Writing Residencies in Canada
Looking for a place to haul up and write?
In Canada, there are thankfully many options. We've gladly gathered the ones we can find here, and if you know of one that's not on our list, shoot us a line, we'd love to keep this growing.
The first ones are the white whales — Residencies that are free, or that you get paid to go to. What a wonder! These come with competition, and please know that most writers get rejected many times before getting a place. Absolutely apply if you feel called to, but try not to be too bummed out if you don't make it on your first try.
The second list here is more open — You pay to go, and it's less (or not) competitive to get in. These are mostly not-terribly-expensive accommodations that are tailored in some way to the creative process. They're all different.
We've done our best to add accessibility info for each one, but we haven't always been able to track it down, so if you know something we don't, let us know, we'll update this ongoingly.
Hey also — if you use this list to go away and write, we'd love to know! Shoot us a line. Maybe a selfie. But mostly, enjoy.
~ The Firefly Team
P.S. If you’re looking to fund your writing, visit our Grants for Canadian Writers resource.
Sponsored residencies: no-fee or paid opportunities for writers to get away and write
When: Residencies run from early June to mid-September.
Where: Halliburton Highlands, Ontario.
How long: 9-10 day residencies.
Financials: $25 admin fee, and writers cover their own food and travel.
Process: This residency requires an application process. Applications are open December through February.
Accessibility: This is not an accessible location. It requires walking from building to building outside, bathing in a lake.
Community: There are two artists at a time here, sharing a kitchen. Writers can apply together to come as a pair.
Other notes: This is a very rustic setting, off grid, with no running water (composting toilets) or wifi.
When: Four times a year — Indigenous writers are particularly encouraged to apply to fall residencies.
Where: Dawson City, Yukon.
How long: Two months.
Financials: Writers receive a 4K stipend, and travel is paid for. Costs are covered by Writers’ Trust.
Process: By application, early in the year (in 2025, applications closed Feb 25th).
Accessibility: Some accessibility features such as ramps, but Dawson City itself has access issues.
Other notes: Writers need at least one book published to apply. Only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Community: This is for one writer at a time. Writers are required to deliver two public readings and encouraged to interact with the community during their stay.
The Al & Eurithe Purdy A-Frame
When: Throughout the year.
Where: Ameliasburg (in Prince Edward County), Ontario.
How long: Writers may apply for a term of 2-12 weeks.
Financials: Residents are paid $750/week while in residence, and travel to Ameliasburg (the closest town) is paid.
Process: Applications are due in October of each year. Preference is given to people working on poetry.
Accessibility: This is not a wheelchair accessible space.
Community: There is only one writer at a time in residence, but they accept joint applications. Residents are expected to engage with the public — participating in public events, completing community-based project, connecting to local schools, etc.
Non-sponsored residencies: affordable places to get away and write, designed for writers (and sometimes other artists too)
Gibraltar Point Self-Directed Residencies
When: Year-round.
Where: Toronto Island, a ferry ride from downtown Toronto, Ontario.
How long: 1-4 week residencies.
Financials: Residencies cost $450-$2000 depending on the length. Food and travel are not included.
Process: There is an online application form.
Accessibility: Some accessibility features, but bathrooms are not fully accessible.
Community: There are generally quite a few people doing residencies at the same time, from all disciplines, not just writing. They share a large kitchen and common area.
Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild Retreats
When: Twice a year, summer and winter.
Where: An abbey in Muenster, Saskatchewan.
How long: 2 weeks.
Financials: Approx $400-$700 depending on where the applicant is from (fees are lower for locals) and if they are a member of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. Bursaries are available.
Process: By application, $30 fee.
Accessibility: Their summer and winter retreats are now offered in the same building so both retreats have some accessibility features. Please contact them with any questions.
Community: This is a community-centered space, with groups of residents at a time, with private rooms, shared bathrooms and meals.
When: Throughout the year.
Where: Near Flesherton, Ontario.
How long: 7 days.
Financials: $750-$1000 depending on the room + $30 application fee the first time. Food not included.
Process: No application necessary, just sign up.
Accessibility: The Seed Lodge has good accessibility, there’s an upstairs lounge only accessible by stairs, but the bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen are barrier free.
Community: This is for up to 9 writers at a time, in solo rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Silence is requested until 5pm, after that informal connection and community-building may occur.
Other notes: Includes daily breathwork sessions at 6:30am.
When: Various times throughout the year.
Where: Nova Scotia, 1 hour NW of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
How long: There are 1-week and 2-week self-directed retreats available.
Financials: The fee is a $440 per week base rate + $110 per person. (For example, for a solo writer, the fee is $550; for two writers, it's $660, etc.)
Process: There is an application, but it’s not a competitive process. Applications establish eligibility, and all eligible applications enter a selection-by-lottery process. Group applications (of two to five) receive priority in the lottery process.
Accessibility: Currently, this is not an accessible space, but they are working towards being accessible by the end of 2027, see updates here.
Community: All Self-Directed Retreats are private (i.e., there's no one in residence who wasn't in the applying group, so no amenities are shared) but they accept applications from solo writers and from groups of two to five.
When: Year-round.
Where: Ontario, located on Deer Lake, 22km west of the village of South River, ON.
How long: 1 week, starting and ending on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Financials: $395-$445 for a week, includes breakfast.
Process: There is an application, but it’s not a competitive process.
Accessibility: Warbler’s Roost has ground floor rooms/kitchen/bathroom and breakfast. It is currently not fully accessible.
Community: Other writers or artists may be present. Applicants are welcome to apply in pairs or small groups. Rooms are solo but kitchen and common areas are shared.
Other notes: Warbler’s Roost is ideal for artists who need a quiet environment to work, meet a deadline, conduct research, collaborate with others or simply to escape urban life. All residencies are self-directed and there is no requirement for a public presentation by the artist. Pick-up is available for an extra fee, so no car required.
When: Throughout the year, variable dates.
Where: Vernon, Okanagan Valley, BC.
How long: Any length of time.
Financials: $35-$50 per night depending on the room.
Process: By online application.
Accessibility: This is not a wheelchair accessible space.
Community: Several artists stay here at a time, with shared bathroom and kitchen and common areas. There is an arts museum located in the same building.
When: Throughout the year, October-May.
Where: 30 minutes outside Charlottetown, PEI.
How long: 1-4 weeks, Saturday to Friday.
Financials: $625-$725 per week. One bursary available per year.
Process: No application process, but you'll need to get in touch to share more about your proposed project and intentions for the residency to make sure it's the right fit.
Accessibility: This is not a wheelchair accessible space.
Community: This is a solo experience with no significant community portion.
Other notes: A vehicle is not strictly required but highly recommended due to the location’s rural nature.
When: Various times throughout the year, see details on their website.
Where: Banff, Alberta.
Financials: $65 application fee. Scholarships are available. Standard scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs. Check out their website for more information.
Process: By application.
Accessibility: Some accessibility features, including ramp access to most buildings, and accessible bedrooms, but due to its location on a mountainside, challenges exist.
Community: Most Banff Centre programs have a strong focus on community, including mentorship and readings.
Other notes: The Banff Centre runs residencies throughout the year, often changing, so we’re not adding specific info here since it will likely be out of date soon. If you’re interested, check their website or sign up for their newsletter.