Residencies
We are gathering at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre, which occupies the ancestral lands of the Hatiwendaronk, the Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We are grateful for their stewardship of this land since time immemorial. As we work together here, we recognize the deep connections and enduring contributions of these communities, and commit to fostering a space of learning and respect.
If you are not already aware, please consider learning whose traditional and treaty terroritory you live on today:
Why are we acknowledging the land?
Please see the Session Materials tab for the readings, video and/or activites to complete before each residency.
Our Location
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B2J0. Please see the FAQs at crieffhills.com for the answers to many facility questions and photos of the rooms.
Travel
The venue has free parking and is located 45 minutes southwest of Toronto Airport. Please plan your travel to arrive between 9:30 and 10:20 on the first days of residency (September 30 and November 18).
Should you need to arrive the night before, there are many well-priced hotels approxiately 10 minutes away (by car) in nearby Cambridge.
Please arrive at Crieff Hills between 9:00 and 10:00 on the first day of Residency 2 and come check in at the main building. The full schedule will be posted at the residency and included in your workbooks, as well as available for download below.
Accommodations
At Crieff Hills, there are a number of different accommodations, from a comfortable modern lodge to historic houses on the property. Our cohort will have single rooms in one of the lodges (Luke). The building has a cozy lounge area where coffee and tea will be available.
You'll receive your room information at sign-in when you arrive.
Please keep in mind that Crieff Hills is a retreat centre rather than a hotel. It is an intentionally minimalist environment in a beautifual natural setting that supports distraction-free deep work and removes us from our everyday habits and assumptions.
We have received feedback from previous cohorts that some find the bedding a bit sparse. Please consider bringing a pillow and extra blanket. Note as well that you will need to bring your own toiletries, and, if needed, a hair dryer.
Noise Considerations: There will be other guests at the Crieff Hills Retreat Centre during our stay. Many people come to this serene and beautiful venue for silent retreat or peaceful respite. Please keep this in mind, especially outdoors. If you and other participants find yourselves in the frame of mind for more raucous relaxation, please take it inside the lodge which we have reserved in entirety for our group's use.
For more about the venue, including photos of the accommodations, please visit the group retreats tab on Crieff Hills site.
Dress code: Casual and Comfy
Considerations:
- Comfort: Prioritize comfortable clothing and shoes that will provide comfort and ease during our workshops and support participation in downtime outdoor activities like hiking, walking, running, and fire pit conversations.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast closer to the retreat date to fine-tune your packing list.
Packing List
- Please bring your copy of The Advice Trap
- We have had feedback from previous participants that they found the bedding a bit sparse. Please consider bringing an extra pillow and blanket.
Clothing:
- Layers: A variety of layers for fluctuating weather. Base layers, fleece jackets, and a warm and waterproof outer shell.
- Comfortable Pants: Comfortable hiking pants or leggings for outdoor activities and lounging.
- Long-sleeved Shirts: A mix of long-sleeved shirts for layering and warmth (or tshirts if it gets hot again!)
- Sweatshirt or Sweater: A cozy sweatshirt or sweater for evenings by the fire pit.
- Relaxation Clothes: Comfortable clothes for lounging and sleeping in the various residences.
- Pajamas: Don't forget warm and comfortable pajamas for a restful sleep.
- Hat: Bring a warm hat if the weather looks chilly.
- Comfortable Outdoor Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots for exploring the trails and comfortable shoes for indoor activities. Consider bringing an extra pair of shoes in case one gets wet.
- Indoor shoes/slippers
- Winter residency: WARM winter coat, mitts, scarf, boots/outdoor footwear.
Toiletries:
- These are not provided at Crieff Hills. Please bring your own essential toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any medications you require.
- Sunscreen (optional)
Other Essentials:
- Hair dryer (if needed)
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your retreat.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Handy for a shared room at night or evening walks.
- Book: Pack a good book for your free time.
- Sunglasses
- Cash or credit card: While meals are included, there may be incidentals you wish to purchase.
- Phone and charger: Don't forget your phone and charger to stay connected (although we encourage unplugging to enjoy the retreat!)
- Optional: A small backpack for carrying essentials during hikes
Remember: This is a general list. Adapt it based on your individual needs and preferences for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at Crieff Hills. Crieff Hills is an intentionally minimalist environment. Be sure to bring any comforts of home that will make you happy and ready to do our work together.
Food and Beverage Policy
Your program includes lunch and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 2. We will enjoy meals that have been beautifully prepared by the Crieff Hills Centre chef, with many ingredients sourced from their own gardens. The kitchen is very adept at accommodating allergies and intolerances, but we must receive notification by 2 weeks before the residency.
Snacks and coffee, tea, and water will be also provided. We'd welcome your help setting up for the coffee/snack breaks!
Alcohol is not served nor sold on site. Participants should bring their own alcoholic beverages if desired.
Tobacco, ritual herbs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs including medical cannabis are permitted on site and may be consumed by guests in a safe and responsible manner. Smoking, incense or diffusers are permitted in the designated outdoor area(s) only. Smoking, incense or diffusers are never permitted inside any building on the property.
For complete facility details, please review the Crieff Hills site.
Free Wi-Fi is available, though Crieff Hills is in a rural area and the speed might not be what you're used to. We do invite you to step away from your devices as much as possible to fully participate in the program, with time to connect with yourself and others.
Wifi password: 7094crieff