The First Snow
Did you see it? The first real snow? Incredibly beautiful! Instant reminder of watching our little dog contend with the big snow of our first winter. Absolute magic. It transforms everything it touches, softening edges, muffling sound, making the woods feel both vast and intimate at once.
There’s something about first snow that invites celebration. Or maybe it’s just Santa and Mrs Claus, and all the elves and reindeer, singing their preparation songs while getting all the presents ready for all the great kids of Southwest Nova and beyond. Whatever it is…like the way snow catches light, or how it makes you want to gather by the fire with people you love… It, in itself, is a gift. Especially after the summer of dry! So if the snow turns to rain and the winds blow… there are massive gifts there too.
And so, in this season of peace and joy and celebration, we invite you to join us—in the quiet and in the gathering, in reflection and in anticipation of all that’s coming next. What will your 2026 be focussed on?
Dreaming
When we said yes to Birchdale, without fully knowing what that yes would ask of us, we took a big old leap of faith. Each year has brought new offers as to what our “yes” meant, This year taught us so much about what it means to tend a place—not just the physical work of keeping buildings standing and paths clear, (although this is a massive part of the tending!) but the deeper work of holding space for community, for creativity, for connection. Opening our minds to what might be that isn’t now.
Like fresh snow that offers a path as soon as someone makes the first footfalls through it… this past season has left tracks for us to follow into 2026. This past year asked us to step forward into new territory, to find new ways for people to enjoy the simple AND extraordinary beauty and peace of Birchdale. To this end, we invested in infrastructure, in partnerships, and in reimagining all that Birchdale could offer.
Twyla Tharp the famous American Choreographer wrote in her book “The Creative Habit” about the key differences between being in the groove or stuck in rut. She spoke about how serendipity comes when you work your ass off in preparation for all the possibility. As winter settles in, and the land rests, we’re taking time to reflect but we are also leaning hard into the work of preparing, planning, and learning so as to offer more to more.
So as we step into 2026, we do so with the knowledge that everyone who spends time at Birchdale is part of a vast community of people who care about preserving a place of stillness in our lives. Everyone who makes the trip down Birchdale road is saying “yes” to the beauty that awaits. So our gratitude to everyone who has been part of this year’s journey is immense. Like snow accumulating flake by flake, Birchdale continues to create something beautiful, one season at a time. (Since 1911!)
What’s Coming in 2026
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, and so much more, all at Birchdale!
But…Coming Right Up!
Petite Retreat: Solstice Celebration (LAST CALL!!!)
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: afternoon program, dinner, evening program $60
Retreat + Overnight: afternoon program, dinner, evening program, sunrise Yin yoga, a small hike and brunch — $100 (1 spot left!)
Drive-in assistance from end of paved road is available. Reservations: birchdalelake@gmail.com
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!). birchdalelake@gmail.com
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.) Reservations: birchdalelake@gmail.com
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.)
Reservations: birchdalelake@gmail.com
Peace, Joy, and Celebration
As the snow falls and the year turns, we wish you peace in the quiet moments, joy in the gatherings, and celebration of all that has been and all that’s yet to come.
May your winter be filled with light, and may we see you soon at Birchdale.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah
birchdalelake@gmail.com
sarah@birchdalelake.com