REGISTRATION IS OPEN
RETREAT DATES: APRIL 6-10 2026
Join us for 5 days and 4 nights of writing bliss and support at the beautiful Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, located in the idyllic natural landscape of the UBC Research Forest near Maple Ridge.
What will I get out of the retreat?
The retreat is entirely flexible to the needs of registrants. A quiet writing space is open 24 hours a day. All activities including the workshops and socials are optional.
One-On-One Sessions
Each morning, participants will have an opportunity to sign up for one-on-one coaching sessions with our mentors and guests. In these sessions, we will help you focus your work, strengthen your ideas, and cheer you on towards your success. Participants can sign up for 1 session per day and can pick different mentors or guests each time, or revisit a now-trusted advisor.
Writer in Residence
Andrew Buckley is a film school-educated writer, which means he’s spent most of his life with no money and a strong opinion about bad movies. Around the turn of the century he attended the Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film and Television program, graduating with excellence. Today, he’s a traditional and self-published novelist of rather silly, yet enjoyable speculative fiction for all ages, a comic book writer, screenwriter, podcaster, creator, and keynote speaker.
For over 20 years, he worked in the dreaded world of marketing as a content creator, copywriter, and strategist for large national and international brands. He actively develops curriculum and teaches marketing, social media, and communication theory at the post-secondary level.
https://www.andrewbuckleyauthor.com
Purchase Andrew’s most recent book here
Dr. Finnian Burnett is a writer whose work explores the intersections of the human body, mental health, and gender identity. They are a recipient of a 2023 Canada Council for the Arts grant, a finalist in the 2023 CBC nonfiction prize, and a 2024 Pushcart nominee.
Finnian’s work appears in Blank Spaces Magazine, Reflex Press, Geist, Pulp Literature, CBC books, and more. Their two novellas-in-flash, The Clothes Make the Man and The Price of Cookies, are available through Ad Hoc Fiction and Off Topic Publishing respectively.
Finnian lives in British Columbia and enjoys cold weather walking, Star Trek, and cat memes.
Purchase Finnian’s most recent book here
Register Now
Our Team and Mentors
Tara Avery
Mentor
Writer, Ghost Writer, and Editor. Chair of Editors BC and the Federation of BC Writers
Andrew Buckley
Writer In Residence
Storyteller, Educator, Podcaster, and Keynote Speaker with experience in both traditional and self-publishing.
Finnian Burnett
Writer in Residence
Author, Writing Instructor, Finalist in the 2023 CBC Nonfiction Prize, and Cat Meme Connoisseur, and Star Trek Expert.
Andrew Chesham
Mentor
Writer, Editor, Publisher, and Educator. Director of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
Laura Farina
mentor
Poet, Picture Book Author, and Acting Director of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
Kim Harbridge
Retreat Coordinator
Writer, Freelance Editor, and our very own Programming Architect at the Federation of BC Writers
Our Itinerary
MON
AFTERNOON
- Arrival (3:30pm)
- Tour
- Free Writing Time
Evening
- Dinner
- Board Games and Socialization
TUES
MORNING
- Quiet Writing Time
- Breakfast
- Workshop/Session
AFTERNOON
- Lunch
- One-On-One Sessions
- Free Writing Time
Evening
- Dinner
- Free Writing Time
WED
MORNING
- Quiet Writing Time
- Breakfast
- Workshop/Session
AFTERNOON
- Lunch
- One-On-One Sessions
- Free Writing Time
Evening
- Dinner
- Free Writing Time
THURS
MORNING
- Quiet Writing Time
- Breakfast
- Workshop/Session
AFTERNOON
- Lunch
- One-On-One Sessions
- Free Writing Time
Evening
- Dinner
- Open Mic
FRI
MORNING
- Quiet Writing Time
- Pack-up Time
- Breakfast
AFTERNOON
- Lunch
- Depart (1:00pm)
WHAT IS THE SPRINT WRITES RETREAT?
The Spring Writes Retreat is a multi-day event run by the Federation of BC Writers that is open to anyone who wishes to attend!
What to Expect
The retreat is an opportunity for you to get away from all the distractions of everyday life and work on your project(s). No matter what you are working on, you are welcome.
The retreat is designed for participants to be as social or private as you wish. The retreat grounds and buildings allow us to spread out significantly across several spaces. There will be ongoing activities, a dedicated quiet writing room, one-on-one coaching, and more.
Writer in Residence
At each retreat, we have a Writer In Residence. We are excited to announce that this year, we have two! Andrew Buckley and Finnian Burnett.
Getting to Know Each Other
We know going to an event like this can be intimidating. To make it easier, we will be hosting some informal Zoom get-togethers in March. We will offer at least 2 sessions at different times. At these events, our team will go over what to expect, answer questions, and most importantly, allow you to get to know each other in advance.
We have put together an FAQ at the bottom of this page to answer our most common inquiries. If you want to know anything else, we will be glad to answer.
What Does the Retreat Cost?
The second FBCW retreat at Loon Lake Lodge builds on the amazing time we had there in April 2025. We sold out quickly at the last retreat, so book early.
Costs
A deposit of 50% of all fees is payable at the time of booking.
FBCW Member Rates (Remember to enter your discount code at time of checkout. If you have not received it yet, please email us at hello@bcwriters.ca.)
$1499 per person in Double Rooms (booked individually)
$2199 per person Private Rooms
Guest Rates
$1699 per person in Double Rooms (booked individually)
$2399 per person Private Rooms
The Venue
The Rooms
The Dining Hall
The Grounds
Our Itinerary
Specific times will be added as we get closer to the retreat
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect in my room?
Each room includes a desk and 2 or 3 beds.
What size are the beds and are they comfortable?
Beds are singles. The beds at the venue are very firm. We highly recommend bringing foam pads with you to make your stay more comfortable.
An example of such a product can be found here
Can I pick my roommate?
Yes. There are two ways to do so. If you book two individual beds in a double room in the same transactions, we will automatically put you together. If you book separately, please enter your requested roommate on the registration form. This obviously does not apply to private room registrations.
What is the bathroom situation like?
Bathrooms are shared, but there are plenty of them. There is 1 bathroom for every 2 rooms. There are also additional bathrooms in common areas.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, the venue has good Wi-Fi for internet connections and phones with Wi-Fi calling enabled.
Is there a full schedule for the event?
The full schedule is being finalized. Each day will have early morning writing time, breakfast, activities, lunch, free writing time, dinner, and an evening activity or free writing time.
Is there Cell Phone Service?
There is no cell service at Loon Lake, but phones can connect to the Wi-Fi. If your carrier has Wi-Fi calling, enable it and your phone may work normally as long as you are connected to the venue’s internet.
Is the venue accessible?
The venue is not wheelchair accessible and may be a challenge for folks with significant mobility challenges. (We tried very hard to avoid this and hope to be able to book different buildings in the future.)
How many people will be at the retreat?
There will be between 28 and 32 people in attendance including presenters and staff.
Is everything Included?
All meals, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea are included in your fees. The venue does not include linens, so please bring blankets or sleeping bags and pillows with you. Drink tickets can be purchased for a nominal fee at certain events.
Is the food good?
Our reviews from the last retreat survey were incredibly positive and singled out the food as one of the highlights of the retreat. Our last retreat had meals including Turkey Dinner, Glazed Salmon, Lasagna, Waffles with Berries, Pancakes with Lemon Blueberry Compote, Eggs Benedict, and more.
What if I have special dietary needs?
The venue has spectacular food and works hard to accommodate all food needs. On your registration form, there is a place to note allergies and food preferences. Vegan and Gluten-Free meals cost $50 per person extra from the venue. Please advise at time of booking of any dietary needs. The venue has extensive background in preparing meals for large groups and is able to accommodate most requests.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water comes right from the pristine lake and the venue has a purification system in place.
Do I have to attend all workshops and events?
No, this event is entirely a choose-your-own adventure week. Our space includes two large rooms, one of which will be dedicated as a quiet writing space at all times. Meals are served in the dining hall at set hours, but other than that, you may use your time at the retreat as you wish.
Do I have to be working on a specific type of project or be at a certain level to participate?
No, this event is open to all writers from all backgrounds and experience. Though we know many of our participants are working on memoirs, so we have made certain that our guests and team are prepared to provide some guidance.
What happens if I cannot come?
Please see our refund policy. We recommend that participants get trip cancellation insurance in case a crisis arises. Please confirm with your insurance that the retreat will be covered before purchasing. (The Federation of BC Writers does not endorse any of the below specifically. It is the responsibility of those seeking insurance to check what is covered or not.)
Insurance can be purchased through sites like:
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Guests may transfer their registration to another person at no cost until October 31, 2025.
If the individual taking over the registration is not a member, but the initial spot was registered as such, the new registrant will be responsible for the difference.
The individual taking over the registration must contact the federation at hello@bcwriters.ca to make payment arrangements.
The deposit and other fees paid by the initial registrant will be returned by e-transfer thereafter.
Can I pay the full amount at time of booking?
Yes, you can pay the full amount at any time.
If I pay my deposit, am I guaranteed my spot, even if I have not paid the full fee?
Yes. If you pay a deposit, your spot is secure. Please be sure to watch for all payment deadlines outlined in the fee structure. Our registration system has the exact amount of beds/rooms available.
What if I cannot pay the deposit at time of booking?
Please contact us to discuss at hello@bcwriters.ca.
Who is running this event?
This is an official Federation of BC Writers event.
Does the venue have emergency contact numbers?
Yes. Emergency contact information for the venue will be provided in your welcome package. (The package will be sent out in March.)
.