Sanctum Retreat Centre
11 Sanctum Way
Caroline, Alberta
Join your fellow writers for a weekend away from home at the beautiful Sanctum Retreat Centre in the hamlet of Caroline, Alberta!
Sanctum is a quiet retreat facility in a mature forest with options to explore walking trails, visit the retreat participant library, and take in thoughtful meals from top-of-the-line chefs at the dining hall.
Registration is now open.
This year we are excited to welcome two celebrated writers to join us as facilitators: Suzette Mayr and Julie Sedivy. Check back soon for more details on their sessions. Writers will be encouraged to leave their distractions and demands at home for this two-or three-day retreat. During this time, you will enjoy:
…and the chance to connect with your peers in the group dining hall and facilities.
*Blue Pencil Sessions are one-on-one feedback opportunities with facilitators that you may register for after payment is received. We will draw from a lottery in the event that participant requests outpace our schedule.
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
Two Nights (Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18)
WGA Members: $600.00 CAD
Non-Members: $700.00 CAD
Three Nights (Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18)
WGA Members: $750.00 CAD
Non-Members: $850.00 CAD
Membership can be purchased year-round.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Meals
(Check-in on Thursday or Friday dinner to lunch on Sunday).
Sanctum prides itself on its high-end meal service prepared by extensively experienced cooks and chefs. As much as possible, every attempt is made to accommodate special dietary concerns that must be provided in advance. Snacks are available on site but participants may bring their own as well.
Please Note: Alcohol is not sold on site. You may bring your own for private consumption but must behave respectfully.
Accommodations
(Thursday or Friday night to Sunday morning)
Private accommodations (requests to share rooms must be made in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate as per registration order).
Retreat Grounds
Nestled on 100 acres of rolling foothills, the retreat grounds are a blend of groomed trails and mature forest inviting exploration. Sanctum also has a non-lending library with a fireplace reading area that is available to participants.
Parking is available on-site for free.
Accessible facilities (washrooms, accommodations) are available on request. Please email us in advance to confirm if we can meet your needs.
PAYMENT POLICY
Registration can be paid in two payment transactions.
Your first payment is due at the time of registration, and the second payment must be made by October 1, 2026 or your registration may be forfeit.
Please note: until payment has been completed, registration is not complete and your spot at the retreat is not confirmed. For those opting to make two payments of 50% each, once you have made the first payment your spot will be held for you pending completion of the second portion of the payment.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Before September 15, 2026: Full Refund minus a $50,00 CAD administration fee.
September 16 – 30, 2026: 50% Refund minus a $50.00 CAD administration fee.
October 1, 2026 onwards: No guaranteed refund. Please email [email protected]; refunds will only be granted on a case by case basis.
SCHEDULE AND WORKSHOPS (TO BE ANNOUNCED)
We will have more information on our full schedule soon. For now, participants can refer to our general schedule below.
October 15, 2026 | Check-in (3-Day Participants)
October 16, 2026 | Check-in (2-Day Participants), Self-Directed Writing & Freefall Writing
October 17, 2026 | Facilitator Sessions
October 18, 2026 | Check-out, Farewell Lunch, & Group Photo
