Hosting a Retreat at
Stowel Lake Farm
2026
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, we welcome retreat groups to experience the beauty of the land and community living.
Retreat guests can enjoy the gorgeous perennial gardens and the organic farm as well as our boutique accommodations and exquisite facilities.
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 45 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.
Accommodations
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.
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.
Accommodation Details
Learn more about the buildings, rooms, and spaces available to you and your guests.
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.
| Retreat Meals | Price |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian Meal Plan | $105 pp/day |
| Fish, Chicken, or Meat Meal Add On | $15 pp/meal* |
*This add on must apply for the whole group.
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 soil, 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. Some 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
A couple of long-time farm community members will sit down and provide an overview of community living, and the magic that makes it work on Stowel Lake Farm.
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.
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
Retreat Enhancements
Make the Most of your Retreat Experience
We are excited to be offering new and improved experiences to make the most of your wellness retreat. Please let us know if you would like to include any extras for your group, as well as any scheduling preferences, at least two weeks prior to your retreat start date.
The Lake and Sauna
Relax and recharge with private access to Stowel Lake and a custom built cedar sauna.
The sauna has a capacity of 8. We recommend dividing your group into 2-4 time slots to enjoy the dock, lake, and sauna.
Stowel Lake is a natural spring fed lake. It is a 10 minute walk* from the retreat area. The lake is beautiful for swimming in the warmer months and for cold immersion in the cooler months.
* The walk to the sauna is on gravel road and grassy paths, with some incline.
Time Available once per retreat
Price $1,000 for 2 x 2h bookings (Total 4 hours)
$33/person assuming a 30 person retreat
Cold Dips or Swimming at the Lake
Refresh and rejuvenate in the waters of beautiful Stowel Lake. The large dock can accommodate your group, with space for seated breathwork or meditation.
The teacher must accompany the group to the lake for their booked time.
This offering is not available before breakfast, or from June - mid-September. If you are interested in booking this in the summer, please reach out to us.
* The walk to the sauna is on gravel road and grassy paths, with some incline.
Time Available multiple times per retreat
Price $200 for a 1h booking (not including transit time)
$7/person assuming a 30 person retreat
Wine Night or Mocktail Hour
Take time to form meaningful connections and delight in new tastes and experiences. A bar will be set up with local wines and seasonal mocktails for your guests to purchase.
Our wine night or mocktail hour can be held in the courtyard or barn, depending on your preferences and the season.
We will set up the Stowel Lake Farm store for your guests during this experience.
Time Available upon request
Price Per person/drink charge
Body Work
There are highly skilled practitioners on 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 from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Fulford Harbour via Swartz Bay. Do not take the ferry to Long Harbour if you are on foot.
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
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
The 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
SLF provides up to two complimentary pick ups from the Fulford Ferry.
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
The minimum retreat booking is 4 nights, 5 days. The minimum charge is based on our daily rate for the facility and accommodation and the minimum meal plan. Prices are based on a group size of 34 including teachers. Additional charges apply for guests over 34, up to a maximum group size of 45
Retreat Day Rates
| Item | Rate | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Facility (max 34) | $2,400/night | 5% |
| Accommodation (max 34)* | $2,400/night | 15% |
| Meals Vegetarian (per person, starting at 25 people) | $105 pp/night | 5% |
| Guests over 34 including meals (up to a group size 45) | $185/night | 5% |
*8 private rooms, 8 shared rooms, 4 shared yurts, 1 shared suite - more details above in Accommodation Details
Group Size
Our daily rates for facility and accommodation are for groups up to 34 (including leaders and staff). Additional charges will apply to larger groups (see chart).
The daily rate includes access to:
All accommodation (34 beds)
The Gatehouse, Barn & Gardens
Accommodation & meals for 2 retreat leaders or staff
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 Add-ons
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Fish, Chicken, or Meat Meal Add On | $15 pp/meal |
| The Lake and Sauna | $1,000 for 2 x 2h bookings (Total 4 hours) |
| Cold Dips or Swimming at the Lake | $200 for a 1h booking |
| Wine Night or Mocktail Hour | Per person/drink |
| Body Work | $85-$150 (Depending on modality and session duration) |