Linwood House offers unique experiences for every season. Located on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia and nestled in five acres of private forest, the property transforms throughout the year, offering new textures, new rhythms, and new ways to connect. No matter when you visit, the land itself invites you to be present. This is your guide to experiencing Linwood House throughout the seasons.
Spring: Renewal and Awakening
Spring is a time of fresh energy. As the forest stirs to life, guests often describe a sense of clarity that arrives with the return of birdsong, buds, and sunlight.
From March through May, Linwood House becomes a peaceful backdrop for creative work, reflective practices, and gentle movement. Moss returns to the edges of the trail. Ferns unfurl. Wildflowers appear along the walking paths. Our extensive gardens come back to life, offering soft colour and fragrant air.
This season pairs beautifully with:
- Writing, journaling, or planning retreats
- Yoga and somatic movement sessions in the studio
- Outdoor meditation or nature-based practices
- Small workshops focused on planting new ideas or intentions
Off-site options include farmers’ markets in Gibsons and Sechelt, spring kayaking in the calm coastal waters, and visits to local galleries and cafés.
What to pack: Layers, waterproof walking shoes, notebooks, and an open mind. Spring weather is changeable, but every shift brings something beautiful.
Summer: Abundance and Adventure
Summer at Linwood House is vibrant. The trees are full, the gardens are in bloom, and daylight stretches long into the evening.
The property itself becomes a living invitation to gather outdoors. Guests enjoy breakfast on the patio, group sessions in the shade of cedar trees, and evenings around the fire pit. Retreats in summer often include more physical activity, more social engagement, and longer moments outside.
On-site options include:
- Morning hikes through our private forest trails
- Outdoor yoga on the garden deck or studio patio
- Community meals on patio
- Stargazing (we have a telescope you are free to use) and late-night conversations around the fire
Nearby adventures are abundant:
- Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding from Roberts Creek
- Swimming or beachcombing at Davis Bay
- Day hikes to waterfalls, ancient trees, and views of Vancouver Island.
- Mountain biking for all levels in nearby trail networks
Summer also brings local festivals, evening markets, and live music. For those looking to build in both activity and rest, summer offers the best of both worlds.What to pack: Sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, layers for cool evenings, and anything that helps you enjoy being outdoors.
Fall: Reflection and Return
Autumn on the coast is a time of deep beauty and is generally our most popular retreat season. The forests take on golden highlights, and the air becomes crisp and earthy. This is a quieter time at Linwood House, often chosen for retreats focused on integration, creativity, or personal growth.
The energy of fall is grounding. The trails are often covered in leaves. Mornings are misty. The garden beds begin to rest while still showing off roses and hydrangeas among other blooms. The slower pace of the landscape invites longer conversations, deeper rest, and more reflective practices.
At Linwood House, fall lends itself to:
- Visioning or intention-setting sessions
- Cozy writing or storytelling gatherings
- Sound baths, meditation, or slow movement classes in the studio
- Creative workshops such as painting, craft, or music
Guests can enjoy hot tea by the fire, long walks in the cool air, and nourishing meals shared by candlelight. The property feels intimate and settled, making it an ideal space for meaningful connection.
Off-site options include autumn hikes, relaxing massages, visits to local art studios, and scenic walks and drives along the coast.
What to pack: Sweaters, rain jackets, creative supplies, and books you’ve been meaning to read.
Winter: Stillness and Deep Rest
Winter on the Sunshine Coast is quiet. There may be frost on the trails in the morning and stillness in the trees throughout the day. Guests who visit Linwood House in the winter often come seeking reset. This is a time for deep rest, restoration, and thoughtful planning.
Inside, the fireplaces are lit and although our radiant heating is among the most comfortable heating systems available, blankets are always within reach. The studio becomes a place of warmth and light. Meals are slow, grounding, and shared with intention.
Popular winter activities at Linwood House include:
- Visioning and goal-setting sessions for the year ahead
- Restorative yoga, nidra, or body-based practices
- Indoor workshops, creative circles, or journaling retreats
- Forest walks in quiet or light snow
Nearby, guests can explore:
- Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge
- Winter beach walks and storm watching
- Cozy cafés and bookstores in nearby towns
The forest in winter becomes a cathedral of quiet. Many who visit at this time speak of leaving with more clarity than when they arrived.
What to pack: Warm layers, slippers, tea blends, and intentions for the year ahead.
Year-Round Amenities
No matter the season, Linwood House offers consistent comforts to support your stay:
- A 1200 sq ft studio space with natural light and heating
- A professional-grade kitchen for catered-on-site meals
- Comfortable bedrooms with forest views and thoughtful decor
- Cozy shared spaces for conversation, rest, or reflection
- Private forest trails and outdoor spaces for movement or meditation
We also partner with local practitioners to offer optional onsite services including:
- Massage and bodywork
- Forest bathing and guided nature walks
- Meditation and mindfulness instruction
- Sound therapy and breathwork
Our goal is always to support the rhythm of your group and the intention of your visit. Whether you’re here for activity, stillness, or something in between, we’re ready to help create an experience that matches the moment.
Choosing the Right Season for You
Each season at Linwood House carries its own energy:
Spring is for emergence and exploration. A good time to set new intentions or begin creative work.
Summer is for fullness and connection. Ideal for social, active, and multi-day group retreats.
Fall is for slowing down and deepening. Perfect for reflection, integration, and creative focus.
Winter is for rest and renewal. A supportive time for quiet planning and restorative practices.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want time outside, or inside?
- Do I want energy, or quiet?
- Do I want long days, or early nights?
No matter your answer, Linwood House offers a landscape and a rhythm that can meet you where you are.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Linwood House lies in its ability to meet each guest and group in a different way. The forest is never the same twice. The trails shift with light and season. The same bench that holds summer laughter also holds winter stillness. This is what makes Linwood more than a location. It is a place of return.
Whether you are planning your first visit or returning again, we invite you to embrace the season ahead. Let nature shape your rhythm and the quiet hold you. Let your retreat begin.
📞 (604) 998-8039
📧 info@linwoodhouse.ca
🌐 linwoodhouse.ca/stay-with-us