Rest Easy At Elk Island Retreat
We recently spent a night out at Elk Island Retreat. It’s JUST far enough from the city (45 mins) that you truly feel like you’re getting away without the crazy time commitment and driving!
Geodomes, yurts, cabins and RV & Van sites- this place has it all. As if that’s not enough; they have also added Canada’s first Mirrored Sauna by ÖÖD House, a peaceful haven where rustic charm meets modern relaxation
It’s nature meets modern. The perfect balance. Read on to find out all about our stay!
ELK ISLAND RETREAT
The retreat has been home to Rick and Pat since 1981. In 1995 they started Elk Island Retreat officially and year after year have added to it. The 60 acre parcel of land started off with a few unserviced RV sites and has now grown to offer something for everyone. I had the pleasure of meeting Rick and one of his sons Matt during our stay. You feel like you are family here. The sense of pride of ownership is evident. It’s a gorgeous retreat, the nature is pristine and there are tons of trails to explore.
Check in is from 3pm - 7pm ( 8pm on Fridays) & Check out is 11am. The office is right as you come in and they provide you with a map and will answer any and all questions you may have!
THE GEODOMES
There are 4 domes you can choose from; The Solaris, Eagles Nest, Spruce Hollow and Dark Sky. All geodomes sleep 2 people.
We stayed in The Solaris Dome and it was beautiful. Lots of room and gorgeous views. There is an air conditioner AND a gas fireplace if needed. Both were super easy to use.
Each dome is fully furnished including bedding. There was a small fridge, a Nespresso coffee machine (with pods!) and electricity! It was nice to have lights and plug ins for phones if we needed.
There is no plumbing in the domes so you do have to bring your own water. The outhouse is a short walk away. It is 5 star haha!
There is a propane BBQ you can use (propane included) and an attached deck. There is also a picnic table and a fire pit.
You can also rent a cooking kit! It includes a 2 piece setting of dishes, steak knives, frying pan, pot, cutting board, peeler, tongs, spatula, tin foil, plastic wrap, oven mitts.
Just a note that single night bookings are available Monday through Thursday but Fridays and Saturdays come as a pair.
THE SAUNA
The sauna on site is breath taking - and not because of the heat!!! You can book JUST the sauna itself or you can add it onto your stay at Elk Island Retreat ( best of all it’s at a discounted price if you are staying at the retreat!)
This sauna was really neat. It is Canada’s first Mirrored Sauna by ÖÖD House, a peaceful haven where rustic charm meets modern relaxation. Surrounded by the serene natural beauty of the retreat, this dry sauna experience is designed to provide warmth, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. It was the PERFECT escape and smelt soooooo good.
You do have to book ahead and secure a 2 hour time slot.
Every booking includes 2 hours of private sauna relaxation for up to 2 guests. Wood-fired warm up time is about 20 minutes.
Share the heat with friends! Add up to 2 more guests for a small fee per guest. For families there is no charge for children under 18 when with an adult (there are age restrictions).
You can find out more information about the mirrored sauna HERE.
FOOD
You have to bring your own food, dishes, cookware and utensils (unless you rent the cooking kit! ) . A Wash basin, dish soap / dish cloth & tea towel and drying mat is inside the Geode with potable water available the shower building.
We just brought some smokies and had them over a fire and it was a great night! For brekafast- nothing like instant oatmeal. Sweet and simple.
PETS
Pets are NOT allowed in any of the cabins or geodomes or yurts. Small dogs (40 lbs or less) are ONLY allowed in the full service RV area of the campground . They must be well behaved and leashed.
EVENTS
There are also a TON of events happening at Elk Island Retreat. From yoga to wellness retreats to markets - even a star party! Find out about their upcoming events HERE.
They also host Weddings in the most gorgeous venue! Find out more HERE.
EXPLORE AROUND
Elk Island National Park is just a few minutes away. There you can discover wild buffalo roaming around and many other animals. It’s a great spot for hiking trails and you can even go canoeing on Astotin Lake.
The Ukrainian Hertiage Cultural Village is also nearby. There you can learn about the early 1900s and how different daily life used to be! It truly is history brought to life!
The Keato Meadow Corn Maze is about a 10 minutes drive away . It’s open in the fall. You can also discover Dinos at Jurassic Forest about 45 minutes away.
DISCOUNTS
Right now there is an extended stay discount! Get $50 off your third and consecutive nights in any accommodation. You can BOOK HERE.
It was such a lovely night at Elk Island Retreat. I am already planning to return. I felt so rejuvenated after my stay. From the sauna to the nature; I was just the happiest girl. I hope you can find that happiness too!
xoxox Jack
Nature awaits with modern luxury…