July 2-5 2026 — Oona river, north coast bc
let's craft
Take a rejuvenating escape from everyday life and into the natural beauty of Oona River!
Over the course of four days and three nights, you'll be guided in four unique half-day workshops designed for beginners or anyone who wants to try their hand at a new craft. Each retreat will have a maximum of six crafters, making your experience intimate and personalized. Join us and spark your creative fire in a supportive, collaborative environment!
The Crafts
Four workshops to dive into
What You’ll experience
We love food and hope you do too! Our seasonal, whole-foods focused dishes are prepared with you in mind.
Included in your stay:
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breakfast
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lunch
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dinner
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dessert
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snacks
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tea, coffee, and beverages
If you have dietary restrictions we will do our very best to accommodate you. All meals are provided.
Delicious Food
Our workshops are designed to bring together creative people who value making new connections and experimenting with new mediums in a laid back environment.
You'll have the option to gather after-hours around the bonfire or in the studio's cozy lounge to connect, play games, and unwind with your fellow creators.
Community
Oona River boasts spectacular views and magical woodland trails. Easy-to-moderate hikes will be led, weather depending, for those looking for a little adventure.
Time In Nature
With both intentional and optional downtime, the retreat allows time to unwind and connect with your surroundings.
Stay indoors and get cozy with a good book or step outside and get acquainted with Oona River. Take a walk through the bog trail and encounter the unique flora and fauna of the bog ecosystem. Follow the map down dirt roads and explore the history of this quaint fishing community. Stroll down to the water and watch the seabirds dive where the river meets the sea.
Rest
Thoughtfully designed workshops
Our team strives to provide engaging workshops that spark creativity and provide the foundation for new skills. We take a community based approach to ensure crafters feel connected with their peers and free to create authentic art.
We believe that crafting is for everyone. We offer beginner friendly workshops for anyone with the desire to create.
Wendy B.
“Wonderful workshops! Would sign up again in a heartbeat!"
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LOCATION
Oona River is a tight-knit island community composed of full time and summer residents. Oona Riverites share an appreciation for our beautiful natural surroundings, the ocean, and our good old ten o’clock coffee break. For over 120 years Oona River has been home to boat builders, fishermen, and foresters. Our community carries on many traditions that allow us to continue to live and work on the North Coast.
Oona is located on Porcher Island, 40km from the town of Prince Rupert. We are a remote community only accessible by boat, helicopter, and floatplane. There are no stores in Oona, only forest trails and stunning ocean lookouts!
Oona is the perfect weekend getaway to immerse yourself in nature and reconnect to your creativity.
2026
Dates
June 11—14
July 2—5
July 23—26
September 10—13
What’s included in the Retreat
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4 days/3 nights accommodation in Oona River, BC
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4 thoughtfully curated craft workshops
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All workshop supplies and materials
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Your projects to take home:
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hardcover journal
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cyanotype greeting card set
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needle felted wall hanging
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lino printed tea towel
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Optional guided hike and nature walk
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3 daily home cooked meals, snacks, and beverages
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Scenic floatplane ride from Prince Rupert to Oona River and back
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Welcome gift
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New friends and community connection
oona craft Package
$1425.00 — $1625.00
Example Schedule
You will receive a detailed schedule prior to the retreat.
Thursday
Day 1
Afternoon - Float Plane from Prince Rupert to Oona River
6:30pm - Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Friday
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Cyanotype Workshop
12:00pm - Lunch
2:00pm - Lino Print Workshop
4:00pm - Coffee Break & Open Studio Hour
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Bonfire, Weather Permitting
Saturday
Day 3
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Needle Felting Workshop
12:00pm - Lunch
2:00pm - Hike
4:00pm - Coffee Break & Open Studio Hour
6:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Evening Activity
Sunday
Day 4
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Journal Making Workshop
12:00pm - Lunch
2:00pm - Goodbyes & Packing Time
Afternoon - Floatplane from Oona River to Prince Rupert
About Your Hosts
Meet your hosts, Emily and Sarah! As Oona River locals, they’ve embraced what it means to live, play, and create in this unique and special place, and can't wait to share it with you!
Emily Schaffer
Emily is a big fan of messy creativity. She believes that the process of creating should be as fulfilling as the final product. Often with ink up to her elbows or bits of collage strewn around her workspace, she gravitates towards tactile crafts. She loves printmaking and book binding. With a passion for hosting, Emily is often found in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes.
In her free time, Emily enjoys watching her chickens run around the yard, going on weekend adventures and dreaming up new meals to make for her friends and family.
Sarah Hughes
With a background in floral design, Sarah delights in collaborating with nature's beauty and often uses found and foraged materials in her art. She finds inspiration everywhere in nature and is always experimenting with new craft forms. Right now, she's found a home in needle felting.
When she's not crafting, Sarah enjoys exploring Oona's trails with her husband and their rescue dog, Nora, attending community potlucks, and attempting to master the art of slow living.
How You’ll get heRe
Experience incredible views of the North Coast as you travel by floatplane from Prince Rupert to Oona River on a chartered flight. You will take a scenic 20-minute flight to and from Oona River's harbour.
Departure times will vary based on your specific retreat weekend.
Where you’ll Stay
You have the choice of shared or private lodging options, hosted by local Oona River residents. The three guest houses provide a private oasis with the comforts of home. All accommodations are located on neighbouring properties and are a short 8-10 minute walk along the riverside road to the craft studio.
The Bog House
A rustic handcrafted home nestled among the trees next to the natural bog. You will have a private room in the house shared with other retreat participants. The four-bedroom home includes a communal living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Details
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4 private bedrooms
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kitchen
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seating area
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bathroom, claw foot tub with shower
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Wi-Fi
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8 minute walk from the craft studio
About Your Hosts
Bart and Margaret have utilized their inventive spirits to create a beautiful home and garden. They share a strong dedication to salmon enhancement and the preservation of local history.
3 Night - Craft Retreat Package
(Includes flights, meals & workshops)
$1475.00
+GST
Private Room A
Double Bed
single occupancy
3 Night - Craft Retreat Package
(Includes flights, meals & workshops)
$1475.00
+GST
Private Room B
Double Bed
single occupancy
3 Night - Craft Retreat Package
(Includes flights, meals & workshops)
$1450.00
+GST
Private Room C
Single Bed
3 Night - Craft Retreat Package
(Includes flights, meals & workshops)
$1425.00
+GST
Private Room D
Bunk Bed
all to yourself
The Rainbow Cabin
This unique cabin backs onto the river providing the perfect place to watch the birds. The cabin has a small kitchen, bathroom and living space and features a sleeping loft accessible by ladder stairs. This is an ideal cabin for two friends to share, or you can have it all to yourself!
Details
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1 queen bed, 1 single bed in loft*
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kitchen
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seating area
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bathroom, with shower
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Wi-Fi
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view of the river
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8 minute walk from the craft studio
About Your Hosts
Lutz and Wendy are the owners of Oona River's iconic "Rainbow House" and cabin. They have lived in the community for the past 25 years and always look forward to hosting kayakers and summer visitors.
*Contact us for double occupancy options
3 Night - Craft Retreat Package
(Includes flights, meals & workshops)
$1575.00
+GST
Private Cabin
Queen Bed
in loft
The Riverside Cabin
A secluded hideaway offering stunning views of the mouth of Oona River. The cabin features a sleeping loft accessible by ladder stairs, private bathroom, and kitchen. You will have this cabin all to yourself as you start your day with a cup of coffee on the front deck overlooking the mountains and harbour.
Details
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1 queen floor bed, in loft
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kitchen
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seating area
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bathroom, with shower
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view of the river
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no Wi-Fi in cabin
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8 minute walk from the craft studio
About Your Hosts
Mark and Nicole are creative community members who have been coming to Oona for many years. Mark, a skilled carpenter, and Nicole, a talented local artist, have built a beautiful property boasting a gorgeous garden and riverside yard.
3 Night - Craft Retreat Package
(Includes flights, meals & workshops)
$1625.00
+GST
Private Cabin
Queen Bed
in loft
Ready to craft?
Take a meaningful step back from daily life and immerse yourself in a laidback creative environment. For four days have all your meals taken care of, your day planned out, and uninterrupted rest scheduled in. Join us and connect with likeminded creatives in the serene nature of the north coast.