The Writers’ Guild of Alberta offers writing retreats each year, typically in the spring and fall. This year’s Spring Retreat will take place at Strawberry Creek from April 22 – 26, 2026 and our Fall Retreat will take place from October 15 – 18, 2026 in Caroline, Alberta.
Strawberry Creek (April 22 – 26, 2026)
Strawberry Creek Writing Retreat
April 22 – 26, 2026
Strawberry Creek Lodge
*Specific Location and Directions will be made available to Participants for the safety of the venue
Registration for the Strawberry Creek Retreat is currently full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list in case a spot becomes available, please email [email protected].
Registration Fees
$700 for WGA Members
$795 for Non-Members*
Located approximately 80 KM outside of Edmonton, this retreat offers participants an open model whereby writers can organize their time with each other in a generative space, take in the grounds and amenities, or choose to work independently at their own pace. Writers will be given their own rooms.
Accommodations
You will have a room of your own with a desk. Linens are provided. Note that all rooms are accessed by stairs. Bathrooms are shared. You are welcome to bring laptop or desktop computers; however, there is no internet. There is a telephone available, and cell phones usually work. Please bring slippers or inside shoes and outdoor or hiking shoes for outside. If you wish to use the sauna, please bring a swimsuit and towel. Smoking and pets are not permitted in the lodge.
Room Assignment
Because of the unique nature of Strawberry Creek Lodge, not all rooms are the same. Rooms will be assigned through a draw. When you arrive at the Lodge, you will pick a number out of a box. Once the rooms have been drawn, you are free to “trade” rooms with another participant if both of you wish to, but these arrangements would be your responsibility.
Meals
Nutritious, well balanced meals are served in the dining room from Wednesday supper through Sunday lunch. If you have special dietary needs, please inform the WGA by Friday, April 10th, if you did not already do so when you signed up.
Liquor Policy
Please note that the lodge asks its guests not to drink alcoholic beverages on the premises. If you wish to bring a bottle of wine to share with others at dinner, that would be fine.
Cancellations
Any cancellations made on or before March 8 will receive a full refund minus a $50 administration fee. Cancellations made between March 9 – 22 will receive a 50% refund minus a $50 administration fee. Refund requests made after March 22, 2026 may be considered on a case by case basis and are not guaranteed. Refund requests must be made in writing to the Writers’ Guild of Alberta.
*Membership is available year-round and is valid for one year from purchase date. You can find more details here.
WGA Fall Writers’ Retreat (October 15 – 18, 2026)
October 15 – October 18, 2026
Sanctum Retreat Centre
11 Sanctum Way
Caroline, Alberta
Registration opens in mid-April. Stay tuned for details.
Save the Date for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s Fall Retreat taking place in October! We are excited to share that we will be joined by two celebrated authors who will facilitate over the weekend: Suzette Mayr and Julie Sedivy. Registration will open in mid-April, so stay tuned!
Want to learn about past retreats and a typical schedule? Our 2025 Late Summer Retreat took place from August 28 – 31, inviting writers to Sanctum Retreat Centre once more. Participants checked in on Thursday evening and departed after lunch on Sunday, with plenty of time for both free writing, private exploration of the beautiful Sanctum grounds, and facilitated learning.
