Writing the Sound is a rustic off-grid writing retreat located just 20 minutes from Horseshoe Bay.
July 17-19th 2026
Two award-winning artists will lead an intimate group of participants in generative workshops all about truth-telling and story making.
- Daily workshops & discussions
- Lots of time and space for writing
- Healthy food & snacks provided
July 20th-24th 2026
Extend your stay or join us for your own getaway. No workshops but individual consults available for a fee.
- Accommodations at 10% off
- Healthy food & snacks $75 a day
- Lots of time and space for writing
- Book for the whole week and get one night’s accommodation free!
Ready for a weekend of truth-telling and story-making?
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Workshops & Activities
Using nature as our teacher and guide we’ll explore the eco-systems of stories, creating art from real life and building and sustaining your creative practice.
- Daily generative workshops
- A performance of Tree Hug, Johanna’s solo show
- One evening social & reading
- Creative & recreational activities to explore
- Guided writing prompts throughout the property
- Writing resource library
- Beautiful setting with access to hiking trails
- Healthy meals and snacks
What past participants have said:
(I enjoyed the) warm, welcoming hosts Sonja and Johanna, their inclusive, encouraging workshops, generous feedback and acceptance of individuality that created comfort and security.”
“The entire weekend was thought provoking and encouraging.”
“I’d recommend it to all of my writer friends.”
This is Sonja and Johanna’s second year collaborating on Writing the Sound. In addition to being long time friends and former hippie kids they have a broad range of experience in creating art from real life experiences and love the work of helping people find and share their own story.
Sonja Larsen is an award-winning author and creative late bloomer who loves helping people find their voice. Her writing workshops and retreats are geared to helping people build the skills and courage to tell their stories.
Her memoir Red Star Tattoo – My life as a girl revolutionary won the Edna Staebler Creative Non-Fiction Award and short-listed for the Hilary Weston Writer’s Trust award and featured on the CBC and National Post’s best books of the year lists. A graduate of the SFU Writer’s Studio, her short work has also appeared in anthologies as well as literary publications in Canada, the US and the UK.
Johanna Nutter is an interdisciplinary theatre artist and teacher recognized for bringing people together through personal narrative. Her plays, notably my pregnant brother/my playwright sister, have toured in both English and French across Canada and internationally, from Centaur Theatre in her hometown of Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), to the Soho in London, UK. She engages with artists, festivals, and organizations to help professional and aspiring creators tell their stories. Recent collaborators include Sobey-winning artist Nadia Myre, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, Playwrights’ Workshop Montreal, and her alma mater, Concordia University. Her work is rooted in the belief that storytelling is a communal act—one that fosters connection, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our collective experience.
About the place
Writing the Sound is hosted at a hand-built solar-powered home located on Gambier Island/Chá7elkwnech, located 20 minutes by water taxi from Horseshoe Bay. Bordering a provincial park with views over Howe Sound/ Átl’ka7tsem, the 7L Cabin is a true labour of love, and was built with the help of over 75 friends and family and many reclaimed and eco-friendly materials. In addition to the main cabin there are a variety of unique outbuildings & camping sites.
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
Accommodations
Whether it’s bringing your own tent, staying in the glamping tent or getting cozy in the little cabin, a variety of unique accommodations are available for the retreat.
Expect comfortable glamping, with three bathrooms with flush toilets, an outdoor shower with hot water and spectacular views and lots of amazing spaces for writing, walks, and hikes.
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
What past participants have said:
“The mountainous seaside setting, the panoramic views, the almost touchable proximity of night sky constellations all took my breath away.”
Food and Refreshments
6 healthy organic and/or locally sourced mostly plant based meals. Gluten-free and vegan options.
Coffee, tea, refreshments and snacks to fuel your creativity!
What past participants have said:
“Fresh and outstanding with a scope to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions.”
“The food was delicious and plentiful, which is great. I loved that there were snacks available.”
The Studio
This unique space located below the little cabin the studio has mountain and water views and a great cross-breeze on hot summer days.
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Studio
Have you ever slept in a room with a rock jutting out of the floor? This unique space located below the little cabin the studio has mountain and water views and a great cross-breeze on hot summer days. The studio features a queen sized bed and a small private deck.
WRITING THE SOUND WEEKEND JULY 17-19
$200 2 nights in the studio
$400 3 workshops & one performance
$150 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$750 + water taxi
SELF-GUIDED RETREAT JULY 20-24
$90 per night
$75 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$165 daily
BOOK FOR THE WEEK AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE
Friday 17 to Friday 24 $1320
Book before June 20th and receive a free one hour consult with Johanna or Sonja
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Power Tower
Sleep and work high among the trees.
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Power Tower
Overlooking the garden this second floor guest room with a comfortable double mattress will have you sleeping and working high among the trees. Has a small private balcony. Solar panels on the roof provide power to the main cabin and the out buildings.
Main bathroom with flush toilet is downstairs.
WRITING THE SOUND WEEKEND JULY 17-19
$150 2 nights in the power tower
$400 3 workshops & one performance
$150 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$700 + water taxi
SELF-GUIDED RETREAT JULY 20-24
$70 per night
$75 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$145 daily
BOOK FOR THE WEEK AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE
Friday 17 to Friday 24 $1210
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Bee’s Knees
Tucked away in the trees and overlooking the garden the Bee’s Knees is a sweet & rustic little space for creativity & contemplation.
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Bees Knees
Tucked away in the trees and overlooking the garden the Bee’s Knees is a sweet & rustic little space for creativity & contemplation. A single bed with a double memory foam mattress offers a comfortable sleeping and sitting area, and a desk provides a private and serene place to work.
Has a cute but primitive composting toilet facility and a main bathroom with flush toilet is a short walk away.
WRITING THE SOUND WEEKEND JULY 17-19
$150 2 nights in the Bee’s Knees
$400 3 workshops & one performance
$150 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$700 + water taxi
SELF-GUIDED RETREAT JULY 20-24
$70 per night
$75 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$145 daily
BOOK FOR THE WEEK AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE
Friday 17 to Friday 24 $1210
Book before June 20th and receive a free one hour consult with Johanna or Sonja
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Bell Tent
The Bell tent is full of airy inspiration and beautiful views.
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Bell Tent
Located near the main cabin, the Bell tent is full of airy inspiration and beautiful views.
A single mattress with a double memory foam mattress offers a comfortable sleeping and sitting area, and a desk provides a private and scenic place to work.
Main bathroom with flush toilet and sink is a short walk away.
WRITING THE SOUND WEEKEND JULY 17-19
$120 2 nights in the bell tent
$400 3 workshops & one performance
$150 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$670 + water taxi
SELF-GUIDED RETREAT JULY 20-24
$55 per night
$75 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$130 daily
BOOK FOR THE WEEK AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE
Friday 17 to Friday 24 $1135
Book before June 20th and receive a free one hour consult with Sonja
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Big Bell Tent
A spacious 12 foot space that can sleep one or two.
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
The Big Bell Tent
Located near the main cabin the big bell tent is a spacious 12 foot space that can sleep one or two. Located near the main cabin, the Bell tent is full of airy inspiration and beautiful views. A single mattress with a double memory foam mattress offers a comfortable sleeping and sitting area, as well as a writing desk. Main bathroom with flush toilet and sink is a short walk away.
Can be set up for two guests for an additional fee
WRITING THE SOUND WEEKEND JULY 17-19
$120 2 nights in the big bell tent ($180 for two)
$400 3 workshops & one performance
$150 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$670 + water taxi
WRITING THE SOUND SELF-GUIDED RETREAT JULY 20-24
$55 per night / $80 dble
$75 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$130 daily
BOOK FOR THE WEEK AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE Book for the week Friday 17 to Friday 24 $1135
Book before June 20th and receive a free one hour consult with Sonja
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
Camping Adventures
Lots of scenic spots to pitch your tent!
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
Camping adventures
We have a tent platform as well as a variety of suitable camping spots!
WRITING THE SOUND WEEKEND JULY 17-19
$70 2 nights in the big bell tent ($180 for two)
$400 3 workshops & one performance
$150 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$620 + water taxi
WRITING THE SOUND SELF-GUIDED RETREAT JULY 20-24
$30 per night
$75 Three meals daily plus refreshments
$105 daily
BOOK FOR THE WEEK AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE Book for the week Friday 17 to Friday 24 $1005
Book before June 20th and receive a free one hour consult with Johanna or Sonja
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
The Studio | The Power Tower | The Bee’s Knees | Bell Tent | Big Bell Tent | Camping spots
Useful Information and FAQ’s
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO
What skill or experience level is this retreat best suited for?
Our workshops are geared to provide opportunities for creative reflection and insight so we hope they will be useful for writers at all experience levels. Wonder if this is the right fit for you? Let’s chat!
Tell me more about Gambier island and the surrounding area
The Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound watershed includes a majestic fjord perched spectacularly on the edge of Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. Its landscape is dramatically scenic and encompasses remarkably diverse habitats capable of supporting over 5000 known marine and terrestrial species. read more https://www.howesoundbri.org/atlka7tsem-howe-sound
Gambier Island is about 17,049 acres (6,899 hectares) in size and is located about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) north of the Horseshoe Bay community and ferry terminal. read more https://gambierislandconservancy.ca/location
How do I get to the retreat?
The water taxi to Gambier leaves from Horseshoe Bay. You can drive or take public transit (the 257 bus from downtown) to Horseshoe Bay. Weekend parking is sometimes difficult and/or expensive in the summer. We’ll send you more detailed informration about the water taxi booking closer to the event! The water taxi departs from the government dock. The water taxi ride is about 20 minutes. We’ll meet you at our dock to take you to the retreat.
Reserve your space today!
ABOUT US | FAQ | ACCOMMODATIONS | REGISTER OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFO