Painting Retreats​

• 4 days/3 nights accommodation in Oona River, BC

• Expert Instruction: daily painting demos and exercises

• Personalized guidance tailored to your individual style

• Optional guided nature walk

• 3 daily home cooked meals, snacks, and beverages

• Welcome gift

• New friends and community connection​​

Painting Retreat participants are responsible for bringing all of their own art supplies. A list of required materials will be provided upon registration.

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​Oona Craft

• 4 days/3 nights accommodation in Oona River, BC

• 4 thoughtfully curated craft workshops

• All workshop supplies and materials

• Your projects to take home:

  • hardcover journal ​

  • cyanotype greeting card set 

  • needle felted wall hanging 

  • lino printed tea towel

• Optional guided hike and nature walk

• 3 daily home cooked meals, snacks, and beverages

• Welcome gift

• New friends and community connection

​​For specific pricing based on accommodation, please reference the Where You’ll Stay section, found here.

Oona River is a place for those who want to get back to basics for a rugged coastal experience. It's for adventurers who don't mind a little mud and mess. Our retreats are beginner friendly and designed for anyone with the desire to create! 

Oona River is a remote community located on Porcher Island, 40km away from the town of Prince Rupert. There are no stores, pharmacies or restaurants in the community. The Oona River Community Centre houses a fully equipped first aid room. In the event of an emergency, BC Air Ambulance will transport patients directly to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.

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Please keep in mind that access to Oona River can be weather dependent. In the unlikely event of a summer storm where it would be unsafe to travel, you may have to stay longer than anticipated. Please ensure your schedule allows enough flexibility to accommodate any potential delays. 
Be sure to bring extra medication and other essentials for yourself just in case.

Yes! All four crafts are designed to be fun and approachable for beginners. No experience necessary, just a love for making things with your own hands.

Everyone is welcome! We recommend you have some prior painting experience to take full advantage of the retreat. 

Our retreats are designed for up to twelve participants. Invite your besties or make new friends along the way! 

Enjoy beautiful views of nearby coastal islands as you travel by boat on a 1.5 hour trip from Prince Rupert to Oona River.

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Ferry tickets are booked separately at a cost of $125.00 each way. Tickets can be paid via cash at the time of departure.

Exact departure times will be confirmed by the ferry company two weeks prior to the retreat date, but you can expect an afternoon departure from the Hartley Bay Ferry Terminal in Prince Rupert, as well as an afternoon departure from Oona River’s harbour on your return trip.

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Hartley Bay Ferry Terminal

221 Manson Way, Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 1A2

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You have the choice of shared or private lodging options. The four guest houses provide a private oasis with the comforts of home! All accommodations are a short 8-10 minute walk along the riverside road to the craft studio.  For more details please visit the accommodation page.

Your days will start with a tasty breakfast, followed by a morning workshop. After lunch we will have a second workshop or outdoor excursion. The evenings will consist of open studio time, a group dinner, and optional evening activity. Find detailed schedules at the bottom of both the Painting Retreats page and the Oona Craft page.

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Please click here for an in-depth packing list. 

Two important items to bring are:

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• waterproof footwear - we like waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy rain boots with good grip that can handle the trails and unpaved roads.

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• waterproof jacket or shell - on the North Coast, you never know when a summer shower could pay a visit, so come prepared!​​​

Most cellular providers have strong coverage in the heart of the community. All accommodations and the workshop space fall within this area. This means calls, texts, and LTE data can be used as normal. 

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Most accommodations have Wi-Fi provided, but please see each specific listing to ensure your accommodation has it available. 

Most likely! Please contact us with your dietary needs during registration, and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

Our menu is intentionally planned to include delicious seasonal favourites and contemporary flavours. Enjoy snacks, coffee, and tea available throughout the day.

Painting Retreats are designed for participants 19+.

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Oona Craft is designed for participants 16+ (youth must be accompanied by an adult.)

Possibly. Although there is very little traffic, the roads in Oona River are unpaved and therefore uneven, which some guests may find challenging. Those with limited mobility may have difficulty getting on and off of a boat, navigating the dock, as well as accessing lofted sleeping areas in some of the cabins.

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Painting Retreats include an optional nature walk. Oona Craft includes a moderate hike and nature walk; both are completely optional.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns and we'd be happy to discuss your specific situation. 

Yes, we do custom workshops! Please reach out for more information regarding corporate retreats and private events.