Abbey Retreat Centre supports people on their health and healing journeys, especially those living with cancer
Abbey Retreat Centre creates healing spaces and community for people affected by cancer and their loved ones.
Located in the Haliburton Highlands on a beautiful property surrounded by forests and ponds, we provide a variety of in-person and online retreats and programs that offer rest and renewal, companionship, meaningful discussions, healthy and delicious food, and an introduction to evidence-informed practices that tend body, mind, and soul. Time in nature, gentle and restorative yoga, massage, expressive arts, music, healthy and nutritional food, and group conversation are all aspects that make our offerings unique and transformative.
Our retreats and programs serve those in the Haliburton Highlands area and beyond. We offer our online and in-person retreats and programs at no cost to the participants, recognizing there are already many increased expenses for individuals and families facing cancer.
ON NOW
Re-Shaping our cancer stories
A 4 week, online program that includes 8 online meetings and independent activities.
A cancer diagnosis may change the trajectory of our lives and our life story may need reshaping; grief and loss need acknowledging. This innovative program provides opportunities to work deeply with questions of identity and the current now.
Through 8 online gatherings, video segments, and supporting materials, we will integrate the natural world, simple art-making, yoga, sound, and discussion circles as we travel through our stories to chart a fresh course.
Simply come with an open heart and a playful and committed spirit. Most of the materials you will need will be mailed to you.
This program is for those living with cancer, with the option for a supporting person to participate.
Re-Shaping Our Cancer Stories is offered to you without cost and is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
“This process kick-started my ability for the first time to begin to look at and emotionally process the impact cancer has had on my life. This was facilitated by the safety you created but also by the medium you chose to aid us in our processing. You are very talented at what you do & have made a big difference in my recovery process.”
On Now
Annual General Meeting!
You’re invited to our Annual General Meeting! Join us as we celebrate a year of Community, Caring and Creativity and listen to stories about the impact and work of the Abbey Retreat Centre.
Our AGM will be held at the Abbey Retreat Centre (with the option to join by Zoom) Friday, March 24 at 2:30pm.
To RSVP please email rebecca@
Yoga Therapy
Join our Registered Yoga Therapist, Miriam, weekly for online yoga sessions that are free-of-cost.
Tuesdays 7-8pm: Relax & Restore
Wednesdays 1:30-2:30pm: Gentle Yoga for Cancer Recovery
Thursdays 7:15-7:45pm: Yoga Nidra – A Guided Relaxation
Register online here or email Miriam at: miriam@practicewithmiriam.com
4-day Retreat
Rest, Connect and Renew
This retreat is 4 days long (Thursday afternoon – Sunday afternoon) and is hosted at our retreat centre in beautiful Haliburton, ON.
This retreat is for those living with a cancer diagnosis, as well as their key support person.
Take a Thread and Follow It
This innovative, 6-week program uses simple stitching and other art-making invitations to explore the story you wish to tell about your cancer journey.
This program is funded through a generous grant from The Ontario Trillium Foundation.
3-day Retreat
Practices for Creating Meaning: Before-Threshold-After
This retreat is 3 days long (Friday morning – Sunday afternoon) and is hosted at our beautiful retreat centre in Haliburton, ON.
Participants will be invited to use different creative processes as a means to explore the cancer experience through individual and group discussions, meditation, as well as time to relax and rejuvenate.
Learn More – Practices for Creating Meaning: Before-Threshold-After
Cancer Retreats
Our retreats are for people at any stage in the cancer journey and their primary support person. They include discussion groups, yoga and meditation, nutritional learning, creative expressive arts, connection with nature, and rest time—all in a supportive, caring community atmosphere.
Time at retreat provides the opportunity to explore the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual areas of healing with cancer. Our retreats are 4-day experiences with ten participants. The resulting sense of enhanced well-being and knowledge from being at retreat can allow those with a cancer diagnosis to continue and complete traditional treatment programs staying as well and whole as can be.
All retreats are offered free-of-cost to participants as we recognize the financial burden that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
CANCER Retreats
Day Programs
Day programs based on local interests.
Speakers, classes, groups.
All funds generated through fundraising events and generous donations help us to continue to offer our cancer retreats to participants free of charge.
We understand the financial burden that can often accompany a cancer diagnosis and we strive to provide a place of healing that does not add to that burden.
Rent the Retreat Centre
The Retreat Centre is available for rental when not in use for its retreat programming. Groups, business, families, are welcome to rent smaller spaces or the entire Centre. What would you like host here ?