Retreats
In the busyness of our lives, many of us yearn for a change of pace and a change of place, and a retreat provides such an opportunity. However, ” to make a retreat is not to escape from the real world, but to be in touch with aspects of reality that are often covered over with noise and busyness. We open ourselves up to our interrelatedness and see afresh anything that is blocking this wholeness. If we really start to do this, we may realize things are really the other way around: we are often ‘escaping’ from reality when we are so busy doing all the things we find so important in daily life, and we are facing and encountering a deeper reality when we take time to be still and listen to the movements of our hearts.” Margaret Silf, in Going on Retreat.
Silent directed retreats, with a quiet environment, unstructured personal time and the availability of a spiritual guide, support us in this process.
- Two silent directed retreats will be offered in the 2026 program year.
- These retreats will begin on Monday with supper at 6:00 p.m. followed by the opening session and conclude with lunch Sunday noon.
- The cost of the retreat is $550 Canadian.
Dates 2026:
July 6 – 12, 2026
July 20 – 26, 2026
Register early, a month before the start date of the retreat at latest, as space is limited. Later applications may be accepted if space is still available. Retreats may be cancelled if there is insufficient registration.
Summer Retreats
Environment: We are on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a good place for getting outdoors to explore the rugged beauty. Our location also means that our summer temperatures are cooler than norms for the city of Halifax. Our sunny days are the clearest anywhere, but we can also have rain or fog.
Retreat schedule: The retreat begins with supper at 5:30 pm on the first day. You can arrive any time after 4:00 pm. The opening session is at 7:00 pm. The retreat concludes with lunch on the last retreat day.
Transportation: There is no public transportation to our site. Transportation to or from the airport is available by advance arrangement with us at a cost of $25 per trip. This transportation service does not apply to registrants who are living in HRM. The travel time to Halifax International Airport from our Centre is close to an hour. Take this into consideration when booking your flight. If you are coming other than by air, we can also meet you at locations within the city of Halifax, for the same cost and by prior arrangement.
Accommodations: Seven guest bedrooms are single, with a sink and cabinet in each room. There are two common bathrooms. Three common rooms and a chapel are available for your use. We have Wifi.
What to bring: We provide bed and bath linens. Bring your own toiletries, sunscreen, etc. You will find casual clothing and good walking or hiking footwear most useful. Also bring something for cooler or damp weather. If you are conditioned to swimming in cooler to cold waters, you may want to bring a swimsuit. Something for journaling, a favourite inspirational book or whatever speaks ‘retreat’ to you would be helpful items to pack.
Food: We are a small facility, so we are unable to accommodate very specialized diets. Please contact us if you have specific questions about your dietary needs.
Payment: Cost: $550. Your deposit of $50.00 will confirm your registration. We ask you to pay by check or cash. We are not equipped for e-transfers or credit cards.
Need other information? E-mail registrar@setonspiritualityctr.ca, or phone 902-852-4212.