Hosting A Retreat at Stowel Lake Farm
Stowel Lake Farm is a unique location to hold a wide variety of wellness retreats. As an established community of people who have lived and worked together for many years, the Farm team welcomes retreat groups to experience the beauty of the land and community living.
During retreats, guests are free to roam the property and organic gardens, but time will mostly be spent in the guest accommodations, the Gatehouse, the Barn, and the Village House.
2025
Retreat Spaces
The Gatehouse
Within the Gatehouse building is a welcoming entrance, three bathrooms, two rooms for accommodation and our studio space. The Gatehouse is an inspiring space to hold a variety of wellness activities including yoga, dance and meditation.
This building has high, curved ceilings, cherry wood floors and large windows that allow panoramic views of our farm and the natural environment. The space is warm, light and beautifully handcrafted by local woodworkers. The Gatehouse can comfortably hold 30-45 people for moving practices and 55-60 people for meditation. There are props for yoga and meditation practice available and a sound system.
The Barn
The Barn building houses our custom kitchen and dining area. The 40 year old Barn was beautifully renovated preserving original timbers and is both comfortable and lovely. The upstairs is a spacious area for dining with tables and chairs and a cozy area with couches and a wood-burning stove.
Although the Barn is beautiful and modern, its bones are historic . The original Barn was built by Lisa when she moved to the farm and started raising lamb and then boarding horses. Renovations and structural upgrades, with a touch of creativity, have turned it into the beautiful space that it is today.
The Village House
The Village House is centrally situated beside the Barn and houses many of the guest accommodations. Located between the two buildings, the courtyard is a perfect location for outdoor meals, bonfires, and guest hangouts.
Surrounded by gardens, the Village House also houses the Marley Room on the lower level, which is a quiet location for breakout activities, including body-work and small-group meetings.
Accomodations
Accommodations for retreat guests are in the Village House, the Gatehouse, the Bath House and the Yurts. There are 34 beds in total, including the retreat leaders. There are a variety of accommodations ranging from private suites to shared rooms and there is also plenty of open field for tents. The retreat leader is responsible for room assignments for retreat guests. Guests will enjoy clean, comfortable bedding with duvets and towels. To support guests in having a true respite, Stowel Lake Farm does not have phones or TVs in any of the rooms.
Retreat Capacity
There is space for 33-35 people in our shared and private accommodations (7 privates, 4 shared deluxe, 8 shared regular or yurt).
Heat and Power
All of the bedrooms, including the yurts, have heat and power.
WiFi
There is WiFi in the main buildings. The retreat leader is responsible for advising the Farm team if participants should NOT be provided access to WiFi while on retreat.
Animals & Pets
There are many domestic and wild animals on the farm - please leave pets at home.
Water
There is good, clean drinking water on the farm.
Retreat Map
The Gatehouse, the Barn, and the Village House are within walking distance of one-another. A full version of the Retreat Map can be downloaded here.
Retreat Cuisine
The standard cuisine at the farm is vegetarian with the menu changing daily to incorporate ingredients from the gardens. Non-Vegetarian cuisine can also be coordinated.
Chefs prepare each dish with care and attention to detail. Daily meals are wholesome, nourishing and beautiful. Organic whole grains, local dairy and fresh baking complement the vegetables and fruits fresh from the farm. Healthy and delicious meals are a significant part of the retreat experience at Stowel Lake Farm.
On The Land
Regenerative Farming
Stowel Lake Farm has a thriving and productive organic market garden. Food and plants are grown with the intention of regenerating and restoring the land. These regenerative practices increase organic matter in the toil, enhance biodiversity and restore ecosystems by working on closing nutrient and water loops. Inspiration is drawn from the natural world, organic agriculture, as well as permaculture and bio-dynamic farming techniques. The farm team is excited to share more about the farming practices through interactive farm tours that can be provided during your stay.
Perennial Gardens
Between the Gatehouse and the Barn there is a well established and beautiful perennial garden. There are many places to walk or sit in the garden to enjoy the lovely flowers, shrubs and trees. It is a perfect place for reflection, contemplation and quietude. It is also home to many species of birds, insects, bees and frogs. The perennial garden was designed to have beauty in every season so it can be appreciated throughout the year.
Experiences
There are several experiences that are available during retreats at Stowel Lake Farm. Many of these experiences are included in the overall retreat costs, but all of them need to be pre-booked well in advance (2 weeks notice). Please advise the Farm team if the any of these experience options are desired during your retreat.
Community Talk
The founders of the farm community, Lisa, Jen and/or Liz will sit down and provide an overview of community living, and the magic that makes it work on Stowel Lake Farm. They will discuss the history of the farm and how it has evolved to what it is today, a beautiful community.
Time One hour
Price Included
Meghan leading a farm tour
Farm Tour
Led by a Stowel Lake Farm resident, the farm tour includes a walk around the organic market gardens, a discussion on regenerative farming practices, and a review of in season produce on this beautiful land. Upon request, the structure of the Stowel Lake Farm community can also be discussed.
Time One hour
Price Included
Movie Night
The upstairs room of the Barn is a perfect place to watch a movie. Bring or stream a film of your choice and pair with snacks from our menu.
Time Anytime
Price Included
An outdoor campfire on the farm
Outdoor Fire
Gather around a fire under the starry sky and enjoy the evening together.
Time One hour
Price Included
Body Work
There are highly skilled practitioners on the Salt Spring Island whose offerings include massage, hot stones, acupuncture, tonal sound vibrations & aromatherapy.
Time Varies
Price $85-$150 (Depending on modality and session duration)
Getting to Salt Spring
Stowel Lake Farm is located at 190 Reynolds Road on Salt Spring Island, on the beautiful West Coast of British Columbia. Visitors to the farm and retreat guests will need to make their way to Salt Spring Island by foot, automobile, ferry, or airplane.
From Vancouver by Ferry
By Foot
Take the thru-fare trip to from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Fulford Harbour via Swartz Bay.
By Car
Take the thru-fare trip from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Fulford Harbour via Swartz Bay or take the direct ferry from Tsawwassen to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour). It is highly recommended to make reservations with BC Ferries when travelling by car.
From Victoria by Ferry
Commute to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and take the ferry from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour).
Note: Reservations are not available between Swartz Bay and Fulford Harbour, it is first come first serve.
From Vancouver by Air
Option 1
Fly from Vancouver to Victoria Airport. Take a 10 minute cab ride to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Take the ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour Terminal, Salt Spring Island.
Option 2
Take a floatplane (Harbour Air Seaplanes, SeaAir Seaplanes) from Vancouver to Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island.
Transportation To and From the Retreats
If you are coming to Stowel Lake Farm for a retreat, your retreat leader is responsible for organizing all guests’ arrival and departure times, determining needs for transportation and coordinating pick up or drop of time with the Farm team no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the Retreat. The Farm team will do their best to accommodate guests but transportation is not guaranteed if not confirmed in advance.
We provide up to two complimentary pick ups from the Fulford Ferry that coordinate with the check in of 3-5pm. As it may not be possible to pick up guests outside of the scheduled times, Taxi service is available on Salt Spring Island.
From Fulford Harbour
Fly from Vancouver to Victoria Airport. Take a 10 minute cab ride to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Take the ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour Terminal, Salt Spring Island.
From Ganges Harbour
SLF offers one complementary pickup from Ganges Harbour
From Long Harbour or Vesuvius
SLF does not pick up from Long Harbour or Vesuvius.
Retreat Pricing
Spring & Fall Minimum Daily Rate:
The minimum day rate for accommodation and meals is $4,500.00* CAD/day plus the facility rate of $1,500/day and applicable taxes.
*This is equivalent to 25 guests at the Shared Regular rate.
The minimum retreat booking is 4 nights, 5 days.
Summer Retreat Rates:
4 night retreats booked during July and August have a minimum day rate of $5,400 CAD* for accommodation and meals (plus the facility rate of $1,500/day and applicable taxes).
*This is equivalent to 30 guests at the Shared Regular rate.
Retreat Pricing Details
Room Charges
Private Deluxe is a Shared Deluxe room booked as a private.
Shared Regular and Shared Yurt spaces booked as privates will be charged our Private room rate.
No Charge for Retreat Staff Members
Up to two Retreat Leaders and/or Staff are not charged the per-day fee for meals & accommodation.
Inclusions
All prices include 3 meals per day, accommodations and facility costs. Rates include the use of the Gatehouse, the Barn, the gardens and a room and meals for two teachers.
Deposits
To book a retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required. Deposits are not transferrable to alternate dates. The deposit is 10% of the minimum charge.
Payment
40% of the total owing (based on minimum numbers) is due 6 months before the retreat start date. This payment is not refundable upon cancellation. The outstanding balance is then due upon arrival at the Farm.
Cancellation Policy
The first and second deposits are both non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Retreat Day Rates
| Item | Day Rate | Taxes / Day | Total / Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facility | $1,500.00 | $75.00 | $1,575.00 |
| Private Deluxe (Per Person) | $240.00 | $36.00 | $276.00 |
| Private (Per Person) | $120.00 | $18.00 | $138.00 |
| Shared Deluxe (Per Person) | $120.00 | $18.00 | $138.00 |
| Shared Regular (Per Person) | $85.00 | $12.75 | $97.75 |
| Shared Yurt (Per Person) | $72.00 | $10.80 | $82.80 |
| Camping (Per Person) | $33.00 | $4.95 | $37.95 |
| Meals - Vegetarian (Per Person) | $95.00 | $4.75 | $99.75 |
| Meals - fish, chicken or meat per meal add on (per person for the whole group) | $15.00 | $0.75 | $15.75 |