The picturesque village of Bayfield, Ontario, is the perfect setting in which to retreat, be reminded of life’s gentle beauty and possibility, and write.
Situated on the shore of Lake Huron, Bayfield offers quiet, slow-pace living, historic buildings, boutique shops, cafés and old-style pubs, and breathtaking sunset views. By mid-September, the leaves will be changing and the surroundings will be suffused with autumnal colour and light.
Our retreat venue, The Little Inn, has been welcoming guests since 1847. Lovingly maintained, restored and recently renovated, it creates the perfect balance of historic charm and modern comfort. All the rooms are unique, with their own original features and antique furniture, modern ensuite bathrooms – and occasionally creaky floorboards!
This is the ideal place to enjoy Bayfield’s historic charm, nourish and replenish your creative energy, and devote yourself to your writing. (The Village Bookshop is right next door!)
“A memoir retreat with Alison is an experience of living inside the journey of writing: a wide, beautiful, spirited experience. Alison is truly one of the best teachers there is. She lives her truth and transmits it with joy and reverence.”
Overview of the Retreat
This retreat offers a balance of inspiring teachings and the plentiful space and time we need to see our writing with fresh eyes and replenish our creative well.
Alison Wearing will offer focussed daily teachings on the critical elements of memoir and the essential questions you need to ask of your story as you write it. Afternoons will be devoted to small group sessions, ensuring that all participants have a chance to have their unique questions answered, and to discuss and explore their ideas and projects in depth over the course of the retreat.
The aim of this retreat is to provide literary nourishment and inspiration, direction and clarity, community and support—all in a small group setting. By the end of our time together, you will walk away with renewed enthusiasm and energy, clear next steps for your writing, a wellspring of creative ideas, and (ideally) a lightness of heart.
Just to clarify: If you are looking for direct feedback on your manuscript, this is not the retreat for you. But if you are looking to deepen your understanding of the essentials of memoir and the many things you need to consider, explore, refine and employ when crafting your story or book; if you are looking for a literary kick-start, sparkling inspiration, companionship, joy, beauty, insights and connections, nourishment and light — this will be a good fit for you. :)
“The retreat exceeded my expectations in every way. Alison’s clear teaching with loads of examples illustrated how my life’s path has broader relevance through widened perspective with well-crafted writing. She’s also delightful and fun!”
Accommodation
The Little Inn at Bayfield is Ontario’s longest continually operating inn, so every brick, beam and floorboard tells a story of generations of weary travellers finding a warm welcome, home-cooked food, and a comfortable bed.
In keeping with the history and character of the inn, every room is unique. While they vary in size and detail, all rooms are beautifully restored with modern bathrooms (some with clawfoot tubs, others with walk-in showers). Some have fireplaces and sitting areas, some are on the first floor and some on the second floor (stairs, no elevator). The oldest rooms on the second floor are particularly spacious and have access to a wrap-around balcony with views of Lake Huron.
Rooms will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, meaning that the sooner you register, the greater your choice of room (or suite!).
There are 2 large suites with sitting areas and private outdoor space: The Garden Suite on the ground floor has its own screened-in porch overlooking the Inn’s private garden, and The Terrace Suite, on the second floor, offers its own private balcony overlooking the private garden. These suites will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.
There are a limited number of ‘day-only’ or ‘alternative accommodation’ spaces on this retreat, if you prefer to stay with a friend, in the adjacent Bayfield Landing suites, or in an Airbnb. Please contact Heather McGregor (heather@alisonwearing.com) for details.
Dates & Details
This retreat will run from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 19.
YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Daily talks, teachings and Q&As with Alison Wearing
Small focussed writing workshops {NOTE: people of similar levels of experience will be grouped together}
Small group coaching sessions with Alison
All meals prepared by on-site chefs (Sunday evening to Thursday morning, with one lunch & dinner out), including vegetarian and buffet options
Beautiful classroom space bathed in natural light
Unlimited private access to the hotel’s wrap-around balcony for reading, writing, contemplation, conversation…
Lakeside walking trails directly outside the hotel’s front door
Time to explore Bayfield’s quaint town shops and neighbourhoods—and famous sunsets!
Retreat Fees (before accommodation):
CAD$2,950 / USD$2,200
Alumni of the Memoir Writing Ink program receive a one-time discount of $100 off retreat fees, if you haven’t already used it!
A deposit of CAD$1,400 / USD$1,000 is required to secure your spot, with the final balance due on or before Friday, July 11, 2025.
The retreat price DOES NOT INCLUDE accommodation, as rooms must be booked directly with The Little Inn using our special access code for the deeply-discounted rate of C$238/night (x 4 nights). Rooms will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. If you need to be on the first floor, you will make that request to the hotel when booking.
Transportation to/from Bayfield is the responsibility of each participant, but we can help to connect people wishing to share transportation from airports or nearby cities. {See travel details below.}
REGISTRATION:
Select your currency below to submit your deposit and secure your spot.
The remaining balance will be due by Friday, July 11, 2025.
After submitting your deposit, you'll receive a unique code to book your room at The Little Inn at our exclusive discounted rates. Be sure to review our cancellation policy before booking.
If you prefer to look after your own accommodation, simply make your deposit and let us know. There are a limited number of these spaces available.
“If you have a chance to go to a retreat with Alison Wearing, do so! I have now experienced two retreats and both times my commitment to my writing has grown, expanded, and I have been nourished and inspired in countless ways. ”
Travel Details
Bayfield, Ontario, is 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Toronto airport, but there are two other international airports nearby: London, Ontario (90 kms), Waterloo (110 kms). Rental cars can be picked up at any of these airports or you may arrange an airport shuttle from Toronto airport to Stratford, Ontario, where we can help you arrange private or group transportation to Bayfield.
The Little Inn in Bayfield
“The days with Alison were pivotal for my writing. My compass has been reset.”