Creative spirits crave opportunities to refill their inspirational well with uninterrupted time to dream, wander, and replenish. For makers, writers, and artisans of all kinds, a creative retreat can be a lifeline, a chance to reset in an environment that fosters their creative side, often in beautiful spaces, indoors or out.

If your creative well has run dry or you are looking for an inspirational getaway to relax and rejuvenate, read on.

Collabocamp - Tweed

Musicians and writers will want to take note of this creativity-focused retreat in Hastings County. Nestled on 100-acres of beautiful wooded terrain, Collabocamp offers creative spirits overnight accommodations for individuals or groups (so the whole band can come along), along with an on-site recording studio so you can write, make, and record music. With an on-site art studio, dojo, art gallery and shala no creative type will be left behind here. 

Be Inspired:

You will have everything you need to find inspiration right at Collabocamp, but if you want to pick up some food en route, stop at 7/62 Craft Brewery in nearby Madoc and pick up a six-pack to savour at the camp.

The Old Mill Manor - Appleton

Bring your whole book club, band, or even orchestra with you to Old Mill Manor in Mississippi Mills. With space for up to 12 guests you will be able to wander and find your muse and collectively brainstorm, and you won’t even need to worry about making dinner or breakfast – they will make it for you! You can even spice up your stay with themed dinner adventures (like murder mystery or whodunnits)

Be Inspired:

Artists of all kinds will love to be inspired by the works of art found at Sivarulrasa Gallery in nearby Almonte or Carleton Place Gallery in Carleton Place. If you run out of art supplies you can stock up at J.B. Arts on Mill Street. 

Dominion Hotel - Haliburton

If you are a musician looking for inspiration and want to be surrounded by your people, The Dominion Hotel & Pub is called the “Home of Live Music” for a reason, and is a longtime musician hangout, with a full schedule of entertainment happening all year long. 

Be Inspired:

Find inspiration for your muse at Haliburton Sculpture Forest in nearby Haliburton, which also happens to be home to the Haliburton School of Art + Design who offers artistic workshops at various times throughout the year. You can also book a glass blowing workshop through Yours Outdoors to learn a new art form (and bring something home with you!).  

Calabogie Lodge Resort - Calabogie

Overlooking Calabogie Lake, you won’t run out of inspiring vistas during your stay at Calabogie Lodge Resort. Stay in one of their villas overlooking the water and participate in one of their arts retreats offered throughout the year where you can mingle with fellow burgeoning artists. In your off time, you can bask in the artistic beauty of the region by paddling one of the complimentary canoes or kayaks in summer or cross country ski on nearby Nordic ski trails in winter. 

Be Inspired:

Find additional inspiration at Tree House Art Studio in Calabogie. They offer a range of workshops and fibre arts courses to gain new or brush up on existing artistic skills.

Tamarack Lodge & Art Centre - Gooderham

Find room to roam and inspiration from nature for your small-group retreat with a stay at Tamarack Lodge in the Haliburton Highlands. This facility operates from May to November and accommodates between eight and 12 participants, catering to visual artists, writers, photographers, musicians, yoga retreats, or any group in search of a quiet place to get creative. With various workspaces and meals included all you need to think about is your muse. Four cozy cottages, guaranteed bonfire and customized activities mean the creativity doesn't need to end with the setting sun.  

Be Inspired:

Groups who stay at Tamarack Lodge have full run of the facilities, including the use of the yurt, pixie huts, beach, watercraft, and 70-acre forest. They also run frequent workshops so be sure to check their website for any upcoming events that would complement your own creative journey.

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