Policies & Frequently Asked Questions
We hope your stay at the Edge is like a visit to the home of a friend; a friend who lives on a lake in the forest, tends a great garden, cooks with passion, truly cares about the environment and wants to introduce you to all the things they love about life in this corner of paradise at Kawawaymog Lake, Algonquin Park.
By participating in a Northern Edge Algonquin experience all guests agree to reading and following the policies outlined in this FAQ as well as the terms of our acknowledgement and release.
Programs & Participation
Most of our guests join us for a fully facilitated retreat experience. Here’s how participation works:
What time should I arrive and depart?
Guests should plan on arriving between 2-3 pm on arrival day. During arrival you will have the opportunity to settle into your cabin, enjoy free time, or experience drop-in activities while the remainder of the guests arrive.
Departure time for most experiences is after an 11am brunch. We encourage our guests to stay and experience the full retreat program to close things off with the group.
I need to stay connected to loved ones or work. Can I have internet or phone access?
Northern Edge is intentionally an unplugged retreat environment and is free from cellular service. If you’d like to make a call before arriving, we recommend doing so from South River before the final 20 km of your drive.
We don’t offer guest Wi-Fi. Our team uses secure satellite internet for essential business and emergency purposes only.
During your stay, family members can call our on-site team at (888) 383-8320 x5, and we’ll ensure the message reaches you as quickly as possible. Guests can make a call home using this line if needed.
Interestingly, we find those guests who are most concerned about disconnecting are often the ones who end up appreciating it most. Stepping away from constant notifications — even briefly — can create a rare sense of presence, rest, and clarity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Can I stay without joining a retreat?
As a retreat centre, Northern Edge Algonquin operates very differently from most hotels & resorts. We specialize in all-inclusive experiences: a variety of different programs are available for different types of travelers, on set dates, all with meals & accommodations included.
Guests can visit us by registering for a scheduled retreat program on our calendar, or by arranging a custom group experience for a group of 10+. At this time we do not offer meals/accommodations outside of scheduled or group programming.
Can I Stay An Extra Night?
In most cases we do not have the capacity to host guests who wish to extend their stay. We have partnered with Explore South River to provide suggestions for other local accommodations if you plan on extending your time in the area.
Can I attend a retreat but arrange my own accommodations?
Visiting in-between defined program times, sharing meals and community space, sleeping in our dreamy cabins and crossing paths on the way to breakfast are all a part of what creates a rich, intimate atmosphere, helping us to build trust & community within a retreat group – and these elements are part of what sets retreats apart from workshops. For most programs, it is not possible to stay off-site.
For some rare experiences (when we are hosting a unique special guest or a special certification that we feel the local community will appreciate), we may choose to offer a day-use fee lieu of accommodation for locals. Day use covers use of spaces plus organic coffee, teas, snacks, fresh fruit and a full lunch.
What’s The Dress Code? Will I Want To Dress Up During My Stay?
We’re calling the dress code “retreat casual”. Wear what you want – athleisure and loungewear are pretty common and most guests don’t dress up for meal time unless a themed dinner has been coordinated in advance.
We invite you to dress in a way that will help you to feel comfortable, warm, and dry during the activities you may encounter during your visit. Bring outdoor wear appropriate for the season.
What if I’m nervous about joining a group?
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain before joining a group experience — especially if you’re coming on your own. Many of our guests arrive solo and share that same hesitation.
Retreat groups at Northern Edge are typically a mix of solo travellers, friends, and couples, ranging in age and background.
Our programs are facilitated with care. There is structure, guidance, and intention behind how groups come together — including opportunities to mix, move, and connect in different ways. At the same time, there is always space for solitude. You’re never required to share more than you’re comfortable with, and taking quiet time for yourself is welcomed.
You may leave with new friendships. You may leave simply feeling more connected to yourself. Either way, you’ll be supported in showing up exactly as you are.
Can I see an itinerary? What will we be doing?
At the Edge we place an emphasis on flexible programs that flow as our facilitators respond to the interest of our guests (both indicated ahead of time and voiced during the program), weather & seasonal conditions, and unplanned opportunities that may arise in the moment to deliver a tailored experience. We don’t have set-in-stone itineraries for our retreats (though we do have flexible plans behind-the-scenes which we keep close-to-the-chest as an element of surprise and wonder).
You can count on and prepare for the activities used to describe the flavour of the program in our advertising – every retreat features healthy doses of dreamtime, adventure, community, creativity, time spent in nature, and a dash of surprise. Every retreat is unique and fluid – so even a program like Quest for Balance will be different from retreat to retreat but will always offer fun in & on the water, time spent in the sun and in the forest, and nourishing yoga practices.
Can I opt out of some activities?
At the Edge, we present opportunities to experience a wide variety of activities – and it is our hope that our guests will be interested in trying something new and stepping a bit outside their comfort zone.
You will always have the choice to participate or not, and there will be the opportunity to take solo or rest time in lieu of planned experiences. That said – you are signing up for a group retreat with programming. If it’s your intention to just enjoy meals, accommodation, and equipment while doing your own thing, a more traditional lodge or resort may be a better fit.
Are retreats open to children or families?
The majority of scheduled retreats at the Edge are social, personal wellness, or workshop oriented experiences designed for just adults, though occasionally a guest-facilitated program may be advertised as family-friendly.
As private experiences, our custom group retreats can be tailored for youth-based groups or for families with youth.
Can I Bring My Pet?
Our land is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including loons, ducks, squirrels, chipmunks, and many bird species, as well as occasional visits from moose, deer, and even bears. To help protect these animals, maintain a fresh and comfortable environment for all guests—especially those with allergies—and ensure the safety of your pet while allowing you to focus on your experience, we kindly ask that personal pets stay at home. You might consider dropping them off for a stay at Happy Tails Pet Resort in Huntsville.
Please see “Can the Edge accommodate diverse abilities, barriers, and mobility concerns” for details about service animals.
How can I get to the Edge?
Our remote location is most easily accessed by a vehicle, and we love to encourage carpooling as much as possible.
For those who don’t have access to a vehicle, there may be plane, train, or bus transportation to South River & area depending on where you are coming from. We are happy to provide a low-cost shuttle service to help you the rest of the way.
See driving directions & information about public transportation here.
Do you host weddings or Private Events?
Northern Edge is designed primarily as a retreat centre, and we regularly host private group experiences such as family reunion retreats, milestone gatherings, leadership retreats, learning intensives, and other facilitated group programs.
While we love welcoming groups for meaningful time together, weddings require a level of specialized service, infrastructure, and coordination that differs from the retreat model we offer. We believe couples deserve a venue and team that specialize in weddings and can provide the focused care and expertise that such an important day requires.
If you’re planning a private retreat-style gathering — whether for family, community, or professional development — we’d be happy to explore whether Northern Edge is a good fit for your group.
Registration & Payment
How registration, pricing, availability and payment work:
What is your Deposit & Cancellation Policy?
In short: Spaces are limited. When you book a retreat with us, a non-refundable deposit (50% of your overall balance) reserves your space and allows us to plan accordingly. Remaining balances are due 15 days before arrival.
Deposits protect our group-based experiences by acting as a commitment from our guests. If you need to cancel your visit, the timing of your cancellation will determine the level of flexibility we can offer in rescheduling your visit or holding your deposit as a credit to be used in the future. Please refer to our full deposit and cancellation policy for more information on our policies, timelines, and the commitments we make based on your registration.
How Does Retreat Pricing Work?
The price for each retreat is different, based on length of stay and program fee variability.
Pricing for most retreats is a combination of our all-inclusive accommodation & meals fee (ranging based on your choice of accommodation), and a program fee that represents the particular programming and activities during that retreat. 13% HST is always additional.
How can I tell if a retreat has availability?
If a retreat has a “Book Now” button, registration is open and space remains.
When a retreat is full or registration has closed, the booking link is removed and, in many cases, replaced with a “Join Hotlist” button so you can be notified if space becomes available.
Inside the registration form, individual room types will appear greyed out and marked “Sold Out” as they fill.
We recommend booking early if you have a preferred room type.
The room I’d like to book isn’t showing up in the registration form. Is it available?
Our registration form recommends the best cabins based on your selections (for example, shared vs. private occupancy) to help us manage overall retreat capacity.
If you have a particular preference or special circumstance, simply let us know in the notes section at the end of your registration. When availability allows, we’re often able to adjust your room assignment.
If a room type is fully booked, it will appear greyed out and marked “sold out.”
If you’re joining a friend who has already selected a specific cabin and noted your name, that option will remain available for you to complete your booking even if it is marked as sold out.
Is There A Solo Supplement For Single Travelers? How do shared rooms work?
Traveling by yourself doesn’t mean you have to travel alone. Single travelers at the Edge get the same benefits as everyone, and we don’t charge single supplements.
When you register for a retreat at the Edge, you decide if you’d like a shared or private accommodation, which have different pricing rates.
Solo travelers who select shared accommodation are paired in with one or two others to foster friendships and create space for more participants to join a program.
When couples or friends book together, you’ll access the shared accommodation rates with no additional roommates.
I’m Tax-Exempt. How does that work?
We truly value our First Nations guests and have closely reviewed the Ontario Ministry of Finance guidelines that govern First Nations HST rebates. Under these rules, off-reserve accommodations, chef-prepared or restaurant meals, and recreational programming do not qualify for a point-of-sale exemption or post-purchase rebate. Because these are the core services which make up a retreat, we’re unable to waive or refund HST from retreat costs at the time of booking.
If you wish, you can apply directly to the Ontario Ministry of Finance for a First Nations HST rebate after your stay. (The same eligibility rules apply.) Just let us know and we’ll provide a detailed invoice to include with your application.
Should I Leave A Gratuity?
Our team at the Edge appreciates gratitude in all it’s forms. If a team member has made your stay especially enjoyable, please let them know! Guests at the Edge often depart with hugs and sometimes leave behind handwritten notes of gratitude, small tokens of appreciation, and occasionally tips (which are welcome but not required.)
If you do plan to tip, know that there’s a brilliant team contributing to clean cabins & spaces, delicious meals, bountiful gardens, and all the other special things that help make your stay magical – and you may or may not encounter all of them during your visit.
If you would like to leave a gratuity after your stay, you can send an e-transfer. Just be sure to say who it’s for or which program you participated in!
Facilities & Amenities
You can learn all about our facility and amenities here. Some frequently-asked questions:
Do You Cater To Dietary Needs?
With a locally sourced, farm-to-table approach, meals at the Edge are crafted with care by our small culinary team. We take dietary requirements seriously and work hard to ensure every guest has access to safe and nourishing meals.
During the registration process you’ll be prompted to let us know about your dietary needs. It is each visitor’s responsibility to provide information on any pre-existing medical conditions, food allergies/preferences or related issues prior to participation in any program. If it’s a repeat visit we will ask for this information again because your needs may change.
Meals are served buffet-style, and you’ll always have a clear understanding of the ingredients that have been used, and choice in what goes on your plate. With our small team and focus on group meals, it is a challenge to cater specifically to advanced specialized diets like Paleo, Keto, and Raw Food without affecting the experience of other guests. Guests with advanced specialty diets are encouraged to bring some simple snacks to support their nutrition while working with what is available at the buffet.
Which Meals Are Included, And When Are They Served?
We take great pride in delivering a culinary experience that will have you asking for recipes. Savour abundant, freshly harvested, global culture buffet dining with chef Gregor’s specialties to thrill your pallet and expand your culinary savvy. Meals at the Edge are more akin to attending a dinner party with an engaging chef than visiting a buffet at an all-inclusive.
Most retreats include all meals from dinner on arrival day to brunch on departure day.
The bell will ring to signal mealtimes, which are typically at 9am, 1pm, and 6pm, though timings may vary for your retreat and on the final day. We encourage everyone to be on time for meals as ingredients are often combined at the last minute as guests arrive in the dining room, ensuring fresh tastes are enjoyed at their peak of flavour.
What makes the Edge Eco-Friendly? How will my stay be different?
Designed from the ground up to be sustainable and environmentally sound; Northern Edge Algonquin is a natural oasis in this hyper-connected, hyper-speed world. We hope you enjoy unplugging, slowing down and being cared for as you take part in our shared retreat experience.
The sun provides us with the energy necessary for pumping water, energy efficient lighting, music, and most of the comforts of home. 14 solar panels provide 2.8 kW of power (The average home runs on 10 times as much power). Our back-up generator runs from time to time when the sun doesn’t shine or when we use more power than we produce.
Our guests appreciate and contribute to our efforts at being an eco-friendly, responsible provider. Living in respectful harmony with the natural world makes a stay at the Edge a community experience that connects guests with one another, our staff and the natural world. You can contribute by helping us to rotate solar panels, turning off lights when you’re the last to leave a room, conserving water, leaving “no trace”, and by leaving devices that produce heat from electricity (like your hair dryer) at home.
Is The Tap Water Safe To Drink?
All water at the Edge comes from our deep well.
Designated drinking and cooking water is available at Points North, the Dining Room, and the Forest Refill Tap. Water at these stations is UV-treated and tested regularly to meet Ontario drinking water standards.
Cabin taps, showers, and wash stations draw from the same deep well source, but they are not part of our routine drinking-water testing schedule. For that reason, we ask guests to use cabin water primarily for washing up and brushing teeth, and to fill water bottles at the designated refill locations for drinking.
Water is never drawn from the lake for consumption. Lake water is used only for garden irrigation during summer months.
We are monitored by the local health unit, and drinking water testing is conducted monthly through Near North Laboratories.
Learn more about how water systems operate in our off-grid environment here.
Do cabin doors lock?
Our retreat setting operates differently from a hotel: like many retreat locations and glamping sites, cabin doors do not have external locks.
Participants are encouraged to keep valuables locked in their vehicle.
If you are concerned about peace of mind at night, we would recommend our studio cabins which have sturdy doors that lock from the inside. Canopy and habitat cabin doors are not so secure, and the individual bedroom doors in our shared log cabin do not lock.
The Edge is located in a private environment that strangers do not access. The only people on-site are other guests of the same retreat, our family, and our trusted Northern Edge staff.
What Should I Pack For My Visit?
You can find a copy of our recommended packing list here. We’ll also send you this link a few days before your visit.
In additional to your personal items, we encourage bringing a surprise to share with other guests – this might take the form of a game or activity, an instrument/song/poem, or a tasty treat and can be a way for you to co-create the experience with us.
Can I Bring My Electronic Device?
The Edge operates on solar power which provides us with energy for pumping and heating water, energy efficient lighting, music, and most of the comforts of home. Blow-dryers, hair-straighteners, and other devices that produce heat when plugged in, cannot be used here. These devices can damage our electrical system so we ask that they are left at home. Since cell phones don’t work here, power off your devices during your stay and to join us in conserving power whenever possible.
We also ask that any devices that may impact the experience of other guests be left at home, as many of our guests are looking forward to unplugging. For example, portable gaming devices, drones, tablets, personal computers, & cell phones should be kept at home or in your vehicle.
What about a camera? We love when guests take photos and share them with us on social media after their visit! Please ensure devices such as cameras are fully-charged before your trip.
CPAP Machines: All cabins have electricity and can support CPAP machines. In our Canopy Cabins, the outlets are a bit farther from the beds, so a small extension cord may be needed, but all other cabins can easily accommodate CPAP use.
Do You Have A Lost & Found?
Northern Edge Algonquin cannot accept responsibility for items lost or left behind when guests depart.
If you believe you have left something behind, please contact our office right away so we know to look for it. Guests are asked to cover the costs of postage for mailing found items. Unclaimed items found are kept in our office for one month before being donated to a local charity thrift shop.
Are Equipment Rentals Available to the Public?
Outdoor equipment at Northern Edge — including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snowshoes, cross-country skis, bicycles, and kick-sleds — is available exclusively for registered retreat guests as part of their program experience.
We are not an outfitter or rental facility for the general public.
If you’re looking to rent equipment in the area, we’re happy to point you toward trusted local providers.
Is this a spa? What wellness facilities are available?
At the Edge, “wellness” most often refers to facilitated group experiences rather than a menu of spa treatments or resort-style facilities.
We don’t operate a full-service spa. Instead, most retreats include wellness elements such as yoga, movement sessions, guided reflection, and meaningful time in nature. Our wood-fired lakeside sauna is a favourite part of many guests’ stays, offering a simple and authentic Canadian sauna experience rooted in the surrounding landscape.
Some retreats may also include optional one-on-one sessions with visiting practitioners, such as massage therapists or bodyworkers. When these are available, details are shared with registered guests in advance.
Is this a rehabilitation or addiction treatment centre?
Northern Edge is a Retreat Centre, not a rehab centre – we understand these terms are similar and get confused from time to time.
Our programs are not designed to provide addiction counselling or recovery services. If you are seeking structured addiction treatment or clinical support, we encourage you to explore dedicated programs specializing in that work.
Guests who are sober or continuing their recovery journey are welcome to attend retreats that align with their interests and needs. Retreats at the Edge are smoke, substance, and alcohol-free.
Environmental Conditions & Safety
Learn more about what to expect based on the season, and how we manage safety and program adaptations when necessary:
How is the weather?
Summer time temperatures range from 10 at night to 30 degrees C during the day. Winter temps can reach -30 C in January, but generally are about -10 C during the day. See current Algonquin Park Weather report.
What if it rains?
While we can’t control the weather, we do everything we can to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. If rain is in the forecast, we provide extra rain gear to keep you warm and dry. We want you to feel comfortable throughout the retreat, regardless of the weather conditions.
After venturing out in the rain, we invite you to warm up with a hot drink once we’re back inside. It’s a cozy way to come together, share stories, and reflect on the memorable moments we experienced despite the rain. We strive to create an environment where you can fully enjoy the visual and sensory delights that the rain brings, appreciating the fog, changes in water flow, wildlife activity, and the soothing sound of droplets dancing on the water.
Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are our priorities, so we’ll always be prepared to make the necessary arrangements to ensure a positive and unforgettable experience, rain or shine.
Should I worry about bugs?
Black Fly Season typically begins in late May, and is at it’s worst for the first two weeks of June. After this, the black flies mostly go away and the mosquitoes take their place for a few weeks. Once we get into warmer days (usually marked by the Dragonflies hatching) the bugs are not much of a concern.
If you are worried about bugs, the best defense is wear long sleeves, wear light & bright colours, and tuck pants into socks. Avoiding perfumes and aromatic soap & shampoo will also help you to attract less attention. We may have a bug jacket you can borrow, or you can bring your own.
If you choose to bring bug repellent, please ensure it is DEET-Free and not in an aerosol spray as these are toxic to our environment and can impact the experience of others who may be sensitive.
We recommend natural repellents that feature lemon eucalyptus. It works great!
Learn more about mosquito & black fly seasons in Algonquin Park.
Will I see Algonquin Park wildlife?
You bet. At the Edge you’ll see red squirrels, chipmunks, pileated and downy woodpeckers, osprey, and a variety of birds and waterfowl including loons, mergansers, and geese. Sometimes a fox, deer, moose or bear will come by, but sightings on the property are rare.
In Algonquin Park wildlife including otters, beavers, loons, moose are frequently seen and wolves are occasionally heard, especially in early August. The best time of day to encounter wildlife is in the early morning – before breakfast.
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What are the night skies like? Will I see Northern Lights?
The night sky at the Edge is a festival of stars year-round, depending on cloud coverage. You’ll be able to see the milky way, constellations, and even some bright planets! Those of us who live at the Edge have even seen the Northern Lights a time or two, but this is incredibly rare and is never something that we would promise guests.
What adaptations are made during poor air quality conditions?
As a lakeside retreat centre in Northern Ontario, we occasionally experience periods of reduced air quality due to regional wildfire activity. We monitor air quality advisories daily and adjust programming as needed to prioritize guest comfort and safety.
When air quality is reduced, we may:
- Shift outdoor sessions indoors
- Modify the intensity of physical activities
- Emphasize rest, reflection, and indoor workshops
- Schedule outdoor time during periods when air quality improves
Our campus includes multiple indoor gathering spaces that allow us to adapt creatively without compromising the overall retreat experience.
If you fall into a category considered more sensitive to air quality concerns, we encourage you to reach out before your retreat so we can discuss your individual needs.
How could a fire ban impact my experience?
During especially dry conditions, regional fire bans may be put in place to protect surrounding forests. When this happens, we’re unable to host outdoor campfires.
While gathering around the fire is a favourite part of many retreats, there are always alternative evening experiences planned — from storytelling and music to sauna sessions, games, and creative programming.
Our wood-fired sauna and pizza oven are enclosed and typically able to operate as usual, even during most fire bans.
As always, we adapt thoughtfully to seasonal conditions while maintaining the heart of the retreat experience.
How are medical Emergencies responded to? What if I have a medical concern?
Your safety is important to us. All guests are asked to share any relevant medical or physical considerations during registration so that facilitators can be informed and plan appropriately. This information is kept confidential and shared only as needed to support your care.
In the event of a medical emergency, we’ll contact local emergency services immediately and follow established response procedures.
Northern Edge is located in a rural setting. Ambulance response times are typically 25 minutes or more, and the nearest hospital is just over an hour away. For this reason, we encourage guests to consider their individual health needs carefully before attending.
If you:
- Take prescription medication, please bring more than you expect to need.
- Carry an EpiPen or other emergency medication, keep it with you at all times.
- Have an anaphylactic allergy or other significant condition, please describe its severity during registration or contact us in advance to discuss.
We’re always happy to talk through specific questions before your retreat so you can feel confident in your decision to join us.
How Are global or regional health concerns responded to?
Retreats at Northern Edge are intentionally intimate, small-group experiences. Guests share space with a consistent cohort of 10–24 people, rather than circulating among large numbers of strangers as in a traditional hotel or resort setting.
We learned a great deal from the adaptations we made beginning in 2020. At that time, we implemented thoughtful, comprehensive measures to protect our guests and team, and we remain proud of how our community navigated that period together.
We continue to monitor provincial guidance and act in alignment with public health authorities when required.
During periods of heightened public health concern, adaptations may include:
- Pre-arrival health screening, testing, or proof of vaccination requirements
- Mask use in indoor spaces
- Modifications to shared accommodations
- Adjustments to dining service (such as plated or outdoor meals)
- Adjustments to deposit and cancellation policies
- Greater attention to personal space and group flow
At all times, we encourage guests to stay home if feeling unwell and to communicate with us as early as possible if circumstances change.
The small-group nature of our retreats remains one of the quiet strengths of the Edge — allowing us to adapt thoughtfully while maintaining connection, care, and community.
Community Standards & Inclusion
To create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all guests, the following standards apply during all retreats at Northern Edge:
Is Smoking Permitted?
Following the lead of Walt Disney World and other public resorts, The Edge is now a smoking-free property.
The designated smoking area for cigarettes and E-cigarettes is off-site: We encourage our guests who are smokers to go for a short 1-minute walk off the property when they desire to smoke.
Please keep doorways, porches, buildings, cabins, open spaces, and the environment smoke-free by smoking only in the designated area off-site. Smoking and use of e-cigarettes is never permitted indoors.
Can I Bring Alcohol, Cannabis, Or other substances?
Experiences at the Edge are substance-free, inviting us to connect through all of the senses. Alcohol and drugs inhibit the depth of connection possible and can be a distraction from the personal transformation that our guests are seeking. We also respect that some participants who join us at the Edge may have had previous harmful relationships with substances, and we are creating safe space to engage together.
Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onto the property for personal consumption. We are not licensed to sell alcohol or to permit BYOB.
Guests are not permitted to bring drugs (including cannabis) for recreational use. If you have a medical need, please notify us prior to your visit to ensure your needs are met without impacting the safe experience of the group. As a reminder, the Edge is a smoke-free environment.
Do retreats involve hallucinogens or plant medicine?
Retreats hosted by the Edge are designed to facilitate heart-centered, authentic connections without any intake of hallucinogens. If you are seeking transformation through a plant medicine retreat, we invite you to explore our Heart Wisdom Healing Retreats as an alternative, where you can embark on a transformative journey to answer your heart’s calling, naturally and substance-free. Our program offers support in retreating inward to find answers to questions, restore our connection to ourselves and the earth, and co-create meaningful ceremonies within our daily lives.
For Retreat Planners:
We understand that sacred plant medicines and psychedelic medicines have a lot to offer. As a substance-free centre, our priority is to ensure the absolute safety and well-being of our guests, and we take great care to abide by all provincial and national laws regarding substances.
We appreciate your interest in planning a retreat involving psychedelic assisted therapy or other plant medicines. While we understand the potential for depth and transformation that sacred plant medicines and psychedelic substances can offer when used in ceremony under skilled leadership, our team is not trained in the safe use of these medicines and we do not have the resources to ensure they are introduced legally, safely, and responsibly by guest facilitators. As a result, we do not facilitate or permit the use of hallucinogens, psychedelics, or other consciousness-altering substances at the Edge.
Is the Edge Inclusive? How are LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC guests welcomed?
Retreats at the Edge are hosted by an inclusive team dedicated to creating transformational experiences that bring people together, fostering connection and understanding. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for all of our guests, regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or age.
We recognize that retreat and wellness spaces have historically not felt accessible or inclusive to everyone. We understand that fostering a safe, and respectful environment requires ongoing effort, reflection, and active response. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or behaviour that compromises the safety of guests or team members.
Northern Edge offers a Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship and has co-created retreats with a range of organizations and communities who represent marginalized groups, including Black Cap, Indigenous Leadership DSBN, Anishinabek Nation WESHKINIIJIG Youth Program, National Aboriginal Council of Midwives, Horizons for Youth, and we hope many more to come.
While we can’t always guarantee an LGBTQIA+, Black, or Indigenous Edge Facilitator, any staff that we do provide for these programs aim to be culturally sensitive & work from a place of connection and understanding. We’ve also taken steps to educate ourselves, our facilitators, and our larger community through workshops on anti-black racism, trans inclusivity, trauma-informed leadership, a KAIROS blanket exercise, and more.
Can Northern Edge accommodate accessibility needs or mobility concerns?
If you have an accessibility need, please touch base with us prior to your booking so that we can help make recommendations and plan ahead for you to have the best possible experience.
While we value accessibility, some programs may or may not be a fit depending on the nature of your needs. (For example, some programs have a heavy focus on activities like stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, and back-country hiking.) With advanced notice and an appropriate choice in program, we will do what we can to accommodate auditory, cognitive, physical, speech, or visual barriers.
For those with mobility concerns: the Edge is in a remote, forested & hilly setting, and we have designed our buildings organically around these features to limit our impact on the land. Because of this, footing is uneven on some trails, and spaces/accommodations were not designed for wheelchair or scooter accessibility. We have accommodated guests with walkers, crutches, and similar mobility aids. We encourage guests with mobility concerns to consider attending with a friend in case of nighttime emergencies and unforeseen barriers.
Those with guide dogs and service animals are asked to provide appropriate documentation from a regulated health professional in advance of their visit. Please note that emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals under accessibility regulations.