FAQs

ABOUT QUADRA ISLAND

How do I get to Quadra Island?

Retreaters need to get themselves to Vancouver, B.C. by NOON on DAY 1 of the retreat. Many airlines fly into Vancouver and ticket prices are reasonable if you book early. On the DAY 1 of the retreat, your Wayward hosts will pick you up and drive you to Quadra Island. This involves two ferry rides (included in your retreat price). If you are prone to seasickness, be ready with remedies (though the ferries are large and most people find they have no problem). Between the ferry rides is a three hour drive up beautiful Vancouver Island. After our day of travel, the group arrives at Quadra in the evening for a late dinner.

On the way back the trip is reversed, dropping the retreaters in Vancouver on the afternoon of the final day of the retreat. Flights out of Vancouver after 8pm are recommended.

DO I need a passport to enter Canada?

If you’re not a Canadian citizen, please be sure to renew (or apply for) your passport now. You can learn more about the US passport process here. 

Is there really no cell phone or internet access?

Yes. There is spotty cell reception across Quadra Island and absolutely none at the retreat house. There is a landline at the house, in case of emergencies, and, if it becomes absolutely necessary, a cafe with wi-fi about 30 minutes away. We encourage retreaters to unplug entirely; it contributes to the positive productive atmosphere at the retreat. You’ll be amazed how little you miss it!

THE IDEA OF A “REMOTE” RETREAT MAKES ME A LITTLE WORRIED. HOW REMOTE IS IT?

Our retreat is remote, but not isolated. Quadra Island is home to a tight-knit, vibrant community. It is accessible by two ferries — the first from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, and the second from Vancouver Island to Quadra. Once on Quadra, there is medical care via a local clinic; for larger emergencies, there is a hospital on Vancouver Island. Our retreat house is a 30 minute drive from the ferry. There are neighbors across the lake, and the immediate community has a tight bond and systems in place for emergencies.

RETREAT LOGISTICS

What do my costs cover?

The retreat is $1800. This covers all retreat activities, your lodging, multiple on-site covid tests, all meals from when you arrive on Quadra through when you leave Quadra, transportation from Vancouver to Quadra (and back again), and your very own retreat kit full of goodies.

Can you tell me more about the inclusion scholarship?

The Wayward Retreat seeks to foster equality, diversity, and inclusion in its community and in the arts at large. In support of this goal, each year we offer multiple artists of color scholarships in varying denominations. Artists interested in the scholarship should indicate that in their online application. Interest in the scholarship is considered separately from each artist’s overall admission to Wayward. If you have more questions or would like to discuss your specific situation with us, please reach out.

What are the accommodations like?

Village Bay Lake House is a two-storey, 2500-square-foot home full of warm wood, natural light, and vibrant art. Every retreater gets their own bed and most have their own room. (Some retreaters will be sharing a room; those who share get a $150 discount on their fee. The application includes an option to state your preference.) If your creative practice that requires a desk or table, we can take that into account when your room is assigned. The house has two bathrooms (including one with a jacuzzi tub!), a spacious kitchen, a wood-burning stove, a large garden, and a gorgeous covered deck for eating or making art outdoors. To see more of the house, check the Village Bay Lake House site.

Are any of the retreat activities physically strenuous?

The most physically strenuous group activity is a hike to the beach. It is a short but moderately difficult climb that involves a patch of rocky, steep terrain, but nothing requiring any advanced skill or equipment beyond a good pair of shoes. If you are concerned about the degree of difficulty this could pose for you, please contact us to discuss!

What do I need to bring?

Pack to accommodate weather ranging from cool rain to hot sun. We often get both! You should also bring anything and everything you need to make your art. If you have unusual or complicated materials, contact us and we can discuss how best to deal with any issues.  You may want to check the Canadian customs website to be sure nothing you’re bringing will pose a problem at the border.

What ARE YOUR COVID PROTOCOLS?

For the 2024 retreat, we will be doing the following to mitigate covid risk:

  • All attendees need to be vaccinated and boosted up to current CDC guidelines by the first day of the retreat. They must be able to provide proof in the form of a vaccination card or passport.

  • All attendees will need to provide proof of a negative covid test within the official start time of the retreat. 

  • The retreat will provide rapid covid testing for each retreater and organizer, twice during the retreat

  • We ask that everyone take reasonable precautions in the weeks leading up to the retreat and wear masks during their travel to the retreat.

  • In the event that someone tests positively while at the retreat, they will immediately be isolated. The retreat will do its best to help create an alternative travel plan for the retreater to get home when their quarantine is completed.

  • We encourage those who live within driving distance to travel to Vancouver via car, but we are not discouraging attendees from flying.

  • No outside visitors will be allowed on the retreat grounds during the retreat.

  • We will not be facilitating any indoor activities off-site (i.e. trips to artist studios or cafes in town). Any activities off-site will be outdoors (i.e. a hike up China Mountain, or a visit to Rebecca Spit), and optional.

IS THIS RETREAT FOR ME?

I am a transgender woman. Is this retreat for me?

Yes! All women are welcome at Wayward. Trans women have been part of Wayward for years, as well as in leadership. Creating a safe, positive space for all takes active work that we engage in eagerly. If you would like to discuss your situation or speak with a past retreater who shares one of your specific identities, just reach out to us.

I am a transgender man. Is this retreat for me?

Yes! All trans men and transmasc folks are enthusiastically welcome at Wayward, and have attended in the past. Because our retreat serves many women (trans and cis), retreaters who identify as masc or male are rarely in the majority, but are represented. We are deeply committed to making all our artists feel welcome and comfortable. If you would like to discuss your situation or speak with a past retreater who shares one of your specific identities, just reach out to us.

I am non-binary, gender-nonconforming or genderqueer. Is this retreat for me?

Yes! At Wayward we believe that each person has the right to self-determine their relationship to gender. We enthusiastically welcome non-binary and genderqueer creators. Many past retreaters and members of the Wayward leadership fall into this category. If you would like to discuss your situation or speak with a past retreater who shares one of your specific identities, just reach out to us.

I have or will have physical restrictions, will I be able to participate in this retreat?

Possibly. The house we stay in does not have a ramp and there are several stairs required to enter and exit the house. Additionally, some of the retreat activities and terrain require a fair degree of mobility. But we really encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your specific situation. As much as possible, we want Wayward to be a home for all artists.

I haven’t made much art yet, but I’d like to start. Is this retreat for me?

Probably not. It is intended for artists already pursuing their craft with a serious commitment (even if they hold down day jobs to pay the bills.)

I used to make art, but I’ve taken a lot of time off. Is this retreat for me?

Possibly! If you are coming back to your art after time away and you have a past body of work to share, Wayward may be a great fit. We encourage you to elaborate on your story in your application.

I'm more of a commercial artist, is this retreat for me?

Maybe! It depends on what you're hoping to get from this experience, and whether that aligns with what we can offer. We concentrate a lot of our program on the goal of helping retreaters focus their creative voice and path. We've found that we are best able to realize this goal with artists looking to express their own vision in one way or another, so tell us in your application why that is you! The more types of creatives we can serve, the better.

I have specific dietary needs and/or food allergies. How will that be accommodated?

We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets. If you have a specific food allergy, please let us know where indicated on the application.

I’m allergic to CATS. Will that be a problem?

Lauren, our Director of Programming, is pretty allergic to cats, and she does okay. Gizmo the cat stays outside during the duration of the retreat, and doesn’t live in the house full-time the rest of the year. The house is big and airy with hardwood floors, which also helps.

I don’t really want to socialize. I just want to go to the woods and work a lot. Is this retreat for me?

Probably not. Though this retreat dedicates ample time to solo work, there are multiple group activities throughout the week. We find the community atmosphere is an essential part of the experience and creates a positive effect on the work created here.

Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information on our priorities and policies.