retreat. We see many folks year after year when they make their pilgrimages to this land.
Is this a commune?
We’re not sure. We are a group of people sharing similar values and living together on a piece of land. Some of us work on that land, and some of us don’t. We all get together on Thursdays.
What’s up with Thursdays?
Thursday is our community day. We all come together on this day to work on the farm and share lunch. It’s a great way to spend time with each other and get a little work done. Read more about Thursdays here.
Do you grow all your winter food?
We have been successful in growing enough potatoes, carrots, beets and greens to feed all of us, all year long.
Do the children go to school?
Some do and some don’t.
Does everybody work on the farm?
No. For some the farm is their livelihood and others work full time off the farm.
How do I get there?
The fastest way is by float plane. Both Harbour Air and Sea Air offer a variety of flights directly to the island. The next fastest way is by catching a BC Ferry to either Long Harbour, Vesuvius or Fulford Harbour. However, if you're coming from Galiano, it's faster to kayak to Southey Point and then hitch hike south.
Where are the crystals?
We're not sure. But people have mentioned a crystal mountain in Ruckle Park.
Why doesn't my cell phone work?
You may be out of batteries, but, most likely you're experiencing the spotty south island reception. Find a high point, reception often works at a high point, but it often doesn't too.