If we can still ourselves enough
We are entering our sixth season of stillness. The land rests, and we are invited to rest with it. Will we? Every year, I hope so. Before the anticipated freeze and the wished-for blanket of snow… before we step fully into winter’s hush and the bright lights of the holidays that help us navigate the dark… I want to share a few thoughts and a glimpse of what’s coming next to Birchdale.
First, the thoughts. I struggle with slowing down. I was listening to Cynthia Erivo (star of the movie Wicked), and she said that what dogs crave most is our stillness. If we still ourselves, they will calm and curl right up. It struck me as the perfect image for the coming of winter: if we can still ourselves enough.
The water may be turned off in the cabins, but our imaginations are still running clear. We’re dreaming, planning, and gathering for 2026. Now is the time when Birchdale starts to sleep, but the story doesn’t stop—it composts, deepens, and waits for what comes next.
What it Takes to Tend a Place
Rest is good for Birchdale yet the long list of “things-to-do” looms! There are – and will forever be – much to do! After turning off the water and flipping up the mattresses, after taking out the batteries and storing bottled water and other goods in warmer places… after all of this, it’s time to take stock of the projects that winter can support. It’s time for planning.
As we move into 2026, we are looking for supportive structures that can guide the sustaining and growing of Birchdale. This past season required a major financial investment in the pursuit of this goal. The seasons ahead will need to build on that investment and grow from it. Birchdale will only thrive if tended to, and it can’t be tended on love alone.
So… if you see us stepping up more, we are doing so because we hope to provide more for more people, and to grow our operations to employ more people locally… and to continue the work of keeping Birchdale every bit as beautiful as it is!
What’s New
In that spirit of the above, keep your eyes open for Swinging under the Stars, the return of Birchdale Unplugged, the Sunday Supper “Fancy in the Forest” and the new “Rustic-Styled Edition,” Sunday High Tea, hikes and paddles, Petite Retreats, Birchdale Afternoons, the legendary Writers Retreat, and the 5th Anniversary of Soulo Retreat! And there is truly so much more (including getting the website up-to-date to reflect all of this! 😀)
But before the coming of all of those events… a moment to reflect. This past season we hoped to bring back Sunday Suppers. We aimed to get a new roof (and then some!) on Fir Cabin. We wanted to experiment with Airbnb. We worked to revive the legendary Birchdale Halloween and, above all, to offer as many ways and opportunities as possible for people to enjoy Birchdale. Looking back, we met those goals. It’s a good feeling.
A special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for naming us Runner-Up for Best Tourism Award. What an honour! And to all of you who made last season such a joy.
But still… there’s more…and we hope you will join us!
Coming Right Up!
Petite Retreat: Solstice Celebration
December 20–21, 2025 · 3:30–10pm (overnight ends at 11 am Sunday)
A winter solstice recharge led by Nicola Roberts-Fenton and Tracey Erin Smith
On the longest night of the year, we slow down on purpose. This Petite Retreat is an invitation into stillness: softness, silence, darkness, rest.
Arrive at 3:30pm on Saturday and let the evening unfold gently indoors and out. A simple shared meal, quiet reading and reflection, a shadow-casting art moment, and an outdoor meditation with ice lanterns calling light into the dark and helping to find your story. At 9:30pm we’ll close the evening together before heading home—unless you choose to stay.
For those staying overnight, the night deepens into morning: sunrise Yin yoga, a small hike, brunch, and an 11am farewell.
Retreat only — $60 (max 20 guests)
Retreat + Overnight — $100 (max 6 guests)
Drive-in assistance from end of paved road is available..
New Year’s Day: Setting Intention with Nicola Roberts-Fenton
January 1, 2026 · 11am–1pm
Cold air, open water, and a walk that asks us to begin the year as we intend to go on. We’ll hike to the little beach and bring our intentions for the new year with us. Meet 2026 at the shoreline of South Carrying Road Lake and send something meaningful into motion.
Afterwards, we’ll return to the warmth of the Main Lodge for bannock (gluten-free and not), warming drinks, and ritual. A quieter celebration to mark another turn around the sun.
All ages welcome. $20 for adults (kids are free)
Reservations required (so we know how much goodness to make!).
Heritage Day Hike with Nicola Roberts-Fenton
February 15, 2026 · 10am–4pm
More details to follow, but know this 😃: it’s a trail Nicola has long been hoping to activate. In its own way, this hike will set the stage for the rest of the year.
$30 (includes midday meal, a warming fire, hot drinks and snacks in the lodge upon return.)
Sunday Supper Returns — April 12, 5pm–8pm
The first one was a thrill! Fancy-in-the-Forest and we can’t wait to do it again. Part dinner, part ceremony, part gathering of neighbours and new friends. A hint of elegance in the woods. A celebration of place, of shared experiences, and of the cherished Birchdale tradition we are building together.
For a maximum of 22 guests. Reservations are an absolute necessity. A night that salutes shared stories and aims to be logged in the annals of Birchdale that are yet to come.
$120 per person (all food, wine and gratuities included.)
Gratitude & Winter
To everyone who joined us for Halloween (250 plus plus plus!), or who came to the first Sunday Supper, and to those who stayed with us overnight or visited us for an afternoon, to all who attended a retreat, or split some wood, or made a turkey dinner, thank you for filling this special place with story, laughter, and presence. You are all part of the reason that Birchdale is alive after 115 years!
So, in the spirit of stilling ourselves enough to make dogs curl up in the candlelight—bring on the winter!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah
birchdalelake@gmail.com
sarah@birchdalelake.com