Live lightly. Act boldly. Connect deeply.
Experience the joy of connecting to the natural world. Come to one of our inspiring workshops, book the lodge for a group gathering, or treat yourself to some quiet time in one of our woodland cabins.
Imagine a future where people and the earth flourish together. Our aim is to build resilient communities by connecting people with nature and by offering creative experiences. Wintergreen Studios® models sustainable living and offers joyful, inclusive spaces for shared exploration and learning.
What we Value
Connecting with Nature
We honour the natural world. Our work is rooted in deep connections with the land and waters. By modeling sustainable practices—from off-grid buildings to native plantings—we foster hope and healing for the planet. Through traditional knowledge and scientific tools, we help protect species and promote climate action with care and intention.
The Creative Process
Creativity is a powerful way to connect with the land and each other. Through writing, music, art-making, design, and construction, we offer opportunities to imagine new possibilities. Our creative programs invite people to explore their place in the world while engaging with the environment in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Inclusivity
We strive to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, seen, heard, and valued. Our work is guided by principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to the ongoing Indigenization of our programs and to the process of Truth and Reconciliation. Our programs are dynamic and responsive, grounded in the belief that a sense of belonging is essential to our collective well-being.
Reciprocal Relations
Our work is grounded in authentic relationships—among people, communities, and the natural world. We value open-hearted exchanges and mutual care as the foundation for healing, learning, and shared purpose. These connections offer a foothold for reimagining wellness and building a more balanced future.
Many Ways of Knowing
We embrace curiosity and learning in all its forms—from self-guided discovery to hands-on skill-building and peer-to-peer exchange. Whether it’s building knowledge through creative writing, carpentry, or preserving food—or crafting innovative solutions to thorny problems—we believe everyone can learn from one another. We support learners of all kinds to grow, adapt, and share what they know.
The Place
Wintergreen Studios® is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe peoples. For thousands of years, this place provided rich hunting and gathering grounds. Wintergreen is still a place for gathering, for peoples of all nations, Indigenous and settlers alike. Our land-based programming highlights the bounties of this land. We consider it our privilege to tread lightly on the land, using sustainable and regenerative practices. We thank you for joining us as we collectively strive towards making the promise and challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our community.
“Wintergreen Studios is a place of solace and creativity, meadows and forests and lakes where we as humans, all our senses on high alert, are invited to erase the boundaries between us and other living things. With grace and compassion, Wintergreen provides the space, the stillness, the care that nudges our best selves, our most creative selves, into being. ”
Retreats
Ideal for group gatherings or private stays on the land. Plan to be pampered as you hold your family reunion, conference, or wedding at our iconic straw bale lodge. Or book a private stay in one of our wilderness cabins. We’d love to host you!
“Four days is not nearly enough time here. I never want to leave. Being surrounded by nature was everything I needed. Thank you for creating this beautiful space and allowing others to experience the beauty in its entirety. ”
Programs
Programming is offered throughout the year, ranging from workshops in the arts and sustainable building, to evening dinner concerts, to self-guided writing retreats. We have programs for children, youth, newcomers to Canada, and seniors. Everyone is welcome!
“While I was at Wintergreen, I felt calm and energized at the same time. I was really happy that I got to hike and that there were a lot of trails to travel on. I also liked the fact that I got to see so many animals.”
The Press
Our titles—over twenty of them—range from poetry collections to memoirs to cookbooks that showcase the bountiful meals we serve at Wintergreen. The Press publishes emerging and established authors and content ranges from inspiring stories about establishing schools and hospitals in Nepal to fanciful and whimsical reflections about life and living.
“In Journey with the Sherpas, published by Wintergreen Studios Press, Zeke puts the spotlight on the tremendously successful partnership between Canada and New Zealand in supporting the people of the Nepal Himalayas. Zeke and my father were great friends. They were passionate in their efforts to assist the people of the Solu Khumbu and went about it with energy and determination to great success. ”
