Loyola House
A silent retreat for stressed-out execs
Harried refugees from the urban rat race find solace at Loyola House, a world-renowned retreat promising the simplest of escapes: peace and quiet. The goal here is to get away from everyday pressures and routines, giving guests room to breathe—quite literally. The Jesuit-run centre, which is earnestly spiritual and contemplative (rather than hippy-dippy New Age), is just outside Guelph, on 600 acres of fields, forests, creeks and gardens. Silent stays last for five, eight or—for the truly devoted—40 days.
Guests are surrounded by 10 kilometres of trails, a historic Jesuit cemetery and a simple grass-mown labyrinth for walking meditations. The property follows Marden Creek and the Speed River as far east as the Guelph Lake Conservation Area.
Visitors don’t have to be Christian or even believers of any faith to partake of the restorative benefits; this is a strictly no-proselytizing zone. Some guests read, others hit the trails, and many pray, meditate, or simply scan the skies from the comfort of a Muskoka chair.
The grounds at Loyola House (Illustration: Peter Arkle; Photograph: Chris Moose)
The single rooms are spartan—there’s nothing but a sink, desk, reading chair and twin bed—and bathrooms are shared. The outdoor swimming pool, while wonderfully open to the sky and surrounded by gardens, is unheated and sometimes chilly—Cancun this ain’t.
Unplugging isn’t by choice: there are no phones, TVs, radios, computers or Internet connections in any of the centre’s 49 rooms, and people are (gently) discouraged from using cellphones or reading newspapers. A respectful friendly silence is maintained in the common areas, and guests pass each other in the halls with a smile or a nod. Tasty (but silent) meals bring everyone together three times a day. It’s weird—and sometimes giggle inducing—at first, but you quickly get used to Loyola’s relaxed, more meditative way of life.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 5420 Hwy. 6 N., 519-824‑1250, loyolahouse.ca. About $90 per night ($455 for a five-day retreat; $725 for eight days).
NOTL just got better….noticed yesterday a BALZAC’S opening JULY-ISH..on Mary St. across from the Prince of Wales.
April 21, 2010 at 6:29 pm | by DavenportNiagara-on-the-Lake is one of my favourite places in the world. I’ve not done to bike tour but I have done the wine and herbs tour put on by a number of wineries every May. What a great town. Great wine, inexpensive B&Bs, good food everywhere and let’s not forget the Shaw festival. A summer weekend doesn’t get much better than this.
April 28, 2010 at 10:01 am | by MaxTotally agree.My wife and I have enjoyed NOTL for 36 years.It has beauty,history,culture and more then anything just a great place to get away and relax.
April 29, 2010 at 8:31 am | by Dave DeanJust got back from a 1 night stay in NOTL. As well as the wine tours and Shaw, there are several Spa’s that you can take advantage of. We are making a point of going once or twice a year. Makes for a relaxing break fron the hectic pace of life. And at this time of year, it is less crowded.
April 29, 2010 at 9:00 am | by Michael LeeThere is a BALZAC’s opening but the address is 223 King Street, Niagara on the Lake, across from the Prince of Wales!
May 18, 2010 at 7:06 pm | by NOTLThanks so much for informing us about Willo’ Wind! We spent 3 memorable days at the farm and had a great time. Our 2 boys had a blast feeding chickens and milking goats.
August 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm | by ErrolWe’ve already spread the word about this lovely place and will definitely visit again.