Programs & Services: Retreats

The Writers Guild of Alberta offers three writing retreats each year - one in Banff in mid-February and two at Strawberry Creek Lodge (near Leduc) in June and October.

Banff l Strawberry Creek

2012 WGA BANFF RETREAT: FEBRUARY 3 – 12, 2012, THE BANFF CENTRE

The annual WGA Banff Retreat is back! Enjoy uninterrupted writing time, be inspired by magnificent scenery, overcome writing challenges, or just renew your creative spirit at the world-renowned Banff Centre for the Arts. This self-guided retreat is open to writers at any stage of their career or writing project.

The WGA is very pleased to announce award-winning author Tim Bowling as our 2012 Banff Retreat Writer-in-Residence. Tim will be onsite to provide individual consultations for participants. Author biography coming soon!

Prices:

Full Retreat (February 3-12): $1,080 WGA members, $1,150 non-members (includes 1-year WGA membership)

Half Retreat (February 3-7 or February 8-12): $630 WGA members, $700 non-members (includes 1-year WGA membership)

Day Use (February 3-12): $220 WGA members, $290 non-members (includes 1-year WGA membership)

Full and Half retreat fees include accommodation in a private room (with a desk), a meal plan, use of the Banff Centre amenities, welcome and farewell receptions, and access to the Writer-in-Residence. Day use registration is also available for writers who do not wish to stay at the Banff Centre, and includes all privileges except room and board. Please note that access to the Writer-in-Residence is not included in the Literary Arts Self-directed Writing Residencies offered by the Banff Centre. Participants must register through the Writers Guild of Alberta to meet with Tim Bowling.

Download the Registration Form

Registration for the 2012 WGA February Banff Retreat begins Wednesday, October 12, at 9:00 am. Registration is first-come, first-served, so register early to avoid disappointment. To register with VISA or MasterCard, phone 780.422.8174 or 1.800.665.5354—or fax the registration form to 780.422.2663 (attn: WGA). Please do not fax credit card numbers.

You may also mail the registration form and payment to:

Writers Guild of Alberta

Percy Page Centre

11759 Groat Road

Edmonton, AB  T5M 3K6

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the WGA at 780.422.8174 or 1.800.665.5354 (toll free in Alberta) or by email at mail@writersguild.ab.ca. For more information about the Banff Centre for the Arts, please visit http://www.banffcentre.ca/.

Deadline for registrations is Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellations made prior to and on January 4, 2012 will merit a full refund less a $50 administration fee.  Refund requests made after January 4, 2012 will be considered on a case-by-case basis – refunds are not guaranteed. Requests must be made in writing to the Writers Guild of Alberta.

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2011 FALL STRAWBERRY CREEK RETREAT: OCTOBER 26-30, 2011, STRAWBERRY CREEK LODGE

Treat yourself to renewal and writing this October at the WGA’s 2011 fall writing retreat, marking our 50th retreat at Strawberry Creek Lodge! This self-guided retreat is open to participants at any stage of their writing career.

Strawberry Creek Lodge is a spacious log building on the edge of a tranquil valley, about a half hour’s drive west of Leduc. A map will be provided on registration. For more information about the Strawberry Creek Lodge, visit www.strawberrycreeklodge.com.

The retreat includes four nights’ accommodation in your own room (with a desk) and all meals from Wednesday supper through Sunday lunch.

The retreat begins Wednesday, October 26. Check in anytime after 3:00 PM. Supper is served at 6:00 PM. Try to arrive in time for supper—it’s worth it! The retreat wraps up after lunch on Sunday, October 30.

Price:

$455 for WGA members

$515 for non-members (includes one-year WGA membership)

Maximum 11 spots available. Register early to avoid disappointment!

Download the Registration Form

To register with VISA or MasterCard, phone 780.422.8174 or 1.800.665.5354—or fax the registration form to 780.422.2663 (attn: WGA). Please do not fax credit card numbers.

You may also mail the registration form and cheque to:

Writers Guild of Alberta

Percy Page Centre

11759 Groat Road

Edmonton, AB  T5M 3K6

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the WGA at 780.422.8174 or 1.800.665.5354 (toll free in Alberta) or by email at mail@writersguild.ab.ca.

Because of the unique nature of Strawberry Creek Lodge, not all rooms are the same. Rooms are assigned through a draw on the first day of the retreat. The WGA does not guarantee room selection.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations make prior to and on September 26, 2011 will merit a full refund less a $50 administration fee. Refund requests made after September 26, 2011 will 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.