Fall
Colours Writing Retreat in Muskoka
Sunday, Oct 18 – Thursday, Oct 22, 2026
Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph
1090 Sherwood Road, Port Carling, Ontario,
Canada (Map here)
This retreat runs a full day longer than any of our previous retreats.
Treat yourself to five days of writing time – five
days of instruction, inspiration and creativity. Five days of being treated
like royalty. No distractions, no dishes to do, delicious food
at every meal, and with the leisure you need to sit with your feet up and
write.
The retreat
will feature both instruction and guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one
critiquing and coaching from Brian. You’ll also have lots of time to
relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your creativity. All writing levels
welcome. Whether you’re just beginning or have a novel in progress, please join
us.
The
setting: Sherwood is an elegant resort started some eighty
years ago by Harry Draper, a Toronto lawyer who fell in love with the Muskokas.
He envisioned Sherwood as a charming estate rather than as a sprawling hotel
and wanted guests to feel as if they were staying at a friend’s cottage.
Sherwood Inn, especially the Inn building itself, still maintains that warm,
old-Muskoka charm.
Thomas B. Costain, author of numerous
best-selling historical novels, including The Chalice and The
Black Rose, was a regular guest, so the Inn has a track record as a
good spot for writing. Lawren Harris and George Thomson (brother of Tom
Thomson) both painted here, though the century-old pines surrounding the Inn
would have been a bit younger then.
Rates
include accommodation. Rooms are located in the main Inn. Each room
includes a queen bed, an en-suite
three-piece bathroom, and a desk (for writing).
All meals – Sunday
dinner, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Thursday
breakfast and lunch – are provided, as are coffee & snack breaks. Alcoholic beverages are extra, as are golf and Spa
treatments.
Activities
included: We’re between seasons – too late for
swimming, too early for cross-country skiing – but if the water is still warm enough, canoes and kayaks will be
available. There are also hiking trails, fat bikes, tennis courts and
shuffleboard, and a regular bonfire. Unlike our Algonquin retreats, there
is also Internet (alas), so if you must know what’s going on in the world, you
can keep up. We recommend, though, that you relax in one of the many
strategically placed Muskoka chairs throughout the property, enjoy the soothing
wilderness sounds and let your creative juices flow.
Additional
activities: The Inn also features a comfortable licensed lounge and a spa. “True North
MVMNT is dedicated to getting you moving towards your happiest and healthiest
self! We provide professional Massage Therapy and Esthetic services for all
ages and backgrounds.” Spa treatments are not included in the package, but if you're
interested, you should certainly book an appointment (here).
There are various attractions in the area, including the Muskoka Lakes
(Cranberry) Farm and Winery, just 8 minutes down the road, cruises out of Port
Carling, weather permitting, plus an outstanding golf course that will still be
open, depending on the weather (something of a theme here). Muskoka also features spectacular night skies which you can enjoy just
by stepping out of the Inn, but if you have a special passion for stargazing,
the Torrance Barrens Conservation Area and Dark Sky Preserve is just 24 minutes down the road.
Check-in on Sunday
is 4 p.m. Our first writing get-together will be at 5 p.m. Check-out on Thursday
is at 11:30 a.m. Followed by lunch. Feel free to arrive early – your
room may well be ready – and in any case, before 4 p.m. on Sunday and after
lunch on Thursday, you're welcome to use the resort's facilities.
Instructor Brian Henry has been a
book editor and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He
publishes Quick Brown Fox, Canada's most popular blog for writers, taught
creative writing at Ryerson University (now known as Toronto Metropolitan
University) and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Saskatoon
to Toronto to Saint John. But his proudest boast is that he has helped
many of his students get their first book published and launch their careers as
authors.
Read reflections on Brian's classes, workshops, and retreats and pieces inspired by them here {and scroll down}.
Fees:
Including both the
writing retreat and accommodation, meals, coffee & snack
service, and all resort amenities: $2061.06, plus 13% hst, for
all four nights.
All fees
include tips.
Not
included in any quoted prices: alcoholic drinks, spa
services, golf, or other extras (tipping for these is also extra).
Bring a (non-participating) significant other along for the weekend to share your Inn room for an additional $176.11
plus hst per night ($199 per night). Includes accommodation, meals and all
resort amenities, but not the writing part of the retreat or our coffee breaks.
Book early – space is limited!
For more
information or to register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
Note: Bookings for accommodations for this retreat
must be done through Brian (unlike our retreats in Algonquin, where you book
your accommodations through the resort). Participants may be able to tack on
additional nights at the resort before or after the retreat; these are offered
at a special discounted rate. Additional nights need to be booked directly
with the resort, after booking your space in the workshop.
Who can
attend the retreat?
Everyone
interested in developing their writing skills is welcome to attend, whether
you're aspiring writer or an accomplished author or simply enjoy writing as a
hobby. There is no requirement for you to have been previously published
or even to have an intention to publish.
Should I
bring my work in progress?
Yes! If you
have an on-going writing project, bring it with you. Bring more than you expect
to get to; you'll have lots of time for writing. Besides, you may want to
switch projects or share a project that’s just started or one that’s all done,
except for reading it to a small, appreciative audience. If you’re not
currently working on anything, don’t worry, we’ll get you writing.
Should I
bring my laptop?
Yes! Unless
you only work on paper. Even better, bring both – your laptop and your writing
pad. No sense being short of essential supplies.
I'm a poet
/ playwright / other writer. Is this retreat for me?
The retreat is open to anyone who enjoys writing. Instruction will focus
on narrative writing; i.e., stories, whether fiction or memoir. But if you’re
an essayist or poet or whatever, you’re entirely welcome.
Can you cater to specific dietary requirements?
Yes! But please let me know ASAP. The resort would like those sorts of
details at least a month in advance.
I want to
stay longer or arrive early. Is that possible?
If you want
to arrive early or stay longer, that’s fine. You’ll book Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,
and Wednesday nights with Brian, and arrange any additional nights with the
resort; just make sure they know you’re with Brian Henry’s writing group –
they’ve got a good rate for you.
Is there
cell phone reception and WIFI?
Yes.
How about
alcohol?
The resort
serves alcohol with meals and has a licensed lounge. Guests are also welcome to
bring their own wine, beer or whatever for consumption in their room. (Though
do note that Hemingway’s advice to write drunk, mostly produces drivel.)
Can I use
the spa at the resort or play a round of golf?
Yes, you can certainly book a spa treatment, though that’s extra,
and you book these directly with the resort {not through Brian}. See here. And just before you go
up, you can check with the resort whether golf courses in the area are open. Muskoka
Highlands Golf Links and The Fairways at Kirrie Glen, both in Bracebridge, typically
stay open late into October, weather allowing.
Can I bring
my spouse (or partner or friend)?
If you want
to share your room with a partner, they’re very welcome. Just let your partner
know you’ll be spending most of your time writing, (though you will have some
free time every day). Inn rooms each have one queen bed. If you want a king
bed, upgrade to a room in the Maplewood, a separate building a short walk from
the inn. If you’re interested in this upgrade, email me.
For more
information or to register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
***
See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, afternoon workshops, and writing retreats here.
