Weekend Writers Retreat
Step Away and Write
Exclusive to OIW Members
5:30pm Friday, June 27, 2025 to 11am Sunday, June 29, 2025
Galilee Centre
398 John St N, Arnprior,
ON K7S 2P6
Escape the everyday and reconnect with your creativity at our
OIW's 2025 Weekend Writers Retreat!
Over two days of dedicated writing time, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity to focus on your work-in-progress, start something new, or simply let your imagination roam. Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a poem, or exploring fresh ideas, you’ll be surrounded by fellow writers who understand the magic—and challenge—of putting words on the page.
Expect quiet writing sessions, optional prompts to get your creativity flowing, and plenty of space to reflect, recharge, and connect
Starting at $337 per person.
Book now to reserve your spot!
(Or scroll down for more details)
Registration closes May 27.
Not a member yet?
Visit our Membership Page to learn all about the benefits of being an OIW member, including the opportunity to get published!
3 REASONS TO ATTEND
Dedicated Writing Time
Step away from daily distractions and dive deep into your creative projects with uninterrupted time and focus surrounded by inspiring landscapes and a creative community.
Creative Inspiration
Surround yourself with new landscapes, fresh perspectives, and fellow writers, all of which can spark new ideas and reignite your passion for storytelling. Visit the labyrinth or go for a nature walk.
Community & Feedback
Build lasting connections with other writers, share your work in a supportive environment, and gain valuable insights that can elevate your writing to the next level.
RETREAT FACILITATORS
Barbara Leimsner
Barbara is an award-winning author and OIW member. She says:
I’m excited to be facilitating this upcoming writing retreat. There’s something special about creating a welcoming, supportive space for writers to focus undistracted, reflect, and reconnect with their creative process. I’m eager to be part of a community that values the power of words and the energy that comes from writing together. I'll be sharing motivating and provocative writing prompts that will inspire you and get your words flowing on the page. I can’t wait to meet all of you and to hear the stories, insights and breakthroughs that emerge.
Kim Ennis
Kim is a certified faciltator and OIW member.
She says:
I am a passionate facilitator trained in the Amherst Method of providing a safe, supportive, non-judgemental environment for writing groups and workshops. I will offer empowering feedback and, if asked, will offer constructive observations that value the unique voice and work of all.
So excited to meet everyone!
PROGRAM
There will be daily meditation offered after breakfast followed by writing time.
Galilee Centre is located next to an old growth forest overlooking the Ottawa River. You are welcome to go swimming, exercise, explore the grounds, enjoy nature walks, and even read.
We invite you to follow your own flow and intuition for the most optimal writing experience and join us for meals and community building.
Schedule Highlights
Friday June 27
3-5 pm - Check-in
5:30 pm - Introductions
6 pm - Dinner
7:15 - pm Reading and Q&A Session
Saturday June 28
7:45 am - Breakfast
9 am - Guided Meditation
9:15 - Writing sessions 1 & 2
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - Writing sessions 3 & 4
5:30 - Free time
6 pm - Dinner
7:15pm - Feedback sessions
Sunday June 29
7:45 am - Breakfast
9 am - Guided Meditation
9:15 - Writing session 5
10:45 - Closing
11:30 - Check-out
A detailed schedule will be shared with all attendees upon arrival at the retreat.
ACCOMMODATION
Galilee Centre offers single rooms, double rooms for sharing, and private double rooms.
All rooms feature wi-fi and access to shared bathrooms and showers.
Single
Double
PRICE
Price includes 2 nights stay, registration fee, all meals & snacks, access to the facilities, access to Centre's private grounds, parking, & wi-fi. Prices are per person.
To participate in the Retreat you must book through OIW for the entire weekend. Instructions follow.
Double room sharing per person: $337.04
Single Room : $404.10
Double Room (no sharing): $465.70
PAYMENT & BOOKING
Payments must be made in two instalments.
Please READ CAREFULLY.
First, pay the registration fee of $100.00 by clicking in the "Register Now" button.
Second, a link will be sent to you to choose and pay your room booking directly with Galilee Centre.
Important Instructions & Information
1. OIW Registration Fee per person is required: $100.00 (click on the "Register Now")
2. After receiving the fee, we will send you a link to book your Galilee Room. Rates for two nights are:
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Shared Double $237.04 (per person, based on double occupancy)
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Single $304.10
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Double for one person $365.70
3. A limited number of single rooms and double rooms are available. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Meals included are:
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Dinner on Friday.
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Breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday.
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Breakfast on Sunday.
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Snacks throughout.
5. All bookings and payments required BEFORE end of day MAY 27.
6. Attendance at the retreat means that each participant must stay both nights and participate in the full program. No day visitors.
OIW Cancellation Policy
Before June 15: $100 registration fee 100% refundable.
After June 15: No refunds.
Please contact Galilee Centre for information on their cancellation terms. Cancelling with OIW does not cancel your room booking with Galilee or vice versa.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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I have specific dietary requirements. Can I still participate?
Of course. Just let Galilee Centre know your dietary needs by mentioning it on the room booking form under "Dietary Requirements".
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Are there any additional activities at Galilee that we can do in our spare time?
There is a beach with unsupervised swimming; a grove, community gardens, and a labyrinth for walking; two fire pits (one at the beach and one near the house); and quiet places for reading. The grounds are stunning!
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Can I attend for the day without booking a room?
This retreat is designed to build camaraderie and share experiences throughout the entire weekend. To participate in the retreat, you must book a room and stay for the 2 nights.
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Can I bring my partner/friend?
This retreat is exclusively for OIW members.
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I want to share a room with a specific person. How do I do that?
When booking the room with the Galilee link, please book the "Shared room" option (for $237.04) and mention the name of the person in "Additional Details."
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What is the total price per person attending the retreat?
A registration fee of $100 precedes the room booking and must be paid first. Then depending on your room choice and availability you pay accordingly.
By adding the registration fee + room, the total Retreat price =:
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single room: $404.10
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shared room: $337.04
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a double room (one person): $465.70
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meals and snacks included as outlined.
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What are the rooms like at Galilee Centre?
Please contact or visit the website if you have any questions about Galilee Centre. https://www.galileecentre.com/
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I want to celebrate with a bottle of wine/beer on the beautiful premises.
Galilee Centre is strictly alcohol-free. However, a short walk away is Arnprior Main Street where you can find plenty of bars and restaurants. Please do not bring any alcohol with you into Galilee Centre.
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What if something comes up and I have to cancel my attendance?
The $100 registration fee is fully refundable for cancellations before June 15.
No refunds for cancellations after June 15. We understand that plans change. Please understand that we will have incurred financial obligations as well.
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How do I cancel my room booking?
Please contact Galilee Centre directly. They have their own cancellation policy. https://www.galileecentre.com/
Got more questions? Email Jon or Kim at: members@ottawaindependentwriters.com