October 8th-11th 2026
Laughter that’s good for your soul
We can feel it. We all need it.
A time for beauty, joy, rest, and laughter. The kind of time that’s good for the soul.
Join us in Southern Ontario this fall for the first Mirth and Dignity Retreat: Moments of Joy & Moments of Peace.
Who’s going to be there
UUHS Founder Liz James will be hosting our evening programming, including a dance party AND a talent show
Wendy Luella Perkins will be leading music throughout the weekend
Mx. Katharine Childs will be bringing fun, silly, creative experiences for deeper joy
and you!
What’s included
Your registration includes your accommodations at the Crieff Hills Retreat centre (south of Guelph, ON), meals and snacks, and three days of joyful, peaceful programming.
Travel to and from the retreat centre is NOT included. Crieff Hills is located about an hour from Toronto’s Pearson Airport (YYZ), and there will be a shuttle from the airport to the retreat centre for an additional fee. If you prefer to travel to Toronto by train, there is direct public transit from Toronto’s Union Station to the airport to join the shuttle.
Once you have registered, we’ll be in touch with a questionnaire to help us make the most of our time together, including travel, dietary and other information.
Accommodations info
Two accommodations options are available:
Shared accommodations in the Luke Lodge (24 places in 12 shared rooms)
A hotel-style room (double bed or two single beds) to share with someone you already know, or with a new friend! Each room has an en suite bathroom. $575USD
Solo accommodations in the Mark and Matthew Lodges (12 places in 12 solo rooms)
A dorm-style room (single bed) all to yourself! Each room has an en suite bathroom. $650USD
Meal info
All of the meals and snacks at the retreat are provided by the professional kitchen and gardens of the Crieff Hills Retreat centre.
The chef staff are pleased to accommodate specific diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.), but all meals are served cafeteria style and cross-contamination is always possible. The kitchen is NOT nut-free.
Nitty Gritty Details
Refunds are available on retreat registrations until August 31st, 2026 (less a 15% cancellation fee). After August 31st refunds will only be issued (less the cancellation fee) if there are folks on the wait list.
We know that this retreat is a large financial outlay for some of our friends and supporters. If you’d like to discuss payments plans or other financial accessibility options, please be in touch by email at mirthdanddignity@gmail.com
About Crieff Hills
The Crieff Hills Retreat and Conference Centre south of Guelph, ON, is a LGBTQ+ affirming retreat centre owned and operated by the Presbyterian Church of Canada. All meals are provided by the on-site kitchen, making use of the array of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and cheese produced on the property. Eggs and other produce are available to purchase from the farm stand (with apologies to those who will be crossing the border and won’t be able to take farm produce across!)
There are over 200 acres of forested hills to explore, including two trails that make the circuit of the property, encouraging reflection and connection with the earth. There is a walking labyrinth and an outdoor chapel (with large cross).
Crieff Hills values the physical accessibility of their spaces. If you have specific concerns about mobility access, please be in touch by email.